Schramsberg Wine Served at State Dinner

The White House featured sparkling wine from the California winery at a state dinner for President Xi Jinping.

Updated on Sept. 25, 2026 in Wine

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Schramsberg Vineyards provided its Blanc de Noir for a state dinner hosted by the White House on September 24, 2026. The event honored Chinese President Xi Jinping with a menu that highlighted American ingredients.

Why it matters

Schramsberg has maintained a long-standing tradition of presence at White House functions, as its sparkling wines have been served by every U.S. presidential administration since 1972.

The winery was established in 1862 and later purchased by Jack and Jamie Davis in 1965. It operates two distinct locations in the Napa Valley area of California.

The players

Schramsberg Vineyards

A historic California winery based in Calistoga that is known for its long-standing connection to presidential state dinners.

Xi Jinping

The President of China who was the guest of honor at the September 2026 White House state dinner.

Jack and Jamie Davis

The individuals who purchased the historic winery in 1965 and helped grow its reputation.

Robert Louis Stevenson

The famous author who visited the vineyard property in 1880.

The details

The winery, which has hosted historic figures including Robert Louis Stevenson in 1880, provided the sparkling wine for President Richard Nixon's historic visit to Beijing in 1972. Today, the estate manages operations in Calistoga and St. Helena, requiring appointments for all visitors.

Jacob Schram began developing the property in 1862.
Robert Louis Stevenson visited the estate in 1880.
Jack and Jamie Davis acquired the winery in 1965.
The winery provided wine for President Nixon's 1972 visit to Beijing.
The White House state dinner took place on September 24, 2026.

Culture Shift

The selection of this specific vineyard reflects a broader trend of utilizing long-standing American heritage brands to anchor diplomatic protocol. This practice positions domestic producers within the high-stakes environment of international state relations.

Visitors interested in experiencing the winery can book tours and tastings by appointment through the online reservation system. Access to the estate remains limited to these scheduled visits across their two Napa Valley locations.

The takeaway

The sustained inclusion of this brand in presidential diplomacy highlights how traditional winemaking establishments maintain relevance across decades of political change. Consumers looking to emulate the state dinner experience can access the same vintages through the winery's direct reservation portal.