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Winemakers Hope Obamas Help Rekindle Sales

Domestic producers expect Obamas will continue to drive sales

By Rebecca Smith Hurd, Newser User

Posted Jan 20, 2009 8:40 PM CST

(Newser) – President Barack Obama’s affinity for wine is the toast of American winemakers, hopeful that after eight years of teetotalling rule, the new first family will boost domestic sales, Reuters reports. Obama reportedly has a 1,000-bottle cellar in his new $1.65 million Chicago home, drawing raves from oenophiles. And while the White House lacks a cellar, it serves only US wines at state dinners.

“I can’t help but think that after eight years of no wine drinkers in the White House that (Obama) will have a felicitous effect on Americans' drinking habits,” said an industry leader. Chicago-area merchants describe the president’s tastes as eclectic, but his official picks so far have sold out in stores. “With all the buzz, there's been an increase in sales,” a wineries spokeswoman said.

An Obama supporter drinks wine during the 'Audacity of Hope Ball' on January 17, 2009, in Washington, DC. (Getty Images)

A wine merchant told the Chicago Tribune that her shop quickly sold out of a South African sparkling wine made by Graham Beck after the Obamas reportedly poured it on election night. (AP Photo)

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Winemakers Hope Obamas Help Rekindle Sales

Domestic producers expect Obamas will continue to drive sales

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Detroit Bust Would've Been Better Than Bailout

Ex-Prez Bush says bailout his idea, and a good one

Obama Unveils $3.8T Budget, Targets Rich

Budget would institute 'Buffett Rule,' boost infrastructure

White House to Budge on Birth-Control Mandate

'Accommodation' for religious employers will likely be announced today

Small Donors Gave 48% of Obama's 2011 Donations

That's more than double the proportion from 2007: analysis

No Child Left Behind Waiver Granted to 10 States

At least 28 more plan to seek one

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