Obama to Drink Bedell at Inauguration

Bedell Cellars’ 2009 merlot will be one of the wines on the menu at Barack Obama’s presidential inauguration on Jan. 21, according to a report from the New York Times.

The award-winning wine from the Cutchogue winery will be paired with bison and will be only one agricultural product from New York State to be featured on the lunch menu. As head of the Joint Congressional Committee on Inaugural Ceremonies, state Sen. Charles Schumer was responsible for the nod to New York in the food selection. Other products will include apples, cheeses, honey, maple syrup, and a dry riesling from the Finger Lakes region.

The luncheon menu reflects Schumer’s choice of a theme, “Faith in America’s Future," which commemorates U.S. perseverance and unity and marks the sesquicentennial year of the placement of the Statue of Freedom atop the new Capitol Dome in 1863. When the Civil War threatened to bring construction of the Dome to a halt, workers pressed onward, even without pay, until Congress approved additional funding to complete the Dome that would become a symbol of unity and democracy to the entire world.

The menu features American agricultural products that have long been popular in our cuisine, but with an added modern touch. It is a celebration of American farms and agriculture, with a nod to their bright future.

"As we celebrate over 30 years of winemaking excellence at Bedell Cellars we, wish to thank our customers‚ who have supported our wines over the years," said Michael Lynne, Owner of Bedell Cellars. "We are deeply grateful to Senator Charles Schumer for the opportunity and his unwavering support of the entire New York wine industry."

Read the write-up from the New York Times here.

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