We all know that California produces some amazing wines. But did you know that Michigan wines have been served at the White House?A number of years ago, my husband and I toured Tabor Hill Winery in Buchanan, Michigan with some good friends. We were certainly no wine connoisseurs, not even close—and trust me, we still aren’t. But what we learned on the visit changed our wine life, in a big way. Up until that point, I had always just always ordered Chardonnay because it was a white wine with a familiar name. Never mind that I really didn’t care for it—or the fact that Chardonnay gave me headaches.
In the Tabor Hill tasting room, we learned that their Classic Demi-Sec, a very inexpensive, semi-dry white, has been featured at White House functions under several administrations (and not just that of Michigander Gerald R. Ford).
After tasting the Demi-Sec, I understood why, and turned my back on Chardonnay for good. My husband and I took a case home, along with two bottles of Tabor Hill’s sweeter whites, a Reisling, and a Gewurtztraminer, as well as a couple of Demi-Reds and Cabernet Sauvignons. A newfound appreciation for wine was born.
Over the years, my husband and I have expanded our wine horizons, but we still turn to the Demi-Sec, and its partner, the Demi-Red when we’re throwing parties and need a supply of quality, inexpensive wines. In fact, I served these two American vintages at my book launch parties for the White House Chef series—and loved being able to tell my guests that they were sipping the same wines that presidents have enjoyed.
Over the years, my husband and I have expanded our wine horizons, but we still turn to the Demi-Sec, and its partner, the Demi-Red when we’re throwing parties and need a supply of quality, inexpensive wines. In fact, I served these two American vintages at my book launch parties for the White House Chef series—and loved being able to tell my guests that they were sipping the same wines that presidents have enjoyed.
And don't forget to enter to win our weekly Mystery Lovers' Kitchen contest. The prize is a $25 gift certificate to the Williams-Sonoma kitchenware and gourmet food store. Just sign in to this blog and leave a comment or send an "Enter me!" e-mail with your first name and state to MysteryLoversKitchen@gmail.com We'll announce the winners right here starting next week.
Good luck!
Julie
Julie Hyzy’s White House Chef series features State of the Onion, Hail to the Chef, and Eggsecutive Orders (coming in January). All from Berkley Prime Crime. Sign up for Julie’s newsletter on her website at http://www.juliehyzy.com/
What a terrific new blog you ladies have here! I'm enjoying it loads.
ReplyDeleteKaye
I just love stories behind food. What a great suggestion to serve an affordable (key word for me!) wine that you can also brag was served at the WH. I'll throw in one more tip for people (like me, too) who don't know a lot about wine but would prefer drinking something that doesn't give them a headache! A personal chef once told me that if you are reviewing a wine list and aren't sure what to order, order the wine labeled "Reserve" and you probably won't go wrong. There are exceptions, of course. For anyone interested in learning more, here's a great link to a Wiki article on reserve wines: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Reserve_wine
ReplyDeleteCheers!
~Cleo
This is so cool - who'd have guessed that the White House would be serving inexpensive wines? I guess I assumed they'd have a top of the line everything... but this is nice to know.
ReplyDeleteI also agree with Cleo's comment about ordering the Reserve wines... we did this in Italy because we weren't sure what to order and each time it was definitely worth it!!
Plus, I heard that wine goes great with green beans!!! :)
LOL, Jen!! You must have read my other blog today ;-) That still makes me laugh.
ReplyDeleteThanks Cleo and Jen, for the hint about the "reserve" wines. Good to know! I'm still such a wine newbie, but having a blast with the learning curve.
Julie
Not a wine drinker, Julie. But, I was interested in the note about your new book, Eggsecutive Orders. Liked your newsletter, and the contest. Egg recipes coming up? Eggcelent idea.
ReplyDeleteI'm going to enjoy learning more about wine from you! I love that it's inexpensive and fancy enough for the White House.
ReplyDeleteElizabeth/Riley
Love this blog site!!! And will be following your article with great interest. "I'm no expert but I know what I like" describes my position. And, living in the Calif. central coast wine area, I have found there is more to order than Chardonney or Merlot. Thanks for starting a great place to share and learn. Kat
ReplyDeleteLOL, Lesa - I'm having a lot of fun with "EGGsecutive" Orders. I love to string out the word when I say it. Just fun.
ReplyDeleteElizabeth - I know just what you mean. I feel like I'm learning so much from everone on this blog!
And..
Thanks for your note, Kat. We just got back from California a few weeks ago and did a bike tour of the Napa Valley area. What gorgeous country out there. I'd love to hear about some of your favorites, too!
Julie
VA has some good wines, too. Before the kid, we would go to the festivals. I loved learning about new wines and what went into making them. I'm not a big fan of white wines so, I usually don't order them. I am willing to try! :-)
ReplyDeleteI used to be a white-wine only girl, but my husband turned me to the dark side ;-) Now I prefer reds, but I still enjoy the Demi-Sec, or a nice sweet Reisling when I'm in the mood.
ReplyDeleteJulie
I love Tabor HIll, for the same reason as you: the staff gave me confidence when ordering wine and taught me that price is not an indicator of quality. But I REALLY like the chocolate hazelnut merlot sauce for ice cream. or pretzels.
ReplyDeleteTabor Hill also has a wonderful restaurant with an interesting menu. They have a wine suggestion with each entree - often the demi sec or reisling. The winery tour is worth taking, too. We were just there today and came home with two cases of wine - on sale also - and two bushels of wonderful Michigan apples.
ReplyDelete