Winemakers Hope Obamas Help Rekindle Sales

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. (More President Obama stories.)