49,000

Number of Riedel glasses that have been used this week in the Decanter Magazine World Wine Awards in London, the largest global wine judging. I am this year’s Regional Chair for the U.S. and Central America. In total nearly 17,000 wines were judged by 275 international judges. Check Decanter.com later this spring for the results. —Karen

The official wine buyer for the White House carries what title?

A. Usher

B. Sommelier

C. Federal Taster

D. Secretary of Beverages

The person whose job it is to buy wine for the White House carries the title of “Usher.” The practice dates from the mid-nineteenth century when presidents chose their own White House staff and paid for them. Doormen (or “Ushers”) tended to remain employed over the course of several administrations since they were the individuals who knew best how the White House worked. Today the White House has a formal Usher’s Office through which all wine is purchased. That wine, since the Carter Administration, has always been American, and no free samples or donations are allowed.

Mazedar

The Urdu word used to describe the idea of wanting to experience something over and over again. The word is often applied to food (and by extension wine), and is said to describe the magical… Continue reading

49,000

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