David Berkley:
Wine Consultant to the White House and Connoisseur Extrodinaire! 

Since 1981, David Berkley has composed wine lists and wine recommendations for various state dinners and special White House functions. David became a White House Wine Consultant by knowing Carolyn Deavers, the wife of Michael Deavers the Deputy Chief of Staff for the Reagan administration.

Being that Reagan was from California, he was exposed to and spoiled by the enormous variety of California fine wines. At the time, Reagan was concerned about the availability of high-quality wines in Washington DC. Michael Deavers then made a call to David and asked him to create a list of good wines that were available in the DC area. David not only provided a wine list, but also included a discussion of wine styles and of foods that are best served with specific wines.

Providing such a thorough list was more than the White House staff had expected. What brought notoriety to David's wine expertise was when he was asked to select wines for Reagan's 70th Birthday party. One of the wines he chose was from a newer, unknown region of California. David wanted to play on the Reagan campaign theme of "New Beginnings," so he chose a 79 Ventana, Chardonnay from Monterey which was very well received, especially by Frank Sinatra. In fact, Frank had the White House Staff soak the label off the bottle so that he could go home and purchase more. David's presidential wine consulting has continued ever since. Over the years he has also acted as the consultant to the U.S. State Department, the American Ambassador to the Court of St. James in London and the American Embassy in Bonn, Germany.

David's store, David Berkley Fine Wines and Specialty Foods, is located in Sacramento, California. This store is Northern California's hallmark purveyor of beautiful things to eat and drink. A wonderful combination of a country store feel with a sophisticated European food shop. Its precept is to celebrate the seasons. To present a connoisseur's collection of food and wine from the best of California's industry providers. In addition, the David Berkley Store provides a daily, local harvests of magnificent fruits and vegetables. David prides himself on providing the best quality, service and diversity of product.

By Bev Brock-Alexander