Winery Reacts to Ruth Bader Ginsburg's Impromptu Endorsement
A California winery is responding to Supreme Court Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg's claim that she was "not quite sober" after drinking a bottle of its wine before President Obama's State of the Union address this year.
Christopher Barefoot, vice president of public relations at Opus One Winery in Oakville, Calif., said the winery's staff was overjoyed to hear Ginsburg enjoyed their wine.
"We were delighted to learn we were included in such an important meal. It's a great feeling," he said.
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"Before we went to the State of the Union, Justice Kennedy brought in … it was an Opus something or other, very fine California wine, and I vowed this year, just sparkling water, stay away from the wine," Ginsburg reportedly said Thursday night during a talk hosted by the Smithsonian Associates in D.C. "But in the end, the dinner was so delicious, it needed wine."
Barefoot declined to comment on speculation that Ginsburg, 81, was nodding off during the president's address, but he did note it appeared obvious she had appreciated the wine.
"It seems like she enjoyed the wine, and we're glad she liked," he said.
Despite the renewed attention being given to the winery, Barefoot noted that Opus One has a long history of being served at important occasions. He said he doubted that Ginsberg is the first person of fame/notoriety to consume his company's wine.
"I'm sure we've been served at many, many, many, many prominent dinners," he said.