Michigan firm has political wines for the times

Owners of Paw Paw company are pouring their passions into inauguration parties.
 
A new Michigan wine company will be part of the inaugural celebrations Tuesday.

Political Winery LLC won't be pouring its Jackie O'Rouge for President-elect Barack Obama, but its red and white blends adorned in bottles with whimsical political labels -- featuring the GOP elephant and the Democratic donkey -- will be served at the Young Professionals Inaugural Ball and the State Society of Arizona Inaugural Ball.

"It's a historical election, and it's great to be part of it," said Chris Trebilcock, a lawyer and one of the founders of the company.

Trebilcock, a Democrat from Royal Oak, and John Helholdt, a Republican and communications specialist from Grand Rapids, teamed up with St. Julian Winery, Michigan's oldest, to concoct the red and white blends. The business mixes their passions for politics and wine.

While the Democratic red, Jackie O'Rouge, was inspired by Camelot, the Republican red, Red Trunk, traces the source of its name to the party's founding under an oak tree in Jackson in 1854.

The company began marketing its "political wine" June 2 and has sold 600 cases to politically minded drinkers, Trebilcock said. The wine is sold throughout Michigan for $11.99 to $14.99 a bottle and is available online.

"The wine itself is a good wine," said Stephanie Holland, a Washington, D.C., party planner who is serving the libation at some parties. "but it's the labels that stick out and provide a fun atmosphere."