Korbel Champagne Cellars, producer of America's favorite premium champagne, will be there to toast President-elect Barack Obama at the 2009 Congressional Luncheon immediately following the Swearing-In Ceremony on January 20th. This marks the seventh Presidential Inauguration in which Korbel has been selected for this prestigious honor. Korbel Russian River Valley Natural Champagne - featuring a commemorative neck label including the Inaugural Seal - will be served and raised in toasts to the new Obama administration. (PRNewsFoto/Korbel Champagne Cellars) GUERNEVILLE, CA UNITED STATES

GUERNEVILLE, RUSSIAN RIVER VALLEY, Calif., Jan. 9 /PRNewswire/ -- History will be made when Barack Obama is sworn in as the 44th President of the United States and Korbel Champagne Cellars will be there to toast the new president on this momentous occasion. On January 20th, immediately following the Swearing-In Ceremony, Korbel Russian River Valley Natural Champagne - featuring a commemorative neck label including the Inaugural Seal - will be served at the Inaugural Luncheon and raised in toasts to the new Obama administration.

2009 marks the seventh Presidential Inauguration in which Korbel Champagne Cellars, producer of America's favorite premium champagne, has been selected for this prestigious honor. This Korbel tradition began in 1985 with the inauguration of Ronald Reagan and has continued through the inaugurations of George Bush in 1989, Bill Clinton in 1993 and 1998, George W. Bush in 2001 and 2005, and now Barack Obama.

After the newly elected President Barack Obama has taken his oath of office and delivered his Inaugural address, he will be escorted to Statuary Hall in the U.S. Capitol for the traditional Inaugural Luncheon, hosted by the Joint Congressional Committee on Inaugural Ceremonies (JCCIC). Since 1897, the Inaugural Luncheon has been one of the most exclusive events of the Presidential Inauguration. In addition to the new President, Vice President and members of their families, the 200 invited guests include the senior members of the Senate and House of Representatives, Supreme Court Justices, members of the President's Cabinet and former Presidents. Featuring cuisine reflecting the theme of the 2009 Inauguration, "A New Birth of Freedom" celebrating the bicentennial of the birth of Abraham Lincoln, this year's Inaugural Luncheon will include speeches, gift presentations from the JCCIC and - of course - several toasts.

"Such an historic celebration deserves to be toasted with American champagne with roots in our country's most memorable occasions," observed Gary Heck, President and Owner of Korbel Champagne Cellars. "We are honored that Korbel will once again be on hand for this tradition."

Established in 1882 in Sonoma County's Russian River Valley, Korbel Champagne Cellars produces the United States' most popular methode champenoise champagne. Owned and managed by the Heck family since 1954, Korbel currently makes seven champagnes and a limited amount of still wine. In a separate facility, Korbel also produces one of the country's most respected brandies.

Celebrate responsibly.