US presidential hopeful Donald Trump has used a press conference in Florida to promote his Virginia wines as the equal of any in the world.
Rival candidate for the Republican presdiential nomination, Marco Rubio, acccused Donald Trump of failing at several businesses, including Trump steaks.
So, Trump used his press conference in Florida this week to show off his commercial wares to journalists.
- Scroll down to see a clip of the press conference
He spoke for just under one minute about the businesses, and in particular his Virginia winery, where he produces Trump wines.
‘It’s the largest winery on the East Coast,’ he said. ‘I own it 100%, no mortgage and no debt.
‘It was John Kluge’s estate. He died [but] he built one of the great vineyards of all time. I mean, there’s nothing like it. It’s 2,000 acres (809 hectares) in Charlottesville, Virginia, right next to the Thomas Jefferson memorial and we’re very proud of it.
‘We make as good a wine as you can get anywhere in the world. I know the press is extremely honest so I won’t offer them any, but if they want they can take a bottle home.’
Trump’s full speech – listen from around 6mins 30seconds to hear the steak and wine comments.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MPNBVqGZ1fA
Virginia wines have been gaining increasing recognition in fine wine circles.
Trump winery includes a hotel and wine tasting room, and has around 81 hectares of vines planted within the Monticello American Viticultural Area.
The estate produces sparkling, red and white wines. White grape varieties planted include Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc, Sémillon and Viognier, and red varieties are the classic Bordeaux grapes of Merlot, Cabernet Franc, Petite Verdot, Cabernet Sauvignon and Malbec.
In December 2015, Trump was widely reported by US media as saying that he does not drink alcohol, in part following the death of his older brother, who he described as an alcoholic.
