President Trump's recent visit to Japan took an interesting turn when California wines made their way onto the menu at a presidential dinner hosted by newly elected Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi. The unusual choice was not just a novelty, but rather a deliberate selection made by George Glass, the U.S. Ambassador to Japan.
Glass opted for three specific bottles of wine: Freeman Winery's 2022 Akiko’s Cuvée Pinot Noir from the West Sonoma Coast, Schramsberg's 2021 North Coast Blanc de Noirs, and Far Niente's 2023 Chardonnay from Napa Valley. The winemaker behind these selections is none other than Akiko Freeman, who was born in Japan and holds a prestigious award for agricultural excellence.
Freeman's wines have been featured at high-profile events before, including a luncheon hosted by former Vice President Kamala Harris to celebrate the visit of Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida. This latest appearance marks another milestone in her career as the first woman to receive such an honor from the Agricultural Society of Japan.
It's worth noting that the selection of California wines for White House dinners is not a new trend. As noted by author Frederick J. Ryan Jr., President George H.W. Bush Sr. played a significant role in implementing this policy, which has remained in place to this day.
The presence of these California wines at the U.S. Embassy dinner suggests that Glass and Trump were looking for something unique and special to serve during their meeting with Japanese business leaders. While it's unclear exactly why Freeman's Cuvée Pinot Noir was chosen, its inclusion on the menu highlights the growing influence of American wine in Japan and the country's increasing interest in California's finest vintages.
Glass opted for three specific bottles of wine: Freeman Winery's 2022 Akiko’s Cuvée Pinot Noir from the West Sonoma Coast, Schramsberg's 2021 North Coast Blanc de Noirs, and Far Niente's 2023 Chardonnay from Napa Valley. The winemaker behind these selections is none other than Akiko Freeman, who was born in Japan and holds a prestigious award for agricultural excellence.
Freeman's wines have been featured at high-profile events before, including a luncheon hosted by former Vice President Kamala Harris to celebrate the visit of Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida. This latest appearance marks another milestone in her career as the first woman to receive such an honor from the Agricultural Society of Japan.
It's worth noting that the selection of California wines for White House dinners is not a new trend. As noted by author Frederick J. Ryan Jr., President George H.W. Bush Sr. played a significant role in implementing this policy, which has remained in place to this day.
The presence of these California wines at the U.S. Embassy dinner suggests that Glass and Trump were looking for something unique and special to serve during their meeting with Japanese business leaders. While it's unclear exactly why Freeman's Cuvée Pinot Noir was chosen, its inclusion on the menu highlights the growing influence of American wine in Japan and the country's increasing interest in California's finest vintages.