Freeman Winery’s 2022 Akiko’s Cuvée Pinot Noir from the West Sonoma Coast was among three California wines served at the U.S. Embassy in Tokyo this week during President Donald Trump’s three-day visit to Japan. Hosted by newly elected Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi, the dinner also included Schramsberg‘s 2021 North Coast Blanc de Noirs and Far Niente’s 2023 Chardonnay from Napa Valley.

George Glass, the U.S. Ambassador to Japan, selected the bottles after an extensive tasting of California wines.

Winemaker and co-founder Akiko Freeman, who was born in Japan, became the first woman to receive the Green-White Achievement Award for agricultural excellence from the Agricultural Society of Japan. Last year, her wines were among those poured during a luncheon hosted by former Vice President Kamala Harris at the State Department to celebrate the visit of Prime Minister Fumio Kishida of Japan.

Fun fact: In his book “Wine and the White House: A History,” author Frederick J. Ryan Jr. notes that President George H.W. Bush Sr. inspired the “America-only” wine policy for White House dinners that remains in place today.

Freeman Winery’s Akiko Cuvée Pinot Noir was served at the U.S. Embassy in Japan during a presidential dinner. (Akiko Freeman)