Join the Ford for a festive evening of history and wine tasting for Wine and the White House: A History presented by Frederick Ryan Jr. with guest sommelier, Adam Fortuna. The December 18, 2020 program was presented in partnership with the Gerald R. Ford Presidential Foundation, Gerald R. Ford Presidential Library and Museum, and the White House Historical Association.
From Inaugural celebrations to state dinners to world-changing diplomatic events, wine has long played a role in the history made at the White House. Hear fascinating tales dating back to George Washington from Frederick Ryan Jr.'s latest book, Wine and the White House: A History. You can sip from home right along with the program as Adam Fortuna will be on hand to provide tasting tips and notes from a selection of wines.
Get Your Own Copy of Wine and the White House: If you'd like to learn how to obtain a complimentary copy with your Friends of Ford membership, contact Kristy Lecceadone at klecceadone@38foundation.org. Books may also be purchased at retail price via the White House Historical Association.
Watch the Program Here
When
December 18, 2020
Program Supporters
Gerald R. Ford Presidential Foundation
Gerald R. Ford Presidential Library & Museum
About Frederick J. Ryan, Jr.
Frederick J. Ryan, Jr., publisher and CEO of the Washington Post, has been an aficionado of both wine and White House history for most of his life. Growing up in Italy and California, he developed an early interest in wine and its production and has extensively studied winemaking and its history in the years since. He has been fortunate to develop friendships with winemakers across the globe, to travel to most of the world’s great wine regions, and even to participate in a joint winemaking venture in Napa Valley.
Ryan’s fascination with wine parallels his lifelong interest in the American presidency. He served in a senior staff position in the Ronald Reagan White House and as Reagan’s post-presidential chief of staff. As a media executive in Washington, D.C., he has had a front-row seat to presidential history as it has been made by subsequent administrations.
Ryan currently serves as chair of the Board of Directors of the White House Historical Association, of the Board of Trustees of the Ronald Reagan Presidential Foundation, and of the Wine Committee of the Metropolitan Club of Washington, D.C. He is the editor of Ronald Reagan: The Wisdom and Humor of the Great Communicator (1995), and Ronald Reagan: The Great Communicator (2001).
Ryan lives with his wife Genevieve in the Washington, D.C., area, where they have raised their three daughters, Genevieve, Madeline, and Caroline.
About Adam Fortuna
Grand Rapids native Adam Fortuna brings over two decades of experience working in hospitality with a primary focus on beverage. He spent nearly ten years in Seattle, WA, working in hotels and acclaimed restaurants as a beverage curator, manager, and nationally renowned bartender, being twice voted “Seattle’s Best Bartender” and named one of “America’s Top 25 Bartenders." Also a Certified Sommelier, Adam has devoted his professional career to learning about all things regarding liquid intoxication.
When not studying for his next Sommelier certification, Adam enjoys collecting whiskey, traveling, cooking, and spending time with his wife and four year-old daughter.
