Summary: During the virtual conversation, we discussed a brand-new book published by the White House Historical Society called, Wine and the White House: A History. The first book of its kind, Wine and the White House is a comprehensive journey through the history of White House hospitality that explores every president’s experience of wine. The fully illustrated pages also feature memorable presidential toasts, menus from historic White House gatherings, a catalog of vintages served, and spectacular new photography of the White House glassware collection. Early presidents recognized the important function wine played in entertaining at the White House. While some appreciated and enjoyed wine, others considered it merely a ceremonial necessity. Still, others campaigned to outlaw wine and banned it from the White House; their successors celebrated its return. More recently, all presidents, regardless of whether they enjoyed wine themselves, have used the White House as a venue to showcase the fine wines produced in the United States. Today’s conversation was between the Reagan Foundation and Institute Executive Director John Heubusch, and the book’s author, Fred Ryan, who served as President Reagan’s Assistant to the President from 1982 to 1989 and as his post-presidential Chief of Staff from 1989 until 1995. Let’s listen.
