A Jeffersonian Vision

A true Renaissance man, Jefferson became enchanted with French wine while serving as ambassador to France. He ordered French Burgundy and Bordeaux by the barrel and the case for shipment to the US, spent months touring European vineyards and wineries, attempted (unsuccessfully) to grow French vinifera at Monticello and kept extensive and detailed records of his thoughts and activities. He was regarded as the leading wine authority of his time, and served unofficially as wine advisor to Washington, Madison and other Presidents.

Jefferson passionately believed that the US could one day equal France in the production of fine wines. While he did not live to see this happen (indeed, it was another 200 years before the US would best France in a famous blind tasting), he would have been immensely pleased and proud of American viticulture and winemaking in the 21st century.

While Jefferson’s vision of an American pastoral, agriculturally based economy did not come to fruition (the Hamiltonian vision of the city, finance and industry instead prevailed), Jefferson proved to be right about grapes and wine. His beloved state of Virginia is establishing a strong presence in wine, and even his lifelong work in process, Monticello is again growing vitis vinifera.

Jefferson died on the Fourth of July, 1826, the Fiftieth Anniversary of American Independence. John Adams, his friend, political ally, rival and predecessor in the White house, died on the same day a few hours later. Adams, unaware of Jefferson’s passing, uttered as his last words “Jefferson still lives."

Cheeers,

Dave