Thomas Jefferson: America’s First Wine Connoisseur and His Lasting Legacy
This Presidents Day, it’s time to raise a glass – not just to the leaders of our nation, but to the one who arguably started America’s love affair with wine: Thomas Jefferson. Beyond penning the Declaration of Independence and serving as our third President, Jefferson was a dedicated viticulturist and a true believer in the potential of American wine.
A Vision for American Viticulture
Jefferson envisioned a future where the “New World” could produce wines rivaling those of Europe. He didn’t just dream it. he actively worked towards it, planting vines and experimenting with winemaking at his beloved Monticello in Virginia, even before the country gained its independence. He believed that American laborers could afford more wine if it were produced domestically, stating, “We could, in the United States develop as great a variety of wines as are made in Europe: not exactly of the same kinds, but doubtless as good.”
Jefferson’s “Workcations” and Wine Exploration
Before the term even existed, Jefferson mastered the “workcation.” During his time as America’s Minister to France in 1785, he blended business with pleasure, dedicating three months to touring the French countryside and exploring its wine regions – Burgundy, Champagne, Rhone Valley, Beaujolais, and Piedmont. This wasn’t merely a leisurely trip; it was a focused investigation into the art and science of winemaking.
Low Taxes, High Spirits: Jefferson’s Economic Vision
Jefferson understood the economic implications of wine. He advocated for keeping taxes low on imported wines, believing it would prevent citizens from turning to cheaper, stronger spirits. He famously noted, “No nation is drunken where wine is cheap; and none sober, where the dearness of wine substitutes ardent spirits as the common beverage.” His preference was clear: a nation enjoying a glass of wine, perhaps from Bordeaux, rather than succumbing to hard liquor.
Establishing Virginia’s Wine Country
For nearly three decades, Jefferson tirelessly planted French, German, and Italian vines at Monticello. While early attempts were plagued by freezing temperatures, the American Revolution, and the devastating Phylloxera pest, his persistence laid the groundwork for Virginia’s future as a wine-producing region. Today, Jefferson’s vision lives on at Jefferson Vineyards, built on the site of his original vineyards, and within the Monticello American Viticultural Area (AVA).
Direct-to-Consumer Sales: A Pioneering Approach
Jefferson wasn’t just a wine drinker; he was a savvy consumer. He bypassed middlemen, ordering directly from wineries in France and requesting that the wine be shipped in bottles – a practice uncommon at the time. This protected the wine from oxidation and, perhaps more importantly, prevented thirsty sailors from “sampling” the contents during transport.
An Unintended Legacy: The Rise of Wine Counterfeiting
Jefferson’s name and the allure of his personal wine collection have, ironically, contributed to a darker side of the wine world. The discovery of counterfeit bottles attributed to Jefferson’s cellar in 1985 sparked an ongoing issue of wine fraud, as detailed in a 2007 New Yorker article.
The Enduring Impact
Two centuries later, Jefferson’s dream of a thriving American wine industry is a reality. All 50 states now produce wine, a testament to his foresight, and dedication. While grape varieties have evolved, the spirit of innovation and the pursuit of quality that Jefferson championed continue to shape the American wine landscape.
“We could, in the United States make as great a variety of wines as are made in Europe: not exactly of the same kinds, but doubtless as good.” – Thomas Jefferson
FAQ
Q: Did Thomas Jefferson actually make wine at Monticello?
A: While Jefferson planted vines and experimented with winemaking, he wasn’t consistently successful in producing wine due to climate challenges and pests.
Q: What was Jefferson’s favorite type of wine?
A: He enjoyed a variety of European wines, particularly those from France and Italy, and sought to replicate their quality in America.
Q: How did Jefferson influence the American wine industry?
A: He inspired American viticulture, advocated for favorable wine policies, and pioneered direct-to-consumer sales.
Q: Where can I learn more about Jefferson’s wine legacy?
A: Check out Jefferson Vineyards in Virginia and the book “Thomas Jefferson on Wine” by John Hailman.
