Thomas Jefferson: Freedom Fighter, U.S. President, Wine Connoisseur.

One of history’s greatest freedom fighters once proclaimed, “Wine brightens the life and thinking of anyone”, a fact that has echoed through history and remains true today. Jefferson never ceased to share his passion for wine and freedom, the perfect pairing. Some would say Thomas Jefferson’s appreciation for wine began far before his career, others would say it contributed to his honorable accomplishments. There is no doubt that Jefferson’s taste for wine directly reflected his dedication to freedom, with his taste evolving alongside his drive. He not only liberated our country from tyranny and dictation, but also paved the path for wine accessibility and production throughout the United States. 

Thomas Jefferson’s passion for wine developed at an early age. Growing up, he attended lavished events where wine flowed through attendees like water. Early America was limited to sweet wines, holding bold and lush flavors hostage in European nations. British rule enforced strict restrictions on importation of wine during this time. Nevertheless, Jefferson was encouraged to sample a variety of wines from law school colleagues and tutors. Rumor has it that he even lived for a short period of time in his tutor’s wine cellar! His taste in wine, much like his commitment to freedom, was in its adolescent state.

In 1768, Jefferson began developing his home on a plot of land left behind by his father. He dubbed this home as “Monticello” and created a stunning historical wine cellar to expand his collection. This would not be the only wine cellar he constructed, but would be one of the most well preserved and historically influential. Jefferson would spend years studying and writing about politics and his vision of liberation within Monticello. He would even develop the University of Virginia on Monticello’s grounds later in life. While this period of development represented a turning point in Jefferson’s life, it also indicated a momentous time in American history: the Revolution.

Jefferson’s reputation as a freedom fighter came about during the American Revolution, where he was first elected as governor of Virginia, then later as U.S. Minister to France. During this time, he authored the Declaration of Independence and was deemed a Founding Father. In the days leading up to the signing of the Declaration, the delegates to the Continental Congress were often found in taverns celebrating, an homage to the influence wine had on freedom throughout history. Jefferson spearheaded incredible change in the U.S. during this time, but more change was to come.

In the 1780’s, Jefferson traveled to Europe to fulfill his obligation as Minister to France. While abroad, he spent months tasting wine throughout France and other wine-savvy European countries. Jefferson appreciated his time abroad so much that he continued to make trips throughout Europe to experience the new and robust flavors he was not accustomed to. Up to this point, his passion for wine was limited to those available in the U.S. Some would say his time abroad “revolutionized” his palette. Much like his character, Jefferson’s taste for wine became bolder, braver, and more driven than ever before. 

Upon return to the United States, Thomas Jefferson immediately began importing foreign wine to add to his impressive collection. Among the many influential changes Jefferson brought to the states, he was one of the first to import wine overseas. We can thank one of our most prolific Founding Fathers for the assortment and flavors of wine available today. Jefferson was even so bold as to state, “By making this wine known to the public, I have rendered my country as great a service as if I had enabled it to pay back the national debt”.

Jefferson was known to host lavished events, during which he exhibited his stunning foreign and domestic wine collection. Much like the dinner parties he attended in his youth, Jefferson’s gatherings upheld the utmost class, sophistication, and elegance. His guests sampled wine from far off lands and listened to tales of liberation and freedom. He was as fervent about wine as he was about spilling the blood of tyrants, a fact well known. 

Before, during, and after his presidency, Thomas Jefferson spoke publicly of what he believed was right and wrong. He declared his opposition to tyranny and his dedication to the freedoms his people deserved. He fought to reduce taxation on imports, taxation that created constraints on wine connoisseurs in the U.S. He fought against those imposing taxes on domestic alcohol production as well. He also spoke publicly about the benefits of wine, even telling his doctor “Wine from long habit has become an indispensable for my health”. Jefferson acknowledged wine as a crucial factor for good health, cherished friendships, national peace, and just government. 

Thomas Jefferson was not only passionate about the flavor of wine, but also the science behind its creation. The discovery of books and journals on vinification, or winemaking, in his personal collection proved his love for not only the flavors, but the discipline. Later in life, Jefferson even attempted to produce his own variation of his beloved beverage. He created his own vineyard at Monticello, and dedicated the remainder of his life to his passion. Jefferson spent his later years embracing the freedom he achieved for our nation. Freedom from tyranny, freedom from dictation, and freedom to lavish in the wine that flowed through his life’s achievements.   

The fight for freedom has historically been driven by fearless leaders and flowing wine. It is difficult to comprehend where our country would be without Thomas Jefferson’s efforts. Further, it is difficult to imagine what accomplishments would have come if Jefferson had not indulged in his passion for vino. Would Thomas Jefferson have followed through with his pursuit of law if he had not found shelter in his tutor’s wine cellar? Would our Founding Fathers have bonded over independence if they did not share a love for tavern-hopping? Would Jefferson have even dreamt of freedom if he had not experienced the liberation of his favorite bottle of wine? Next time you pop the cork on your favorite red, do it in honor of Thomas Jefferson. Without him, we would not have the two greatest things in life: freedom and fine wine.