Great Grape News 

While President of the United State accounting books revealed that he purchased over 20,000 bottles of wine, most of them from Europe. Congress could not appropriate money for the Presidents entertainment during those times and Jefferson was forced to pay the bill himself. During the first term as President, he spent nearly $8,000 on wine alone. That's quite a chunk of money considering the year was 1800 and today's equivalent would be approximately $205,000. 

Jefferson always had a passion for wine, but as U.S. Minister to France his dreams came true and he developed a deep appreciation for French wine. As luck would have it Benjamin Franklin and John Adams where also in France and so the trio teamed up on many occasions, traveling through the European wine country and sampling the wines. 

Shortly after arriving in Paris, Jefferson purchased nearly 300 bottles of wine and hired a French cook. After living a short while in a comfortable apartment, he moved up to greater things and acquired a mansion on the famous Champs Elysees. He also hired more servants, 6 to be precise, horses, a chariot, fine clothing, crystal, furnishes, books, and, of course, more wine. Needless to say, it soon became an honor to be invited to Jefferson’s mansion. Guests were wined and dined, with ample servings of some of the best foods and wine France had to offer at the time. 

Jefferson was not satisfied with just any wines; he much liked the first growths, such as Chateaux Margaux, Haut-Brion, Lafite, Pontac, and Latour from Bordeaux. That's not where it stopped, he also preferred wine and champagne from Burgundy. During his extensive travel through the wine country, Jefferson got to know many of the famous vintners and was able to obtain the top of the lines wine directly from unadulterated casks. 

After returning to the United States, he continued his contacts with winemakers in Franc and was able to receive many wines that other citizen were unable to obtain. 
 
 

Thomas Jefferson continued his extravagantly style of living after he became President of the United States. At one time, shortly after in office, he entertained 650 guests, mostly Congressmen and other high-ranking politicians, always serving the best wines available. Jefferson would never discuss politics during those events, but didn't shy towards the end of the evening from dropping subtle hints on how he would prefer an upcoming issue to be resolved. One of the many guests remarked after Jefferson was able to solicit hit support; “The President's dinners have silenced them.” 

Jefferson’s passion for wine continued after leaving office. He advocated wine as the beverage of moderation and good health. He even wrote to President Monroe’s Secretary of the Treasury: “I think it a great error to consider a heavy tax on wines as a tax on luxury. On the contrary it is a tax on the health of our citizens.” 

Today there is no official White House wine cellar because wines are procured for specific events and not stored for the later enjoyment of the president. 
 

Jefferson spent his later days at Monticello, continuing to enjoy wine and sharing good wine with his friends. He had fortified wines such as port, sherry and madeira shipped from Europe. He preferred these wine over "regular" wines thinking that they might survive the long trip better and would store longer. 

He was also the wine advisor to President Washington, Madison and Monroe and recommended they keep a minimum of 500 wines and champagnes on hand at all times. 

Today, visitors at Monticello can tour the grounds and view the inside of Jefferson’s wine cellar. While there stop by at the Jefferson Vineyard, which is located just about a mile or so further down the road.

Did You Know?
President Lyndon Johnson, while not a wine connoisseur, issued a ruling that only American wines would be serve at official functions. This has never changed. 

 If at all possible treat the stain immediately; don't let it dry, as only professional cleaning may be able to remove the stain. 

If you spill wine on your clothing or tablecloth, blot the area immediately with absorbent paper towels.  Poor small amounts of  soda water or warm water over the affected area and sponge it, do not rub. The tiny bubbles in the soda water help lift the stain out  of the fabric. If you can stretch the fabric over an open bowl and pour hot water over the stain. You need to repeat the process.  Make sure the fabric may be exposed to hot water. 

On non-washable fabrics dip a sponge in a detergent solution and blot out the stain. Sponge with clean water to remove all  detergent. 

Wine stains in carpets can be removed. If red wine spilled sponge the area with carbonated soda water.  Pour small amounts over  the stain and using a sponge blot the water up. If some stain persists, dab a detergent solution over the stain and blot it up with a  sponge. Rinse the sponge frequently and make sure not to rub the area. If the stain still persists you may mix a 50/50 solution of   water and glycerin. Pour small amount over the stain and leave there for 45-60 minutes. Rinse off using clean water and a sponge. 

If the stain is real stubborn you may want to try dabbing the area with small amounts of hydrogen peroxide. Rinse the area as in   previous applications. 

An olds wife tail suggests spreading tartar cream over the stain, leaving it there for about an hour and then rinsing the area with  clean water. 

East Coast winemakers are just as proud of their wines as Napa Valley producers and you will surely be surprised of the quality and variety of grapes grown in our area and the many different wines produced.  Make sure you call ahead for hours and restrictions. While some wineries do not mind you bringing along children, you will find that they may get bored quickly. A babysitter can solve this problem and allow you to experience a very nice and entertaining wine event. 

For a list of area wineries go to our home page and select the Maryland or Virginia Vineyards link.