Statesman, president, inventor, architect, musician, farmer, philosopher and University of Virginia founder, while Thomas Jefferson filled a myriad of roles throughout his industrious 83 years, his legacy as America's first wine connoisseur has also had an enduring influence on the world's wine stage.
Jefferson was well ahead of his time with regards to his vision for America's potential for viticulture. He believed whole-heartedly that, "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." However, it was not until almost 200 years later that America would begin to live the viticultural vision that Jefferson had embraced so early on. Check out the complex man of Jefferson through the lens of his wine pursuits here.
Image: Winemaker Gabriele Rausse in front of Monticello Vineyards.
Comments
Thomas Jefferson was the first American Oenophile in my opinion!
Thomas Jefferson was in my opinion the first American Oenophile!