For more information on wine and spirits
please come now. We have many corporate gifts to choose from. You
 have come to right place looking for  champagne gifts and more.  

Presidential History of Wine

 

By Rita Chapman for Winery Adventures

            California celebrates its rich wine heritage in the movie, "Sideways."  This state ranks first in wine production within the United States.  The only President born in California, truly experienced an "early harvest."  Yes, "Mr. Watergate" returned to California with the popularity of a "jug wine!"
            America's "first distinguished viticulturist," Thomas Jefferson, was born in Shadwell, Virginia.  He considered fine wines a daily necessity of life and "heartily" encouraged the development of early viticulture experimentation in Virginia.  Pennsylvania produced some of the first commercial wines ever produced, showcasing the Alexander grape, which is a hybrid of vinifera and labrusca wines.   The State of Virginia is home to eight of the forty three Presidents.  This could hardly be classified as "backwards."
          Our first President, George Washington enjoyed fine foods and wines.  Jefferson served as a wine advisor to Presidents Washington, Adams, Madison and Monroe.  The First Lady, Martha Washington enjoyed daily toddys.  Martha's "“happy hour" began at 3:00 P. M. and continued until dinner.  Presidents George Washington and James Monroe "celebrate" Westmoreland County, Virginia as their birthplace. 
          President Thomas Jefferson was a true oenophile.  Jefferson, the noted wine connoisseur, felt that wine was a healthy alternative to harder spirits.    His travels throughout France and Italy developed his true love of wines and fine foods.   He was known for stocking the White House with fine wines from around the world.  Even though his personal culinary skills were void, he imported oil from Italy; mustard from France; introduced vanilla and macaroni to the states and owned the first ice cream freezer on record. 
          Jefferson was truly ahead of his time as he was concerned about Virginia's strong dependence on tobacco and encouraged  farmers to grow grapes.  He was not known as a heavy drinker, but one who just enjoyed and played a gracious host.   During his presidency, White House food and wine bills truly did not contribute to a "balanced budget."   Jefferson is noted as one of the most prolific statesmen of our country; however, he died leaving debts over $1 million.  Jefferson and President John Adams both died on July 4, 1826.  Bordeaux and Madeira grew successfully during this period. Website:  http://www.monticellowinetrail.org/
            Ingleside Vineyards, located in Oak Grove, VA, lies in Westmoreland County. This site served as a Civil War Garrison; Washington Academy for Boys; courthouse and dairy.   The Chesapeake, VA area is known for its great seafood.  Several of Ingleside wines are labeled with a crab and are appropriately called Blue Crab Blanc, Blue Crab Blush and Blue Crab Red.  Ingleside Winery also hosts an annual wine dinner to celebrate Washington's birthday. Website: http://www.inglesidevineyards.com/index.php
          Barboursville Vineyards is known for its historic ruins of a house designed by Thomas Jefferson.  Barboursville Vineyards "celebrates" this history by showcasing a picture of the ruins on its Octagon wine label.  During Queen Elizabeth II's recent visit, this winery was selected to provide wines for the reception.  Viognier, Octagon and Malvaxia Passito were served.     Some very unusual dessert wines are produced such as Phileo and Malvaxia Passito. Website:  www.barboursvillewine.com
          Virginia viticulturists are truly proud of their heritage as the First Colony Winery is named after the first star on the United States flag which is Virginia.  First Colony also produces a Sweet Shannado wine, named after Shenandoah. Website:  www.firstcolonywinery.com
          Jefferson Vineyards uses a true "vintage" approach as it produces mostly dry wines on the actual vineyard site of Thomas Jefferson.  This is one of Virginia's most award winning wineries which would truly make Jefferson proud. Website:  www.jeffersonvineyards.com
          Keswick Vineyards, located in Kenswick, VA, property is connected to the Revolutionary and Civil Wars.  It offers the only Touriga wine, which is a Portuguese red grape used in making Port wine. Website:  www.keswickvineyards.com
          Oakencroft Vineyards offers a Jefferson Claret with Jefferson's picture on the label. Website:  www.oakencroft.com
          President James Monroe, also hails from Westmoreland County, Virginia.    An annual wine festival is held on the grounds of this President's estate. Website:  http://www.ashlawnhighland.org/
            Since Winery Adventures covers neighboring states, the State of New York and President Martin van Buren are next on this "capsule" of  Presidents and wines.  On an educational note, a "capsule," is the wrapping which covers the neck and cork of a wine bottle.  van Buren is from Kinderhook, New York, which is a Dutch settlement named after "children's in the corner."  van Buren is known as one of the heaviest drinkers thus his nickname of "Blue Whiskey Van."  He developed gout in his 50's associated to his dietary habits and excessive wine consumption.  The nearest wine region is the Hudson River Valley.  New York's Finger Lakes Region is the best known for its source of sparkling wines and is around 200 miles from van Buren's birthplace.  Some of the earliest grapes cultivated in New York were the Isabella and Catawba grapes. The Delaware, Concord, Norton and Clinton grapes also were pioneers to the New York State wine industry. Website: http://www.newyorkwines.org/
          Surely, President Tyler of Richmond, Virginia had something to do with the moniker, "Virginia is for Lovers."  Tyler was a true romantic that loved wines and poetry.  Obviously, he possessed other "affinities!"  He was married twice and fathered fifteen children.  The Heart of Virginia Wine Trail is near Richmond, VA.  Grayhaven Winery makes a red wine appropriately named "Rendezvous."  James River Winery offers a unique dessert wine called Dolce Vino. Website:  http://www.hovawinetrail.com/
          The Keystone State of Pennsylvania is the birthplace of President James Buchanan. Buchanan, of Cove Gap, PA, was a childless President and a heavy drinker.  He ridiculed his liquor merchants for delivering champagne to the White House in small bottles.  He would travel on Sundays to purchase larger casks of liquor.  He began drinking cognac and ended with old rye.  Adams County Winery is the closest and appropriately offers red wines called "Three Ships to the Wind," and "Rebel Red."  This wine region has recently established a wine trail called the Mason-Dixon Wine Trail. Website:  http://www.masondixonwinetrail.com/
          Although Galena, Illinois is most noted for President Ulysses Grant, he was actually born in Point Pleasant, Ohio.  Point Pleasant is an unincorporated community twenty-five miles southeast of Cincinnati, Ohio near the Ohio River.    When he was separated from his family he seemed to have a drinking problem.  Supposedly, President Grant drank whiskey while he led his troops and President Lincoln supposedly tried to locate the brand to provide to other Generals.  Grant's favorite wine was Norton.  Norton, a dry red wine, is successfully grown in Missouri and Virginia.  It is also known as Cynthiana.  Harmony Hill Winery, located in Bethel, OH, is the closest to Point Pleasant.  This is a small boutique winery which wine labels truly strike a chord. They are called Rhapsody; Serenade; Ovation and Concerto.  Harmony Hill Winery is a part of the Nicholas Longworth Wine Trail.  Longworth is an Ohio vintner who made the grape Catawba famous in the Midwest. Website: http://www.ohiowines.org/winetrails.shtml
          The next President hailing from the Buckeye State is definitely not known for his booze!  President Rutherford Hayes hails from Delaware, OH.  First Lady Lucy Hayes, affectionately known as "Lemonade Lucy," banned alcohol, smoking, dancing and card playing during his Presidency.  The Women's Temperance Movement also gained momentum during his term.    I was truly hoping not to find any wineries in this area.  The closest winery is Shamrock Vineyards in Waldo, OH, eleven miles away.  No, they do not have any wines called, "Where’s Waldo", or "Lemonade Lucy!" Delaware, OH is twenty-two miles from Columbus, OH.  The Capital City Wine Trail resides in this area. Website:  http://www.shamrockvineyard.com/
          President Warren Harding is also from Ohio.  Harding’s term was during the Prohibition Era.  He hails from Blooming Grove, OH.
          The last President to be explored is President Franklin Roosevelt.  His campaign platform was to end National Prohibition.  He did indeed serve as President and ended Prohibition.  He hails from Hyde Park, New York.
          To end this "presidential history of wines" story, there truly is a Clinton grape.  It is a red, relatively unknown Red hybrid vine noted for resistance of vine diseases and immunity to phylloxera.
          I cannot end this without paying more tribute to California.  An unnamed winery in the Sonoma area produces a Zinfandel from a vineyard called Jackass Hill.  It is appropriately named because it is the steepest vineyard in California and can be only farmed with a jackass. 
          Oh, I almost forgot, President Nixon drank rum and coke.
          On this Fourth of July, celebrate with a toast of wine and honor our Presidents!!   Jefferson would be proud!! 

Rita Chapman is a frequent visitor to the Winery Adventures website.