Monticello Jefferson and Wine Tour

Event Information

Jefferson and Wine Tour

September 26, 2008 to October 9, 2009

Event Information

Thomas Jefferson's longstanding interest in wine and his pioneering experiments in grape-growing will be the focus of small-group guided tours to be offered at Monticello on Wednesday and Friday evenings from Sept. 16 though Oct. 9.

Jefferson and Wine Tours will explore Jefferson's exposure to European wines, his attempts to grow wine grapes at Monticello, the storage and service of wine at his home, and related topics.

Jefferson believed 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." Though this vision never came to fruition during his lifetime, Jefferson's reputation as America's "first distinguished viticulturist" is undisputed, stemming from his visits to vineyards in Europe; his continuing pursuit of high quality wines for importation; his role as wine adviser to Presidents Washington, Madison, and Monroe; and his cellar at Monticello.

Jefferson and Wine Tours, lasting approximately 45 minutes, will include stops in rooms on the main floor of Monticello, at the Wine Cellar in the passage beneath the house, and in the Vegetable Garden overlooking Jefferson's restored vineyards. Each tour also will include a tasting of a select Virginia Vineyard.

The tours will begin at 5:45 p.m. Each tour will be limited to a maximum of 20 people. Tickets for the Jefferson and Wine Tours are $45 per person; no discounts apply. Tickets must be purchased in advance, at least two hours prior to the tour time. Tickets may be purchased through the Web site monticello.org or by calling (434) 984-9881. A credit card is required, and there is a limit of six tickets per purchase.

Please visit our website for more information about this tour: http://www.monticello.org/visit/wine_tours.html.

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