We hope you enjoy these anecdotes about American presidents and their relationship with wine:
George Washington’s Expensive Taste
Washington was a big fan of Madeira, a fortified wine popular in Colonial America. His wine expenses were exorbitant—his estate at Mount Vernon ordered large quantities of Madeira from Portugal. In fact, after his 1789 inauguration, he reportedly spent one-third of his presidential salary on wine!
Thomas Jefferson: The Ultimate Wine Enthusiast
Jefferson is often considered America’s first wine connoisseur. As ambassador to France, he traveled extensively through Bordeaux and Burgundy, developing a passion for fine European wines. He tried (unsuccessfully) to grow European grapevines at Monticello. His wine collection was legendary, and bottles believed to be from his cellar have fetched astronomical prices at auctions.
James Madison’s Ban on Domestic Wine
While Jefferson promoted domestic wine production, his friend and successor, James Madison, took a different approach. Madison’s wife, Dolley, banned American wine from White House events, believing it wasn’t good enough for guests. She insisted on serving only imported wines at presidential dinners.
Abraham Lincoln’s Dry Streak
Despite hosting White House receptions where wine was served, Lincoln was a teetotaler. He once humorously responded to criticism about his lack of drinking by saying, “I have been too busy all my life to think much over drinking and to tell you the truth, I never had much of a liking for it.” That didn’t stop his guests from enjoying fine wines at official events.
Ulysses S. Grant’s Champagne Habit
Grant was known for his love of champagne. As a general during the Civil War, he reportedly drank up to a bottle daily—particularly favoring Moët & Chandon. A story goes that Lincoln once dismissed concerns about Grant’s drinking by saying, “Find out what brand of whiskey he drinks and send a barrel to my other generals!” (Though it turns out Grant preferred champagne over whiskey.)
Theodore Roosevelt’s Secret Cocktail
While Roosevelt was more famous for his love of coffee, he also enjoyed wine. However, he had an unusual habit—he sometimes mixed wine with whiskey and called it a cocktail! His robust personality extended to his drinking preferences, and he was known to enjoy hearty meals accompanied by drinks.
FDR’s Prohibition-Era Workaround
Franklin D. Roosevelt was instrumental in ending Prohibition in 1933 but cleverly kept a private stock of wine and liquor at the White House. At the time of repeal, he famously declared, “What America needs now is a drink.” He preferred martinis but appreciated wine, often serving it at state dinners.
John F. Kennedy and Château Haut-Brion
JFK had refined wine tastes and was particularly fond of Château Haut-Brion, a Bordeaux wine. He is said to have ordered cases for the White House. His presidency marked a shift toward an appreciation of fine wine at state events, elevating the role of wine in American diplomacy.
Richard Nixon’s Deceptive Pouring Trick
Nixon loved expensive wines, especially Château Margaux and Château Lafite Rothschild. However, White House staff were instructed to serve Nixon a fine vintage at formal dinners while guests unknowingly received a cheaper version! It was a sneaky way for him to enjoy top-tier wine without sharing.
Ronald Reagan’s Napa Valley Influence
Reagan was a champion of California wine and often served Napa Valley selections at White House dinners, elevating the status of American wines internationally. He helped popularize wines from Napa and Sonoma among dignitaries, leading to a boom in recognition for California wineries.