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Text by: SW Team
Disclaimer: Donald Trump is a teetotaller, same as Joe Biden. But there were times when U.S. presidents did not mind having a glass of Pinot or Champagne. Those days are far gone but we, the people, remember them well. So, what wines did the presidents prefer?
Yes, both Joe Biden and Donald Trump are known to keep from alcohol, marking the current era as one dominated by teetotaler presidents. Though, at various points in history, many U.S. presidents, from time to time, enjoyed some wine. For instance, Thomas Jefferson, a huge wine enthusiast, played a significant role in promoting wine culture in America, particularly French wines. Ulysses S. Grant favored Rhine wines and Champagne during his time in office, while Franklin D. Roosevelt had a preference for sweet wines like Madeira. John F. Kennedy enjoyed fine French wines, and Ronald Reagan supported California wines, reflecting the country's evolving palate for wines over the years. Let’s find out what wines were once in favor of U.S.’ presidents.
George Washington
A common theme among the Founding Fathers is their enjoyment of drink, and George Washington was no exception. During his time, wines from Spain and Portugal were accessible to American colonists, and Washington had a particular fondness for Madeira, a Portuguese wine, which he consumed throughout his life. As a man of means, he also had access to Champagne, which he enjoyed significantly.
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Thomas Jefferson
Thomas Jefferson, often regarded as America’s first wine connoisseur, famously stated, “in nothing have the habits of the palate more decisive influence than in our relish of wines.” Before the Revolutionary War, Jefferson primarily drank Ports and Sherries. However, a trip to France in 1784 sparked a deeper appreciation for Burgundies, Bordeauxes, Champagnes, and Rhônes. He imported French wines and selections from other major wine-producing regions, including Italy and Portugal.
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James Buchanan
With a broad taste for alcohol, James Buchanan had a particular fondness for high-end beverages, especially Champagne. During his tenure as Secretary of State in 1846, he hosted a party with hundreds of bottles of wine, including 150 bottles of Champagne. Buchanan's political manager noted that his consumption of Madeira, Sherry, and rye whiskey was substantial, with enough Madeira and Sherry to fill multiple cellars.
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Ronald Reagan
Surprisingly, Ronald Reagan, known for raising the drinking age from 18 to 21, was quite the wine enthusiast. He considered himself a wine buff and preferred wines over hard liquor. His extensive personal wine cellar included prized bottles such as a 1947 Lafite Rothschild and a 1947 Haut Brion. Reagan notably popularized California wines at state dinners and significantly boosted the sales of brands like Kendall-Jackson after First Lady Nancy Reagan praised them.
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Barack Obama
Barack Obama enjoyed a variety of alcoholic beverages, including beer, cocktails, and wine. The Obama family home in Chicago includes a wine cellar that holds up to 1,000 bottles. They celebrated election night with Graham Beck Brut NV sparkling wine, and after serving Peza do Rei, from Spain, the wine became so popular that it sold out everywhere, earning the nickname “Obama’s wine.”
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