In honor of President’s Day, I thought it would be fun to take a look at what wines US presidents sipped, and how some used the fruit of the vine as a diplomatic lubricante. Let’s start with George Washington.
President Washington is said to have had a special affinity for Madeira – a Portuguese fortified, dessert wine that he drank throughout his life. He also attempted to plant vines at his estate at Mount Vernon, but that agricultural venture was interrupted by the Revolutionary War. Later, during his presidency, Washington also enjoyed Champagne and he often used it at state dinners.