Thomas Jefferson, our third President, framer of the Declaration of Independence, scientist and historian, was also an enthusiastic wine connoisseur, resourcing the best of French wines for the enjoyment of himself and those around him and later advising Adams, Madison and Monroe on wine affairs.  His compulsively organized and detailed account of his daily life and records indicates that he had a penchant for what we know as first growths, such as Haut Brion and Lafite.  Not only did he savor their wines, but in the true spirit of one thirsty for knowledge, scrutinized every element of wine production from the composition of the soils, to the vines and winemaking. 

Before departing France in 1789 as the Minister of France, Jefferson shipped Sauternes, Burgundy and Champagne to New York for the newly elected first president of the United States, George Washington.  Then as Secretary of State, he placed another large order for the first President and himself.  Jefferson, well known to be quite compulsive in affairs of his life, even attempted to grow wine grapes at Monticello but without success.  Still, he was convinced that the newborn United States had the capability to produce top quality grapes and wine……quite prescient, I would say.

When Jefferson was appointed as Secretary of State under the newly elected George Washington, he left France for the United States with a large stash of wine but left behind a significant collection, which it’s presumed he would return for at some point.  That point never materialized and all of his possessions were sold off.  It’s alleged that a few of his holdings were stolen or misplaced, including wines, some of which simply seemed to disappear.    That, in essence, is where The Billionaire’s Vinegar begins.