Jeffersonian wisdom

Talking about “the founding fathers” has become a cliché and crutch in political circles, especially since their alleged intentions often are used as misbegotten hammers.

But some of those guys were pretty doggone smart. Thomas Jefferson had more to do with bringing wine to this country than any historical figure I know of, and so it’s not surprising that he had some cool stuff to say about our favorite beverage. To wit:

• “I have lived temperately, eating little animal food.  Vegetables constitute my principal diet.  I double, however, the doctor’s glass and a half of wine, and even treble it with a friend.”

• “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.”

• “By making this wine vine known to the public, I have rendered my country as great a service as if I had enabled it to pay back the national debt.”