We could, in the United States, make as great a variety of wines as are made in Europe.
Not exactly the same kinds, but doubtless as good.
Jefferson knew instinctively that by climate, by soil and grape varieties, we could produce
our own style.
He had that faith in our country.
And he was right, except it took only 150 years.
When you read the journey notes of Jefferson about his journey in this area, we have a
lot of detail, and it's the only source we have about those details.
So I think this testimony of Mr. Jefferson is for us very important.
No nation is drunken where wine is cheap and none sober where the dearness of wine substitutes
ardent spirits as the common beverage.
Jefferson was entirely committed to assuring the success of the country that he had helped
to found.
And his interest in wine is but one example of his commitment to his country.
He knew that the country could not succeed without an educated and informed citizenry.
And I think that his interest in wine is an example of a way in which he thought that
life in America could be improved and also could equal and perhaps even surpass life
in the old world.
I think he would have been pleased to have known what has happened out here in California,
especially in Napa Valley.
So I think we're able to fulfill his dream of making great wines and making a number
of really outstanding wines that are now sold all over the world and compete as world class
wine.
So I think his goal has been fulfilled.
I like the dreams of the future better than the history of the past.
