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The history of Barton & Guestier is passionate and rich. Almost three centuries of wines, labels, markets, people and passion...
Today, we are pleased to tell you more about the link between Barton & Guestier and US President Thomas Jefferson, that was recently brought to our attention by retired State Archivist Mr.Ed Papenfuse from Baltimore, nowadays investigating on Peter (Pierre Auguste) Guestier, Daniel's brother.
Peter Guestier already sold his brother's wine in 1795 in Fells Point, later incorporated into the city of Baltimore.
It was in 1805 that Thomas Jefferson, a great winelover who already knew the Barton & Guestier families from his time as US Ambassador in France (1785-1789), wrote this wonderful letter:
Washington Nov. 16, 1805
Sir,
Your favors of the 12th. & 14th. came together last night. you have done right in remanding to Richmond the bust &c which I consider as mine on the footing of my letter of the 3d. inst. I return you the inclosed papers with thanks for the communication. I think that respecting Zambeecari's and Andreole's ascension would be worthy of insertion in the public papers.
I thank you for the communication respecting the wines of mr Guestier. of Bordeaux wine I have a plentiful store. so I have of Champagne of midling quality. still if mr Guestier has any of first quality I would take some boxes. if he should have broken a box, perhaps he could send me a bottle or two by the stage so safely packed as not to break. the quality preferred is what we call the silky or soft, meaning a little sweetish but very slightly so. whether it is mousseux or non-mousseux is unimportant. the only objection to what I have is that it is entirely dry without any softness. Accept my salutations & respects.
Th. Jefferson
The letter is even more interesting when bearing in mind that in 1807 Thomas Jefferson signed the "Embargo Act" forbidding all trade with Europe.
But maybe he made an exception for the great wines from B&G?
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