Jefferson & Wine Tours
Explore Thomas Jefferson's longstanding interest in wine and his pioneering experiments in grape-growing through our special tours that focus on Jefferson's exposure to European wines, his attempts to grow wine grapes at Monticello, the storage and service of wine at his home, and related topics.
Jefferson and Wine Tours, lasting approximately 45 minutes, will include stops in rooms on the main floor of Monticello, at the newly restored Wine Cellar in the passage beneath the house, and in the Vegetable Garden overlooking Jefferson's restored vineyards. Each tour also will include Monticello's third-floor Dome Room and a tasting of Virginia's wines from local vineyards held on Monticello's South Terrace.
Please note: As portions of the tour route are not handicapped-accessible, Jefferson and Wine Tours are not recommended for individuals with mobility concerns. The tours are also not recommended for children. At the tasting, wine will be served only to those 21 and over.
For directions to Monticello, please consult our Directions page.
Should you need to cancel your reservation, call (434) 984-9880. The purchase price will be refunded if the reservation is canceled with a 48-hour notice.
- Please arrive at Monticello and check in with the Monticello staff member at the Dominion Welcome Pavilion located at the Thomas Jefferson Visitor Center and Smith Education Center by 5:30 pm so that the tour can begin promptly. If you plan to tour the new Thomas Jefferson Visitor Center and Smith Education Center, please allow enough time to visit the galleries and film prior to your tour. Monticello reservations staff can help you plan your visit.
- For safety reasons, we ask that women do not wear high heels.
- Please come prepared for inclement weather. While most of the tour is indoors, there is an outdoor component and there is no rain date for the Jefferson and Wine Tours.
- As portions of the tour route are not handicapped-accessible, these tours are not recommended for individuals with mobility concerns. The tours are also not recommended for children. At the tasting, wine will be served only to those 21 and over.

Lovely evening for the novice nose or the experienced wine taster!