The Interviews
One of the most compelling aspects of The Cultivated Life: Thomas Jefferson and Wine is the depth of interviews that tell the story. In France we interviewed descendants of the chateau owners and wine merchants who supplied Jefferson with the finest wines of Europe. Back home, we filmed interviews with historians and authors who paint the entire picture of Jefferson’s lifelong struggle to elevate the cultural refinement of his young country to the levels he has seen in Europe. And finally, we interviewed winemakers in California and Virginia — including one of the last filmed interviews with Robert Mondavi — who speak of fulfilling Jefferson’s dream in the American vineyards of today.
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Robert Mondavi
Robert Mondavi Winery. Napa Valley, California.
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Count de Lur-Saluces
Chateau d'Yquem. Sauternes, Frances.
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Filippo Mazzei
Castello di Fonterutoli, Chianti Classico, Italy. Descendent of Philippo Mazzei, Jefferson's vigneron at Monticello.
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Francesco Mazzei
Castello di Fonterutoli, Chianti Classico, Italy. Descendent of Philippo Mazzei, Jefferson's vigneron at Monticello.
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Bob Long
Long Vineyards. Napa Valley, California.
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Michel Chapoutier
La Maison M. Chapoutier (Rhone Valley). Tain l'Hermitage, France.
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James Gabler
Author, "Passions: The Wines and Travels of Thomas Jefferson." Baltimore, Maryland.
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Peter Hatch
Director of Gardens & Grounds, Monticello. Charlottesville, Virginia.
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Dan Jordan
Executive Director, Thomas Jefferson Foundation. Charlottesville, Virginia.
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Jean-Bernard Delmas
Managing Director, Chateau Haut-Brion. Bordeaux, France.
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Francois Parent
Domaine A.F. Gros & François Parent. Burgundy, France. Descendent of Étienne Parent, Jefferson's Burgundian wine merchant and friend.
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Gabriele Rausse
Winemaker, Charlottesville, Virginia.
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Cinder Stanton
Historian, Monticello. Charlottesville, Virginia
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William Seale
Historian, White House Historial Society. Washington, D.C.
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Jay Corley
Monticello Cellars (Corley Family Vineyards). Napa Valley, California.
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Susan Stein
Curator, Monticello. Charlottesville, Virginia