Thomas Jefferson was a Founding Father in more ways than one. Sure, he wrote the Declaration of Independence — but he also paved the way for American viticulture! Short of a trip to Monticello itself, the next best way to honor Jefferson’s love of wine and European cuisine starts much closer to home at The Jefferson. A series of wine dinners this month take place in the hotel’s wine cellar and at Plume, the appropriately named restaurant. Apropos of Jefferson’s April 13 birthday, two different menus — with pairings selected by sommelier Michael Scaffidi — allow you to taste some of his favorite things in a meal worthy of, well, a President.

Jefferson’s Journey will be offered April 10–14 and includes wine pairings with French, Italian and German cuisine. The feast (which boasts a Presidential price tag at $269 a person) pairs Bodegas Adega Essencia Divina with mint-scented English pea soup and concludes with the founding foodie’s favorite dessert: lemon cream with snow egg and rasberry ice cream served with Klein Constantia’s Vin De Constance, a South African pick. Of course, no birthday meal (or Declaration signing, for that matter) is complete without raising a glass of Madeira — rumor has it the vino made an appearance at the Louisiana Purchase, too.

Another option celebrates Burgandy and the Rhone Valley in the Wine Cellar on April 27. You’ll sip three vintages of Domaine du Vieux Télégraphe, named for an old telegraph station where the vineyards now reside, alongside delicacies such as lamb loin with sweetbreads. At $225 a person it’s pricey, but a bargain compared to a trip to France (where Jefferon’s chef was purportedly sent to learn a thing or two).

Photos via The Jefferson on Facebook

Event Date: 04/10,04/11,04/12,04/13,04/14,04/27
Event Time: All evening
Location: The Jefferson Plume or Wine Cellar
Price: $269 or $225