[Congressional Bills 118th Congress]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office]
[H. Res. 1028 Introduced in House (IH)]

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118th CONGRESS
  2d Session
H. RES. 1028

   Commending Southern California Wineries and Vineyards Resolution.


_______________________________________________________________________


                    IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES

                           February 23, 2024

    Mr. Issa (for himself and Mr. Calvert) submitted the following 
     resolution; which was referred to the Committee on Agriculture

_______________________________________________________________________

                               RESOLUTION


 
   Commending Southern California Wineries and Vineyards Resolution.

Whereas wine growers in southern California counties are a proud and established 
        local institution that make lasting contributions to the economies of 
        our State and Nation by producing beloved wines, creating jobs, and 
        growing regional tourism;
Whereas, despite facing formidable challenges, including prolonged droughts, 
        high labor and energy costs, and burdensome land use regulations, 
        southern California wine growers have continually exhibited resilience 
        and achieved success;
Whereas the wine industry in southern California has demonstrated uncommon 
        adaptability and employed innovative solutions to optimize water usage 
        through drip irrigation systems, exploring the development of drought-
        resistant grape varieties, and experimenting with new automated growing 
        technologies;
Whereas southern California wine growers have created abundant new opportunities 
        for employment and economic development in the region;
Whereas the southern California wine industry employs more than 600,000 
        Americans, and more than 422,000 are from California alone;
Whereas, comprised of 93 vineyard and winery operations, Riverside County 
        wineries and wine-related businesses generate an average of more than 
        17,000 jobs and more than $956,000,000 every year, as well as 
        $2,700,000,000 in annual economic activity in the State;
Whereas, comprised of 203 vineyard and winery operations, San Diego County 
        wineries and wine-related businesses generate more than 29,000 jobs and 
        more than $1,700,000,000 every year, as well as $4,400,000,000 in annual 
        economic activity in the State;
Whereas, comprised of 45 vineyard and winery operations, Orange County wineries 
        and wine-related businesses generate more than 30,000 jobs and more than 
        $1,800,000,000 every year, as well as $4,700,000,000 in annual economic 
        activity in the State;
Whereas, comprised of 13 vineyard and winery operations, San Bernardino County 
        wineries and wine-related businesses generate more than 13,400 jobs and 
        more than $752,000,000 every year, as well as $2,000,000,000 in annual 
        economic activity in the State;
Whereas, comprised of 498 vineyard and winery operations, San Luis Obispo County 
        wineries and wine-related businesses generate more than 9,700 jobs and 
        more than $600,000,000 every year, as well as $1,900,000,000 in annual 
        economic activity in the State;
Whereas, comprised of 327 vineyard and winery operations, Santa Barbara County 
        wineries and wine-related businesses generate more than 10,200 jobs and 
        more than $602,000,000 every year, as well as $1,700,000,000 in annual 
        economic activity in the State;
Whereas, comprised of 45 vineyard and winery operations, Ventura County wineries 
        and wine-related businesses generate more than 6,900 jobs and almost 
        $400,000,000 every year, as well as $1,000,000,000 in annual economic 
        activity in the State;
Whereas the southern California wine industry has played a vital role in 
        promoting tourism, drawing visitors to the region, and enriching its 
        overall economic landscape;
Whereas, in 2022, Riverside County welcomed approximately 3,200,000 visitors to 
        its Temecula Valley wineries and generated $487,400,000 in annual 
        tourism spending;
Whereas, in 2022, San Diego County wineries generated over $911,000,000 in 
        annual tourism spending;
Whereas, in 2022, Orange County wineries generated $854,600,000 in annual 
        tourism spending;
Whereas, in 2022, San Bernardino County wineries generated $376,400,000 in 
        annual tourism spending;
Whereas, in 2022, San Luis Obispo County wineries generated nearly $84,000,000 
        in annual tourism spending;
Whereas, in 2022, Santa Barbara County wineries generated over $117,000,000 in 
        annual tourism spending;
Whereas, in 2022, Ventura County wineries generated nearly $171,000,000 in 
        annual tourism spending;
Whereas Thrillist, a digital media company that offers travel recommendations, 
        named Southern California Wine Country an ``Underrated Wine Region to 
        Visit in 2024'';
Whereas, in 2019, Wine Enthusiast named Riverside County's Temecula Valley as 
        one of the top 10 best wine travel destinations worldwide;
Whereas, in 2023, a Temecula Valley winery received 2 gold-winning wines and 6 
        silver-winning wines at Sunset Magazine's Annual International Wine 
        Competition in Santa Rosa, California;
Whereas, in 2023, Wine Enthusiast named a 2021 San Luis Obispo County wine as 
        one of the year's top 10 California wines; and
Whereas the high-quality wines produced by southern California wine growers have 
        earned national and international acclaim, further bolstering the 
        reputation of California as a premier wine-producing region: Now, 
        therefore, be it
    Resolved, That the House of Representatives recognizes--
            (1) the importance of southern California wine growers and 
        the wine industry to the State of California; and
            (2) the significant contributions the southern California 
        wine industry has made to the American economy, tourism 
        industry, and job market.
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