[Congressional Record Volume 142, Number 100 (Tuesday, July 9, 1996)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E1227-E1228]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




        A TRIBUTE TO PALMER VINEYARDS OF AQUEBOGUE, LONG ISLAND

                                 ______
                                 

                         HON. MICHAEL P. FORBES

                              of new york

                    in the house of representatives

                         Tuesday, July 9, 1996

  Mr. FORBES. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to Palmer 
Vineyards of Aquebogue, on Long Island's North Fork, a winery of 
international renown that is celebrating the 10th anniversary of its 
first vintage this year. In this decade of excellence, Palmer vineyards 
has established itself as perhaps the most distinguished winery in what 
is becoming one of the world's preeminent wine producing regions.
  It was in 1983 when Lorraine and Robert Palmer planted the first 
vines on their 62 acres of farm land along Sound Avenue in Aquebogue 
and 3 years later, the first vintage was produced. The following year, 
Palmer Vineyards earned its first award medals in a professional 
tasting competition. Today, after a decade of unmatched distinction, 
Palmer wines are enjoyed throughout the world and have become the most 
widely distributed of Long Island's many celebrated vintages.
  In its first decade, Palmer Vineyards has garnered an impressive host 
of national and international awards in competition against the world's 
best vintners. These awards include 45 gold medals and six double 
golds, 115 silver medals and countless bronze citations. Among the top 
achievers is Palmer's Chardonnay, which has earned double gold medals 
at the San Francisco National Wine Fair and the New York Wine Classic 
for 2 consecutive years. Equally impressive is the nine gold medals, 
including two double golds, that Palmer's 1994 Select Harvest 
Gewuiztraminer has been awarded.
  Palmer Vineyards' phenomenal success is mostly attributable to the 
superior quality of its wines, but much credit is due to the aggressive 
and skilled marketing efforts of Robert Palmer and his dedicated staff. 
Marketed in 23 States, including California, Palmer wines are also 
available throughout Canada, the United Kingdom, and much of Europe. 
Palmer's Merlot is served on all of American Airlines' first class 
transcontinental flights, its Chardonnay was selected as the official 
wine of the U.S. Golf Open and Palmer Wines are the only Long Island 
wines available at Disney's Epcot Center.
  The prosperity and growth of Palmer Vineyards over the last decade 
parallel the fortunes of Long Island's entire East End wine country. 
Many of the world's great wine regions have been producing vintages 
since the Middle Ages, but the first grape vines were planted on the 
East End just 24 years ago. Today, the Long Island wine industry has 
expanded to include 40 vineyards that grow grapes on approximately 
1,400 acres. Seventeen of those vineyards also make their own wine, 
producing 120,000 cases of wine and $15 to $20 million in sales 
annually. More than 200 full-time workers are employed in Long Island's 
wine industry.
  The East End's success as a wine region is attributable to its ideal 
growing conditions. The

[[Page E1228]]

loamy top soil and supporting sandy layer below provide a perfect base 
from which to grow vines. With an average growing season of 210 days, 
the Atlantic Ocean's moderating influences provide the East End with 
near perfect weather for growing grapes. Relatively mild winters help 
sustain vine growth, while the cool ocean breezes help temper summer's 
harsh heat.
  As impressive as the industry's growth has been, the peripheral 
benefits of Long Island's still nascent wine industry are just as 
valuable. Though not as quantifiable, the impact the wineries have on 
the local tourism trade, the goods and services they purchase from 
local merchants, and the role the industry plays in marketing Long 
Island to the world are invaluable to the entire region.
  On Sunday, July 14, Robert Palmer and Palmer Vineyards will 
commemorate its 10th anniversary with a special celebration at the 
winery's classically designed tasting house, an old English pub that 
was imported from Britain and rebuilt by Robert Palmer. To mark the 
event, Palmer will be releasing its special reserve 10th anniversary 
wine. Specially crafted by winemaker Dan Kleck, the special reserve is 
a limited production release made from select Chardonnay, Sauvignon 
Blanc, and Pinot Blanc grapes. Like the many fine Palmer vintages 
before it, the special reserve is destined to earn the honors and 
admiration of the judges and public alike.
  Here's to the second 10 years of excellent wine at Palmer Vineyards.

                          ____________________