[Congressional Record Volume 143, Number 64 (Thursday, May 15, 1997)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E937-E938]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




          MOUNT VERNON LADIES' ASSOCIATION HOSTS WINE FESTIVAL

                                 ______
                                 

                       HON. GEORGE P. RADANOVICH

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                         Thursday, May 15, 1997

  Mr. RADANOVICH. Mr. Speaker, congressional colleagues and friends in 
the U.S. wine industry, I rise today to commend the Mount Vernon 
Ladies' Association for hosting the first-ever Wine Festival and Sunset 
Tour of the historic Mount Vernon Mansion, home of our first President, 
George Washington, May 16, 17, and 18, 1997.
  As the first vintner to have the honor of serving in our Nation's 
Congress since Thomas Jefferson and as the Toastmaster for the opening 
night of this 3-day event, I wish to announce that my office has been 
notified that, among the distinguished public planning to attend this 
event, both Gen. George Washington and Thomas Jefferson will be 
present.
  Twelve of Virginia's award-winning wineries will be pouring samples 
of their finest wines. The special tour of the Mansion will offer a new 
special view of the Washington family's hospitality frequently enjoyed 
by friends, colleagues, and foreign leaders of the period, including a 
first-ever look at the Mansion's cellar where Washington stored his 
wines. The participating Old Dominion wineries in this event are 
Barboursville Vineyards & Historic Ruins, Chateau Morrisette, Gray 
Ghost Vineyards, Horton Cellars Winery, Ingleside Plantation Vineyards, 
Jefferson Vineyards, Lake Anna Winery, Oasis Winery, Prince Michel 
Vineyards, Tarara Vineyard & Winery, Williamsburg Winery Ltd., and 
Wintergreen Vineyards & Winery.
  When George Washington was not meeting the call of the Nation in 
leading our Continental Army toward independence and the incomparable 
responsibilities of establishing our fledgling democratic institutions, 
he remained at heart an agriculturalist, interested in all sectors of 
farm economy.
  Based on his own observations during his travels along the eastern 
seaboard of America ``the spontaneous growth of the vine . . . bent 
under the weight of the ripe grapes,'' Washington was inspired to make 
repeated attempts at planting both native American vines and cuttings 
brought from Europe.
  But, not unlike what Thomas Jefferson faced--the humidity of the 
region, lack of knowledge of vineyard management and the technology of 
dealing with pests and plant diseases, these attempts failed.
  Our Nation had to wait some 200 years before the knowledge of modern 
viticulture and enology practices would allow the American wine 
industry to develop into one that is presently recognized 
internationally, with a strong competitive presence in the world 
market.
  I wish to commend the work of Mount Vernon staffers, management, and 
the event's

[[Page E938]]

wine consultant, Gordon W. Murchie, a friend and industry spokesman, 
for presenting to the American public the proper image of the U.S. wine 
industry as being a part of our Nation's history, culture, and 
commerce. Public education that promotes ``responsible moderate 
consumption of wine as part of a healthy adult diet and life style'' is 
the message the U.S. wine industry and I wish to convey.
  I am sure the Mount Vernon event will help further promulgate the 
message that wine is a beverage to be enjoyed in moderation with food, 
friends and in all manners of social occasions, but never abused.

                           Facts and Figures


                            National ranking

       12th among farm wine and commercial grape growing states.
       6th among vinifera wine growing states.

------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                 Percent
                                                  1979   1997   increase
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Growth:
    No. of wineries............................      6      49       700
    Acreage....................................    286    1500       424
------------------------------------------------------------------------

       1996 Production: 1,763 tons of wine grapes producing 
     282,080 gallons of wine.


                          Viticultural Regions

       Virginia has six specifically designated grape growing 
     (viticultural) regions: Monticello, Northern Neck George 
     Washington Birthplace, Rocky Knob, Shenandoah Valley, Eastern 
     Shore, and North Fork of the Roanoke.


                            Major Varieties

       Vinifera varieties: Chardonnay, White Ricsling, Cabernet 
     Sauvignon, Pinot Noir, Gewurztraminer, Cabernet Franc, 
     Sauvingnon Blanc, and Merlot.
       Major French hybrid varieties: Seyval, Vidal Blanc, 
     Villiard Blanc, and Marechal Foch.
       Major American varieties: Concord, Delaware, and Niagara.

------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                            Percent
             Variety              Acreage    total     Percent per ton
                                            acreage
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Vinifera........................    1140         76  $1,100 to $1,200.
French hybrid...................     285         19  $500 to $600.
American........................      75          5  $400 to $500.
------------------------------------------------------------------------

       Number of Vineyards in 1997--140.


                               1996 SALES

       Cases and retail sales: 191,849; $23,021,880--9.5% increase 
     over 1995.


                     Distribution of Virginia wines

       In Virginia: Virginia wine is sold in retail outlets, 
     restaurants, through festivals and special events, and direct 
     at individual wineries.
       Other: Distributed primarily in the eastern United States. 
     Virginia wines are also found in major cities abroad as well 
     as American cities such as Chicago, Dallas, Los Angeles, and 
     San Francisco.
       Tourism: Through winery tours and tastings, the Virginia 
     wine industry attracts over 500,000 visitors annually.
       Reasons for Virginia Wine Industry Growth: Favorable 
     climate for growing grapes; Institutional support, especially 
     from Division of Tourism and the Department of Agriculture & 
     Consumer Services; Research and technology support from VPI& 
     SU; Strong wine marketing program; An increasing regional and 
     national awareness of quality of Virginia wines; and 
     Dedication of Virginia wine industry to improving the quality 
     and viability of its products.

     

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