[Congressional Record Volume 146, Number 86 (Friday, June 30, 2000)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E1160-E1161]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




  RECOGNIZING ROBERT MONDAVI, RECIPIENT OF WINEVISION'S FIRST ANNUAL 
                          ``VISIONARY AWARD''

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. MIKE THOMPSON

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                        Thursday, June 29, 2000

  Mr. THOMPSON of California. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in recognition 
of Robert Mondavi receiving WineVision's first annual Visionary Award--
recognizing the person whose insight and foresight contributed in 
myriad ways to the U.S. wine community's overall betterment in the year 
2000.
  Robert Mondavi and employees of Robert Mondavi Corp. were 
instrumental in the past year in assuring the initiation of the 
WineVision process--an effort to develop an industry-wide strategic 
plan for the U.S. wine business. The winery, notably Michael Mondavi 
and Herbert Schmidt, was key in offering support, including becoming 
one of the first companies to contribute seed money.
  All through the process, Robert Mondavi has provided inspiration, 
human resources and funding. As well, he has encouraged participation 
from other wineries and growers.
  Robert Mondavi is known throughout the wine industry as the man whose 
vision of a successful American premium wine industry started America's 
wine renaissance in the 1960s. WineVision is proud to acknowledge his 
role in our community and recognize his contributions, those of his 
family and those of his winery.
  Robert Mondavi began his success in the wine business in the 1940's 
when his father purchased the Charles Krug Winery. In the 1950's and 
1960's, Robert became the first Napa Valley vintner to use cold 
fermentation extensively and popularized new styles of wine such as 
Chenin Blanc and Fume Blanc.
  Robert Mondavi's winery is a culmination of a vision that he shared 
with his family. From its inception in 1966, the winery has stood as 
both an example of their innovation in winemaking and a monument to 
persistence in the pursuit of excellence.
  In addition to serving as chairman of the board of the winery, Robert 
was and continues to be active in a number of activities promoting wine 
and food. In 1988, he launched the Robert Mondavi Mission program that 
was

[[Page E1161]]

designed to educate Americans about wine and its role in American 
culture and society. This program illustrates the benefits of moderate 
consumption as well as the detriments of abuse.
  Robert is currently in the process of founding the American Center 
for Wine, Food, and the Arts, in Napa, CA. This center will serve as a 
culmination of his dream to celebrate the role of wine, food, and arts 
in American culture. In addition, he is the founding co-chairman of the 
American Institute of Wine and Food with Julia Child, and a member of 
the American Wine Society, the Brotherhood of the Knights of the Vine 
and many other groups.
  In 1997, Robert was inducted into the Educational Foundation of the 
National Restaurant Association's College of Diplomats for his support 
of education in the food industry. He has been named ``Man of the 
Year'' by numerous magazines and foundations and has received such 
honors as the Lifetime Achievement Award and the Torch of Liberty 
Award.
  Throughout the years, Robert Mondavi has developed world-class, fine 
wines. As one of the world's top producers, Mr. Speaker, it is 
appropriate at this time that we acknowledge Robert Mondavi's great 
accomplishments in the wine and food industry and his receiving 
WineVision's first annual Visionary Award. Congratulations to Robert 
Mondavi and the Mondavi family.

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