[Congressional Record Volume 147, Number 124 (Friday, September 21, 2001)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1699]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




          HONORING BERINGER VINEYARDS ON ITS 125TH ANNIVERSARY

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                           HON. MIKE THOMPSON

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                       Friday, September 21, 2001

  Mr. THOMPSON of California. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in recognition 
of the 125th anniversary of Beringer Vineyards, located in St. Helena, 
Napa Valley, California.
  Beringer Vineyards was founded in 1876, when Jacob Beringer and his 
brother, Frederick purchased a twenty-eight acre vineyard for $14,500. 
One hundred and twenty-five years later, the winery is worth in excess 
of $1.5 billion and is the oldest continuously operating winery in Napa 
Valley.
  Beringer was not only a pioneer in the California wine industry, it 
is also a significant factor in the Napa Valley's emergence as one of 
the world's premier wine-growing regions. Today, Beringer Vineyards 
continues its extraordinary tradition of viticulture innovation and 
winemaking expertise to consistently produce the highest quality wines.
  Mr. Speaker, Beringer Vineyards not only produces outstanding wines, 
but its generosity in the community is unsurpassed. Beringer supports 
numerous important charities, including civic organizations and youth 
groups throughout Napa Valley and the State of California. This year, 
the majority of its donations are being made to Napa Valley Health 
Charities, which provides critically needed health care services to 
low-income persons.
  To commemorate this important occasion, Winemaster Ed Sbragia, who is 
celebrating his 25th year as Winemaster at Beringer, has produced a 
very special 1997 Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon from the original 
``Home Vineyard.'' As evidence of Beringer's continued tradition of 
excellence, Mr. Sbragia is the world's only winemaker to have both a 
red and a white wine named as Wine Spectator magazine's ``#1 Wine of 
the Year.''
  Mr. Speaker, Beringer was where I worked as a young man and I am 
particularly proud of this tremendous organization. At this time, it is 
appropriate that we honor and congratulate Beringer Vineyards for its 
many successes and contributions to our Napa Valley community for the 
past 125 years.

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