[Congressional Record Volume 149, Number 27 (Thursday, February 13, 2003)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E241]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




 RECOGNIZING BRUNO BARTOLUCCI FOR HIS OUTSTANDING SERVICE TO THE WINE 
                 INDUSTRY AND THE PEOPLE OF NAPA COUNTY

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                           HON. MIKE THOMPSON

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                      Thursday, February 13, 2003

  Mr. THOMPSON of California. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize 
Bruno Bartolucci, owner of Bartolucci Vineyards in Napa Valley 
California, for his outstanding contributions to America's wine 
industry and his community.
  Born in San Francisco, the son of an immigrant garbage man, Bruno 
Bartolucci learned early on that hard work was not something to shy 
away from. Mr. Bartolucci's father relocated the family to a farm in 
Napa Valley in the 1930's and, though he was young, Mr. Bartolucci was 
responsible for tending to the chickens, gathering eggs, picking fruit 
and doing extensive maintenance. When the Bartoluccis began growing 
grapes, his workload became so extensive that during harvest season he 
only attended high school every other day.
  Mr. Speaker, nearly 70 years have passed since Bruno Bartolucci first 
worked his father's vineyard. Since that time, Mr. Bartolucci's 
tremendous work ethic and personal commitment to excellence have made 
Bartolucci Vineyard famous for the quality of its grapes and renowned 
for its Cabernet Sauvignon.
  Recently, America's wine business has experienced tremendous 
expansion. While it is gratifying to see such a robust industry, an 
unintended side effect of this growth has been the detachment of 
vineyard owners from their fields. This, however, is not the case at 
Bartolucci Vineyards.
  Individuals visiting Mr. Bartolucci must walk into the fields to 
speak with him. It is there, amidst the perfectly aligned grape rows 
and surrounded by workers, that he can be found working in his classic 
green jumpsuit which sports the wears of his trade. At age 80, he still 
prunes grapes, supervises picking, fixes machines and maintains the 
beautiful garden.
  Mr. Bartolucci's dedication to work is only overshadowed by the size 
of his heart. When he is not at work, Mr. Bartolucci can be found doing 
a wide variety of community service. Whether donating to charitable 
organizations or cooking dinner for the Sons of Italy, Mr. Bartolucci 
never ceases finding ways to serve our community's needs.
  Mr. Speaker, Mr. Bartolucci is the standard to which all Americans 
should be compared. His commitment to farming and the community is 
rooted deeper than Napa Valley's famous vines. For these reasons and 
countless others, it is most appropriate that we honor Mr. Bruno 
Bartolucci today.

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