[Congressional Record Volume 150, Number 103 (Thursday, July 22, 2004)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1504]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




              HONORING SHAFER VINEYARDS' 25TH ANNIVERSARY

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. MIKE THOMPSON

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                        Thursday, July 22, 2004

  Mr. THOMPSON of California. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize 
and honor an extraordinary event in my district. This year marks the 
25th anniversary of Shafer Vineyards, a family run winery that produces 
some of the world's highest rated wines from the heart of California's 
Napa Valley.
  I have had the pleasure of knowing John and Barbara Shafer for a long 
time. Their history in the Napa Valley and the philanthropic 
contributions they have made in enhancing thousands of lives of those 
who are less fortunate have truly been an inspiration to all who have 
met this remarkable family.
  Mr. Speaker and colleagues, if you do not know the Shafers, you 
should. John left a successful career in publishing in 1972 to pursue 
his dream of a second career in producing premium wine. He and his 
family moved to the Napa Valley and purchased a 210-acre estate in the 
Stags Leap District. The family began planting 50 acres of vineyards on 
the rocky hillside property. In 1978 their painstaking work paid off 
when John crushed their first harvest of cabernet sauvignon grapes 
marking the beginning of their winery.
  Mr. Speaker, the rise of Shafer Vineyards is truly an American 
success story. In the 25 years since the Shafer family produced their 
first vintage consisting 1,000 cases of cabernet sauvignon, the winery 
has grown to produce 32,000 cases of Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, 
Chardonnay, Sangiovese and Syrah per year. Today Shafer wines can be 
found throughout the entire United States and in markets throughout 
Europe and Asia. The Shafer's have also set the bar for sustainable 
agriculture in the Napa Valley and throughout the world. By the end of 
2004, their winery will convert to 100 percent solar power.
  While the Shafer family's business has grown beyond their dreams, the 
values that they began with remain as strong and visible in our 
community as ever. Twenty-five years later John still serves as 
chairman of the board of the winery and his son Doug has taken over the 
day-to-day activities serving as president.
  Not only do Shafer Vineyards and the Shafer family have an 
illustrious history of winemaking and responsible land stewardship, but 
they also have a long history of public service. For as many years as I 
can remember, the Shafer family has been a leader in ensuring the 
success of the annual Napa Valley Wine Auction, which has raised over 
$50 million for community non-profit organizations. John served as the 
chairman of the 1999 wine auction, that year the auction raised $5.5 
million breaking all previous records. Recently John led the effort to 
build the Napa Valley Vintners Community Health Center which houses 
four healthcare organizations and will care for thousands of area 
residents for generations to come.
  Mr. Speaker, at this time I think it is appropriate that we honor and 
congratulate the Shafer family for their success in the wine business 
and their countless contributions to the betterment of the Napa Valley. 
I wish the Shafer family and Shafer Vineyards well as they enjoy and 
prosper during their next 25 years of success.

                          ____________________