[Congressional Record Volume 153, Number 79 (Monday, May 14, 2007)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E1037-E1038]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




   TRIBUTE TO THE MERRITT ESTATE WINERY FOR ITS CONTINUED EXCELLENCE

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                           HON. BRIAN HIGGINS

                              of new york

                    in the house of representatives

                          Monday, May 14, 2007

  Mr. HIGGINS. Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize the 
achievements of Merritt Estate Winery, located in Forestville, NY. 
Merritt Estate Winery recently was awarded a gold medal for their Bella 
Rosa at the San Diego International Wine Competition. Their Chautauqua 
Niagara vintage was awarded a silver medal in the competition.
  Merritt Estate Winery is run by a father and son duo that have 
dedicated themselves to their small vineyard and their fruit which has 
resulted in their award winning wines. The winery was created in 1976 
by William Merritt, who has had the estate in his family since the 
1800's. Merritt Estates Bella Rosa was awarded the gold medal at the 
24th annual San Diego International Wine Competition. The awards won by 
Merritt Estate are the result of hard work and dedication that have 
resulted in wines that rival some of the best in the world.
  Western New York is home to the largest continuous acreage of concord 
grapes in the world. The regional grape industry contributes $3.3 
billion in economic value to the New York State economy each year. As a 
member of the Wine and Grape Caucus, I am proud that

[[Page E1038]]

such outstanding products come from the grapes and hard work of local 
growers in western New York.

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