[Congressional Record Volume 154, Number 38 (Thursday, March 6, 2008)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E329]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




 HONORING THE 150TH ANNIVERSARY OF GUNDLACH BUNDSCHU WINERY OF SONOMA 
                               COUNTY, CA

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                           HON. MIKE THOMPSON

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                        Thursday, March 6, 2008

  Mr. THOMPSON of California. Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize 
Gundlach Bundschu Winery in Sonoma County, California on the 1501h 
anniversary of its founding.
  In the 150 years since the winery was established on March 12, 1858, 
California's wine industry has become the fourth largest wine producing 
region in the world and Gundlach Bundschu has played an integral part 
in that growth. It is the oldest family owned winery in the state and 
the sixth generation of the founding family continues to live, farm and 
pioneer the production of fine wines on the same vineyard land that was 
originally purchased by their great-grandfather's grandfather.
  Each generation has weathered unique challenges that defined them and 
the California wine industry and has met those challenges with 
ingenuity and resolve. Company offices and wine vaults were destroyed 
in the 1906 San Francisco earthquake, severely curtailing what had been 
a thriving business. The family was able to continue with limited 
production until the passage of prohibition in 1919, which forced the 
winery to close. After the repeal of prohibition, Gundlach Bundschu 
wine grapes were once again in demand, but the family winery wasn't 
restored until 1973. Today, the modern winery is dedicated to 
sustainable farming at its best.
  The family has always been an integral part of the community and a 
leader in civic affairs. They were instrumental in initiating the first 
Vintage Festival in Sonoma, a celebration of the annual grape harvest 
that has been held continuously for 110 years. Now, in celebration of 
its Sesquicentennial, Gundlach Bundschu has commissioned a theatrical 
presentation that will tour nine cities throughout the United States in 
the spring and fall of 2008.
  Madam Speaker, it is appropriate at this time that we acknowledge 
Gundlach Bundschu on the 150th anniversary of its founding. As 
California's oldest family owned winery, Gundlach Bundschu is truly a 
testament to the enduring quality and character of California wine, and 
to its place among the nation's finest wineries.

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