[Congressional Record Volume 154, Number 106 (Wednesday, June 25, 2008)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1347]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                  HONORING THE LIFE OF ROBERT MONDAVI

                                 ______
                                 

                               speech of

                         HON. GEORGE RADANOVICH

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                         Tuesday, June 24, 2008

  Mr. RADANOVICH. Mr. Speaker, I rise to support H. Con. Res. 365, 
which my fellow co-chair of the Congressional Wine Caucus, Mike 
Thompson and I introduced in remembrance of a friend and giant in the 
California and international wine community, Robert Mondavi, who passed 
away in May of this year.
  Robert may most be remembered for his tremendous success in producing 
and promoting California wines to the international community. After 
graduating from Stanford, Robert joined his family in running the 
Charles Krug winery in Napa, and then went on to found the Robert 
Mondavi Winery in 1966.
  His tireless efforts to introduce California wine to the world and 
compete against established European wines are much of the reason why 
winemaking in California is now an 18 billion dollar industry--the 
largest retail wine market in the world. In fact, the United States 
accounts for 61 percent of wine sold in the world. This would not be 
possible without the lifetime of hard work by Robert Mondavi.
  He was also extremely involved in charitable causes across the 
country to promote wine, food and the arts.
  Robert Mondavi was an inspiration to my own winemaking ventures as 
I'm sure he was to many boutique winemakers across the country. Such 
inspiration has led to wine being produced in all 50 States. His 
innovation, spirit and passion for winemaking will be sorely missed 
throughout our Nation and the world.

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