[Congressional Record Volume 155, Number 72 (Tuesday, May 12, 2009)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1121]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




  CONGRATULATING THE THOUSAND ISLANDS WINERY AS THE NEW YORK WINE AND 
                 GRAPE FOUNDATION'S WINERY OF THE YEAR

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. JOHN M. McHUGH

                              of new york

                    in the house of representatives

                         Tuesday, May 12, 2009

  Mr. McHUGH. Madam Speaker, I rise today to congratulate the Thousand 
Islands Winery upon being named the 2009 Winery of the Year by the New 
York Wine and Grape Foundation at its 38th annual New York Wine 
Industry Workshop and Unity Banquet. I am pleased to have the 
opportunity to recognize the winery and its owners, Steve and Erika 
Conaway, and extend my sincere wishes for their continued success.
  The Thousand Islands Winery is located between Clayton and Alexandria 
Bay in Jefferson County, New York, which I am proud to represent. This 
incredibly picturesque area is known as the Thousand Islands Region and 
consists of over 1,000 islands that are located along the U.S.-Canada 
border within the St. Lawrence River and Lake Ontario. Tourism has long 
been a crucial component of the economy.
  The winery, which the Conaways established on May 16, 2002, holds the 
unique distinction of being the northern most farm winery in New York 
State. It has produced over 25,000 gallons of wines in 14 varieties and 
has won 21 medals for its wines in national and international 
competitions. Notably, its blush wine ``Alexandria Bay Rose'' won a 
double gold, best in class, at the 2008 National Women's Wine 
Competition in Santa Rosa, California.
  Additionally, the winery was a founding member of the Thousand 
Islands-Seaway Wine Trail, which is over 78 miles long, and has already 
attracted more than 52,000 visitors since it was launched in 2007. The 
trail now consists of two grape nurseries, nineteen vineyards, and 
includes three other local wineries: the Coyote Moon Winery in Clayton, 
the Otter Creek Winery in Philadelphia, and the Yellow Barn Winery 
outside of Sackets Harbor.
  Given the importance of economic growth to New York's 23rd 
Congressional District, I am particularly appreciative of the work done 
by the Thousand Islands Winery and others to develop the wine industry 
and the wine trail and thereby enhance the economy of the region.

                          ____________________