[Congressional Record Volume 156, Number 108 (Wednesday, July 21, 2010)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1392]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




      HONORING ROBERT EDWARD STEINHAUER OF NAPA COUNTY, CALIFORNIA

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. MIKE THOMPSON

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                        Wednesday, July 21, 2010

  Mr. THOMPSON of California. Madam Speaker, I rise today to pay 
tribute to Robert Steinhauer, who is being honored as the Napa County 
Farm Bureau's 2010 Agriculturalist of the Year.
  Mr. Steinhauer and his family have a long and storied history in 
California agriculture. He first found his way to the Napa Valley in 
1971, serving as Vineyard Manager for Napa Valley Vineyard Company. In 
1979, he joined Beringer Blass Wine Estates and served as senior vice 
president of vineyard operations for over 25 years. During his tenure, 
he was responsible for farming operations on over 10,400 acres of 
vineyards in five counties. He also managed grape purchases from over 
400 growers for one of the Napa Valley's legendary wine companies. 
Today he is president and part owner of Wineland Consulting and is 
still a farmer; he owns 20 acres of raisin vineyards in Fresno.
  Mr. Steinhauer's 2010 Agriculturalist of the Year Award is one of 
many he has earned during his distinguished career. He was the 
recipient of the 1983 Foremost McKesson California Vintner Award, 1978 
Fresno State Viticulture Alumni Award, Copia 2004 Winegrower of the 
Year Award, 2005 Wine Integrity Award and the 2008 Merit Award from the 
American Society for Enology and Viticulture.
  Robert is known as one of the kindest and most generous people in the 
industry. His legacy will be carried on by his daughter Anne, who 
continues the family agricultural tradition with the Napa Valley 
Vintners Association. This honor is long overdue and I am fortunate to 
be able to call Mr. Steinhauer a friend.
  Madam Speaker and colleagues, it is my distinct pleasure to recognize 
my dear friend Robert Steinhauer for his countless contributions to 
California agriculture. The Napa Valley and the entire agricultural 
community owe him an enormous debt of gratitude. He is a true giant in 
the industry. I join his wife Verna, daughter Anne and son Erik in 
wishing him continued success and fulfillment.

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