[Congressional Record Volume 161, Number 24 (Thursday, February 12, 2015)]
[Senate]
[Page S981]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                      RECOGNIZING LANDRY VINEYARDS

 Mr. VITTER. Mr. President, small businesses have the unique 
ability to seamlessly fill a niche in their local communities. In many 
cases, this means they offer a service or product that is completely 
unique to the region. As Valentine's Day and Mardi Gras quickly 
approach, I would like to honor a small business that is not often 
associated with the State of Louisiana--a beautiful vineyard and 
winery. This week's Small Business of the Week is Landry Vineyards and 
Winery of West Monroe, LA.
  In 1999 with the help of their family and close friends, Jeff and 
Libby Landry decided to pursue their dream of owning and operating a 
vineyard. The Landry family started their business by planting Blanc Du 
Bois grapes on their 2 acres in Folsom, LA. Four years later, they were 
licensed as a Louisiana Native Winery, which allowed their wines to be 
shipped and sold across the State. After the devastation of Hurricane 
Katrina, however, the Landrys moved their enterprise to higher ground 
in the hill country of West Monroe. Today, the wines produced at Landry 
Vineyards are available in over 300 stores throughout Louisiana and can 
be purchased across the country by simply visiting their Web site.
  The Landry family has created an experience for locals and out-of-
towners that is well worth the trip. Daily tours of the vineyards are 
available for small groups on golf carts, and tractor drawn wagons are 
used for the larger groups. The winery also provides free wine tastings 
in the nearby tasting room, and guests are encouraged to bring picnic 
lunches to enjoy on the winery grounds. Each year the winery hosts an 
outdoor music concert series that caters to families with local bands 
who perform in all genres like Cajun, funk, and country blues. The 20-
acre property also serves as a popular destination for public and 
private events, including weddings.
  In the last 15 years, Landry Vineyards has thrived despite any 
obstacles--whether it is a natural disaster or burdensome regulations--
in its way. As I work to make sure the voices and concerns of small 
business owners across the country are heard in Washington, the history 
and success of Landry Vineyards serve as an inspiring reminder of what 
is worth fighting for. Congratulations to Landry Vineyards and Winery 
for being selected as this week's Small Business of the Week.

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