[Congressional Record Volume 162, Number 114 (Thursday, July 14, 2016)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1126]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                   HONORING THE ROBERT MONDAVI WINERY

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                           HON. MIKE THOMPSON

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                        Thursday, July 14, 2016

  Mr. THOMPSON of California. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the 
Robert Mondavi Winery, which today is celebrating the 50th anniversary 
of its groundbreaking by founder and winemaking pioneer Robert Mondavi.
  Robert Mondavi embarked on an ambitious venture in 1966 to make our 
Napa Valley a world class wine region. Mondavi's winery became the 
first major winery built in the Napa Valley since the repeal of 
Prohibition in 1933. He carefully selected the historic To Kalon 
Vineyard as the site for his new winery to showcase the best qualities 
of Napa grapes and wines.
  Mondavi selected architect Cliff May to design a winery inspired by 
California's historic missions. To enrich visitors' experience, the 
family began collecting art to fill the winery, including many works by 
the Californian sculptor Beniamino Bufano. The Robert Mondavi Winery 
soon became a cultural landmark in our community, hosting visitors for 
wine tastings and tours, as well as the first annual Summer Music 
Festival fundraiser for the Napa Valley Symphony in 1969.
  The Robert Mondavi Winery has achieved great success in producing 
high quality wines and advancing the art of winemaking. The winery has 
been a notable leader in pioneering environmentally sustainable 
agricultural practices to preserve our valley's land for future 
generations. In a testament to its commitment to innovation, the Robert 
Mondavi Winery has worked with NASA to use advanced sensory technology 
in vineyard management. Moreover, the Robert Mondavi Winery has been a 
generous community partner, providing well-paying jobs to Napans and 
giving back more than $150 million to local charities in our Valley.
  Mr. Speaker, the Robert Mondavi Winery has been a leading institution 
in our wine community for the past five decades and will continue to 
thrive with the dedication and support of its winemakers, owners, and 
staff. It is therefore fitting and proper that we honor the winery here 
today.

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