[Congressional Record Volume 162, Number 162 (Monday, November 14, 2016)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1448]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




            HONORING THE 40TH ANNIVERSARY OF WINE SPECTATOR

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                           HON. MIKE THOMPSON

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                       Monday, November 14, 2016

  Mr. THOMPSON of California. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Wine 
Spectator, which this year celebrates its 40th anniversary and marks 
four decades of success and dedication to excellence.
  Wine Spectator was first published by Bob Morissey in 1976 as a 
tabloid newspaper to educate and entertain wine consumers. Marvin R. 
Shanken, a publisher and wine aficionado, saw great potential in the 
publication and, at Morrisey's request, acquired it in 1979. Mr. 
Shanken and Executive Editor Thomas Matthews have since transformed 
Wine Spectator into an institution that informs and connects our 
international wine community.
  Wine Spectator editors provide authoritative buying advice, reviewing 
nearly 20,000 wines each year in independent blind tastings. The 
magazine puts wine in context, profiling vintners and regions, 
analyzing vintages and market trends as well as offering travel and 
dining guides. Wine Spectator has received critical acclaim for its 
excellent work informing wine consumers. It has been named a finalist 
in the National Magazine Awards Special Interest category and a top 5 
best consumer magazines. Today, Wine Spectator is the most widely read 
wine publication in the world with a circulation of 400,000 and a 
global readership of 3.5 million people.
  Since 1981, Wine Spectator has also hosted the Wine Experience, a 
weekend of tastings and seminars which concludes with a Grand Award 
Banquet honoring top restaurants in 50 states and 70 countries on their 
excellent wine lists. The event funds the Wine Spectator Scholarship 
Foundation, which has raised more than $20 million to support 
organizations that invest in the future of our wine community including 
the University of California at Davis, Sonoma State University, the 
Culinary Institute of America, and the Chaplin School of Hospitality 
and tourism Management at Florida International University. Since 1982, 
Wine Spectator has also honored 34 individuals with its Distinguished 
Service Award for their contributions to our wine community.
  Mr. Speaker, this American institution has been a trusted source for 
wine consumers for 40 years by maintaining its commitment to integrity 
and expertise. Therefore, it is fitting and proper that we honor Wine 
Spectator and its visionary leader, Marvin R. Shanken, here today.

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