[Congressional Record Volume 163, Number 85 (Wednesday, May 17, 2017)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E651]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




           HONORING THE MEXICAN-AMERICAN VINTNERS ASSOCIATION

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                           HON. MIKE THOMPSON

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                        Wednesday, May 17, 2017

  Mr. THOMPSON of California. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the 
Mexican-American Vintners Association (MAVA), whose members include 
many of the hard-working, entrepreneurial families and individuals who 
serve as a backbone to the wine community in my district.
  The Mexican-American Vintners Association was revived in May 2010 
with the mission to recognize Napa and Sonoma Wine produced by Mexican-
American Vintners, advocate for quality standards, promote the 
contributions of Mexican-Americans to the wine community, and to 
educate and preserve traditions for future vintners. In the words of 
Member Hugo Maldonado, MAVA ``are not just in the vineyards anymore, 
they're a force to be reckoned with.''
  Many members of MAVA have traveled to Washington, DC this week, 
including Ceja Vineyards, Mi Sueno Winery, Maldonado Family Vineyards, 
and the Robledo Family Winery. They are here, not only to support the 
mission of the Smithsonian Institution, but also to further educate 
Congress about their vital contributions to our economy and community. 
Their stories of immigration, sacrifice and determination are what make 
America great.
  In addition to supporting their current members, the Mexican-American 
Vintners Association works to support future vintners by providing 
scholarships to deserving students. By helping those who will follow 
them, the Vintners are preserving the traditions of making and selling 
quality wine which they have worked hard to build.
  Mr. Speaker, we are proud of our Mexican-American Vintners. Their 
organization preserves and promotes a great tradition of hard work and 
resilience in our community. It is therefore fitting and proper that we 
honor them here today.

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