[Congressional Record Volume 164, Number 40 (Wednesday, March 7, 2018)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E274]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




       INTRODUCTION OF THE AMERICAN VITICULTURAL AREAS RESOLUTION

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                          HON. EARL BLUMENAUER

                               of oregon

                    in the house of representatives

                        Wednesday, March 7, 2018

  Mr. BLUMENAUER. Mr. Speaker, today Rep. Lee Zeldin and I are 
introducing a resolution that celebrates America's wineries and 
vineyards and recognizes the importance of distinctive American 
winegrowing regions, including those protected by American Viticultural 
Area (AVA) designations.
  I am particularly proud of Oregon's AVAs and the world-renown pinots 
they produce. Nationally, there are more than 10,000 wineries operating 
in all 50 states. These economic powerhouses generated, directly and 
indirectly, more than $219 billion for the United States economy last 
year and directly employ nearly 1 million Americans. Together, they 
make 10 percent of global wine production.
  American Viticultural Areas (AVAs) are designated wine-growing 
regions in the United States that have distinguishing features 
affecting viticulture, including climate, geology, soils, physical 
features, and elevation. This year marks the 40th anniversary of the 
creation of the American Viticulture Area designation system. AVA 
designations allow vintners to describe more accurately the origin of 
their wines and help them build and enhance the reputation and value of 
the wines they produce. They also help consumers identify wines they 
wish to purchase.
  For these reasons, we ask our colleagues to join us in recognizing 
the significant contributions to the economic and cultural life of the 
nation made by American wines and distinctive American wine-growing 
regions and acknowledging the value of American Viticultural Area 
designation in promoting American wines domestically and abroad. 
Together we should continue to support efforts to promote awareness of 
and appreciation for distinctive American winegrowing.

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