[Congressional Record Volume 166, Number 132 (Monday, July 27, 2020)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E685]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                          HONORING LARRY HYDE

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. MIKE THOMPSON

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                         Monday, July 27, 2020

  Mr. THOMPSON of California. Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize 
the accomplishments of Larry Hyde, the 2020 Napa Valley Grower of the 
Year.
  After attending the University of California at Berkeley for 
political science and the University of California at Davis for 
chemistry, Mr. Hyde began his career in the wine community as a 
vineyard crew supervisor at Ridge Vineyard. Over the next decade, he 
worked for several prestigious vineyards, including Gallo, Cuvaison, 
Stag's Leap, Robert Mondavi, and Joseph Phelps Vineyards. In 1979, he 
established Hyde Vineyards in Napa. Originally 72 acres, Hyde Vineyards 
has grown to nearly 200 acres and produces more than 15 vineyard 
designated wines.
  Mr. Hyde's contributions to the wine community extends beyond the 
confines of his vineyard. His leadership within the industry is 
exemplary, having served as a director of the Napa County Farm Bureau, 
a founding director of the Carneros Quality Alliance, and a board 
member of the Napa Valley Grapegrowers. He has also worked with the 
County of Napa to implement plans to eradicate invasive pests that 
threaten vineyards across the region.
  Perhaps the best testament to Mr. Hyde's dedication to his fellow 
viticulturists is his extensive work with the University of California 
at Davis' Foundation Plant Services. For years, he has helped the FPS 
map plant material from historic California vineyards and gather plant 
material from his own vineyard to be classified. Because of his 
efforts, more than 45 different clones of grapes have been preserved by 
FPS, many of which would have been lost without him.
  Madam Speaker, Mr. Hyde is a community member we should all strive to 
be. His passion for viticulture and dedication to his fellow 
viticulturalists makes him deserving of the title of Napa Valley Grower 
of the Year. It is therefore fitting and proper that we honor Larry 
Hyde here today.

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