[Congressional Record Volume 167, Number 18 (Monday, February 1, 2021)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E82]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




          RECOGNIZING THE 50TH ANNIVERSARY OF ST. JAMES WINERY

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                            HON. JASON SMITH

                              of missouri

                    in the house of representatives

                        Monday, February 1, 2021

  Mr. SMITH of Missouri. Madam Speaker, I rise today to congratulate 
the Hofherr family on the 50th anniversary of St. James Winery. Since 
James and Patricia Hofherr first opened their business in 1970, St. 
James Winery has rejuvenated the local Italian wine culture in the St. 
James area. The Hofherr's chose this area because of its deep heritage 
of grape growing and winemaking. This tradition dates to 1898 when 
local Italian immigrants established the first vineyards in the region. 
With such productive Missouri soil and favorable weather patterns for 
grape growing, this Mid-Missouri location was nothing shy of an 
excellent choice to begin St. James Winery.
  In the first year, the winery produced 3,000 cases of wine, and 50 
years later, it produces nearly 250,000 cases each year. St. James 
Winery now has five vineyards, totaling 185 acres, and the winery sees 
almost 125,000 visitors annually. Located along Old Route 66, St. James 
Winery brings tourists from all over the world to Mid-Missouri. The 
winery is also one of the most awarded wineries in the entire United 
States.
  Today, St. James Winery is being operated by the second generation of 
the Hofherr family and will see the third generation joining in the 
summer of 2021. For 50 years of excellent service to people across this 
nation, as well as across the world, it is my honor to congratulate St. 
James Winery.

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