[Congressional Record Volume 167, Number 106 (Thursday, June 17, 2021)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E661]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]





                          HONORING REN HARRIS

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. MIKE THOMPSON

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                        Thursday, June 17, 2021

  Mr. THOMPSON of California. Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize 
Ren Harris, the 2021 Napa Valley Grape Grower of the Year, for his 
accomplishments and contributions toward our community.
  Born in 1941 in San Francisco, Harris is a sixth generation 
Californian. After attending Napa Valley College, the University of San 
Francisco, the University of California Davis and the University of 
Bordeaux, Mr. Harris began his career in the wine community in 1967 as 
a grape grower and vintner. In the late 1960's, Mr. Harris and his wife 
Marilyn moved from San Francisco to Oakville and began planting grapes 
on what was once a prune orchard. By 1975, they had successfully 
created the Paradigm brand, which is known and loved by residents 
throughout Napa Valley today.
  Mr. Harris's contributions to the wine community extend far beyond 
Paradigm Winery. His leadership within the industry is exemplary, 
having served as the President of the Napa County Farm Bureau, Council 
Member of the California Growers Board, Director of the Napa Valley 
CoOp Winery, and both President and Director of the Oakville 
Winegrowers. Additionally, he was the founder of both the Napa Valley 
Grape Growers and the California Grower Foundation.
  Perhaps the best testament to Mr. Harris's dedication to Napa Valley 
and his fellow viticulturists is his extensive work throughout his 
career advocating for the protection of Napa Valley's land, workforce, 
and community. Through the California Grower Foundation, he was able to 
help improve the working conditions of viticulturalists as well as 
establish affordable healthcare access for farmworkers. These 
contributions have made a lasting impact on Napa Valley and beyond.
  Madam Speaker, Mr. Harris is a community member we should all strive 
to be. His passion for viticulture and dedication to his grape growing 
community make him deserving of the Napa Valley Grower of the Year. It 
is therefore fitting and proper that we honor Ren Harris here today.

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