[Congressional Record Volume 167, Number 172 (Friday, October 1, 2021)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1058]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




   RECOGNIZING THE SIXTIETH ANNIVERSARY OF JOHNSON ESTATE WINERY IN 
                          WESTFIELD, NEW YORK

                                 ______
                                 



                             HON. TOM REED

                              of new york

                    in the house of representatives

                      Thursday, September 30, 2021

  Mr. REED. Madam Speaker, today I rise to recognize the sixtieth 
anniversary of Johnson Estate Winery in Westfield, New York and 
congratulate the Johnson family for reaching this tremendous milestone.
  Three generations of Johnsons have farmed what is now Johnson Estate 
Winery. After immigrating to Canada and attending Cornell University, 
Frederick Johnson purchased a circa-1822 home and farm along the banks 
of Freelings Creek in Westfield, New York. He planted various fruits 
like apples, peaches, and concord vineyards, and named the farm 
Sunnyslope Fruit Farm. He worked as an entomologist with the Department 
of Agriculture in Washington, D.C. and North East, Pennsylvania, met 
his wife, and raised his family.
  His son Frederick Spencer Johnson grew up on the farm, served in 
World War II as a naval aviator, graduated from Cornell, and raised his 
family overseas while working for Nelson Rockefeller's various 
agricultural endeavors. He returned to the farm in 1960, after his 
father died, and removed the aging fruit orchards before being the 
first Western New York Farmer to plant French hybrid grapes. His 
favorite hybrid, Chancellor, is in the winery's famous Founder's Red. 
In 1961, he opened the Johnson Estate Winery.
  Frederick Spencer's children inherited the farm in 1998 and grew the 
winery with new vineyards, construction of a finished goods warehouse, 
and the introduction of new wines like fruit, sparkling, and ice wines. 
In 2010, Frederick Johnson, Jr. became the owner of the farm and winery 
with his wife, Jennifer. They renovated the century-old tasting room in 
2011 and still live in the two-hundred-year-old farmhouse. This year, 
they opened an outdoor wine and food pairing location, Flight, as a nod 
to Fred Sr.'s service as a naval aviator and the love of aviation he 
shared with his son, Fred Jr. Guests enjoy sights and smells of harvest 
while savoring delicious wine and locally-sourced fruits, curated 
cheeses, and charcuterie boards.
  Given the above, I ask that this Legislative Body pause in its 
deliberations and join me to recognize the sixtieth anniversary of 
Johnson Estate Winery in Westfield, New York. Congratulations on this 
tremendous milestone.

                          ____________________