[Congressional Record Volume 169, Number 118 (Tuesday, July 11, 2023)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E651-E652]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




    HONORING RONALDO HERRERA, RECIPIENT OF THE AMERICAN DREAM AWARD

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. MIKE THOMPSON

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                         Tuesday, July 11, 2023

  Mr. THOMPSON of California. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Mr. 
Ronaldo Herrera, a renowned member of our community who has been chosen 
to receive the prestigious American Dream Award for California's 4th 
Congressional District. This award honors immigrants who have excelled 
professionally, through entrepreneurship and innovation, in the arts 
and culture, or through community service. Mr. Herrera is a very 
deserving recipient of this honor.
  Mr. Herrera was born in El Llano, Mexico and moved to St. Helena in 
1972 along with his family. After briefly returning to Mexico when his 
father retired, Mr. Herrera returned to St. Helena at the age of 15 
where he started working as a dishwasher at Auberge du Soleil at night 
while also going to high school full time. Following graduation, he 
started as a harvest laborer at Stag's Leap Wine Cellars and over the 
next 10 years he worked his way up to cellar master for respected 
winemaker Warren Winiarski. Mr. Herrera then began holding significant 
positions at other nearby wineries including assistant winemaker at 
Chateau Potelle, winemaker at Vine Cliff Winery and director of 
winemaking at Paul Hobbs Consulting.
  In 1997, Ronaldo made 200 cases of Chardonnay as a ``side project'' 
and Mi Sueno (Spanish for `My Dream') was born. Over the next 26 years, 
Mr. Herrera and his wife, Lorena Herrera, have come to be recognized as 
one of the great independently owned and operated wine producers in 
California with the tremendous honor of having 3 of Mi Sueno's wines 
served at the White House by President George W. Bush and President 
Barack Obama.
  Mr. Herrera has been a role model for his community. He has 
generously contributed his time and resources to a number of community 
organizations in the Napa Valley, including the Napa Valley Vintners, 
and is a founding member of the Mexican American Vintners Association.
  Mr. Herrera's outstanding accomplishments go beyond his work. Mr. 
Herrera is a loving husband and father who has the highest standards of 
ethics. Mr. Herrera's love for winemaking and dedication to his 
communities have made him a priceless addition to the Napa Valley and 
an inspiration to all.
  Mr. Speaker, we recognize Mr. Ronaldo Herrera for his achievements 
and for enriching our community. We honor him here today with the 
American Dream Award, as his accomplishments and service to our 
community are a testament to the American Dream.

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