[Congressional Record Volume 172, Number 80 (Tuesday, May 12, 2026)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E431]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                    HONORING THE MUNSELLE VINEYARDS

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. MIKE THOMPSON

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                         Tuesday, May 12, 2026

  Mr. THOMPSON of California. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the 
contributions of Munselle Vineyards and the Munselle family on their 
150th anniversary of farming in Sonoma County, California.
  Since 1876, the Munselle family has farmed the Alexander Valley in 
North Sonoma County, California. Over six generations, they grew high 
quality crops in our community's rich soil and ideal climate. The 
famijy's first ventures were in wine under the labels Lone Pine Cellars 
and Red Winery. Over time they expanded their business into other crops 
and livestock. These included grapes, hops, prunes, and dairy cattle. 
In 1972, the family returned to their roots and began growing wine 
grapes again. For the last five decades, the Munselle family has 
focused on producing premium wine grapes, which have in turn been made 
into many award-winning wines by wineries throughout our Sonoma County 
community.
  In 2006, Bret and Kristen Munselle partnered with Bret's parents, 
Bill and Reta Munselle, to launch the limited-production wine label, 
Munselle Vineyards. Today, Munselle Vineyards produces up to 1,000 
cases of hand-crafted wine annually which are enjoyed by their 
customers throughout the seasons.
  In addition to the family's personal achievements, they are helping 
pioneer the future of farming in our community. Munselle Vineyards is a 
pilot farm in the Sonoma County Winegrowers' Farm ofthe Future 
initiative, an initiative connecting local farmers with cutting-edge 
agriculture technologies from John Deere, Agrology, and Wilbur-Ellis. 
Munselle Vineyards is a living laboratory for next-generation 
agriculture and is pioneering farming practices that enhance 
sustainability, efficiency, and long-term viability of family farms. In 
addition to this innovative spirit, the Munselle family are leaders 
beyond their own vineyards. They have stepped up as officers for both 
the Alexander Valley American Viticulture Area and Sonoma County 
Winegrowers, helping to shape the future of wine growing in our region.
  Mr. Speaker, I thank Munselle Vinyards and the Munselle family for 
their contributions to our community. Therefore, it is fitting and 
proper that we honor them here today.

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