[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 156 (2010), Part 12]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page 17593]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




                      HONORING THE BENZIGER FAMILY

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. MIKE THOMPSON

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                       Monday, November 15, 2010

  Mr. THOMPSON of California. Madam Speaker, I rise today with my 
colleague, Rep. Lynn Woolsey, to honor the Benziger Family, whose 
economic, environmental, and philanthropic contributions in the Sonoma 
Valley have earned its businesses due recognition as 2010 Sonoma Valley 
Business of the Year. Both Benziger Family Winery and Imagery Estate 
Winery have pioneered a sustainable approach to agriculture and a 
humanitarian approach to business. Their active presence continues to 
strengthen and enrich Sonoma Valley communities.
  Starting in the mid-1990s, Benziger Family Winery began its 
transition into biodynamic agriculture. They eliminated chemicals and 
other artificial elements in favor of a more holistic and organic 
method that capitalizes on the vitality of a vineyard that is allowed 
to thrive in a natural state. Benziger Family Winery has even been 
recognized by the National Resources Defense Council for its water 
conservation strategies. Imagery Estate Winery was founded in the same 
tradition, and the result is not only a greener footprint, but richer 
and more distinctive products that embody their unique places of 
origin. Indeed, Benziger Family Winery and Imagery Estate Winery have 
earned reputations as producers of exceptional quality not only in 
California, but worldwide.
  The Benziger Family has brought the same care and commitment to its 
active role in Sonoma Valley communities, supporting local charities 
and volunteerism. It has been particularly instrumental in supporting 
Becoming Independent, a North Bay nonprofit dedicated to empowering 
people with developmental disabilities, and its wineries are a regular 
presence at the Sonoma Valley Harvest Wine Auction. Earlier this year, 
Benziger Family Winery also joined with the local Red Cross to support 
earthquake relief efforts in Haiti and in Chile.
  Madam Speaker, I ask you to join us in thanking the Benziger Family 
for its contributions to Sonoma Valley, and in congratulating its 
wineries on their success and well deserved recognition. Benziger 
Family Winery and Imagery Estate Winery are powerful examples of the 
value of community-minded business, and Sonoma Valley is stronger 
because of them.

                          ____________________