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“MOUNT VERNON LADIES' ASSOCIATION HOSTS WINE FESTIVAL” mentioning the U.S. Dept of Agriculture was published in the Extensions of Remarks section on pages E937-E938 on May 15, 1997.
The publication is reproduced in full below:
MOUNT VERNON LADIES' ASSOCIATION HOSTS WINE FESTIVAL
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HON. GEORGE P. RADANOVICH
of california
in the house of representatives
Thursday, May 15, 1997
Mr. RADANOVICH. Mr. Speaker, congressional colleagues and friends in the U.S. wine industry, I rise today to commend the Mount Vernon Ladies' Association for hosting the first-ever Wine Festival and Sunset Tour of the historic Mount Vernon Mansion, home of our first President, George Washington, May 16, 17, and 18, 1997.
As the first vintner to have the honor of serving in our Nation's Congress since Thomas Jefferson and as the Toastmaster for the opening night of this 3-day event, I wish to announce that my office has been notified that, among the distinguished public planning to attend this event, both Gen. George Washington and Thomas Jefferson will be present.
Twelve of Virginia's award-winning wineries will be pouring samples of their finest wines. The special tour of the Mansion will offer a new special view of the Washington family's hospitality frequently enjoyed by friends, colleagues, and foreign leaders of the period, including a first-ever look at the Mansion's cellar where Washington stored his wines. The participating Old Dominion wineries in this event are Barboursville Vineyards & Historic Ruins, Chateau Morrisette, Gray Ghost Vineyards, Horton Cellars Winery, Ingleside Plantation Vineyards, Jefferson Vineyards, Lake Anna Winery, Oasis Winery, Prince Michel Vineyards, Tarara Vineyard & Winery, Williamsburg Winery Ltd., and Wintergreen Vineyards & Winery.
When George Washington was not meeting the call of the Nation in leading our Continental Army toward independence and the incomparable responsibilities of establishing our fledgling democratic institutions, he remained at heart an agriculturalist, interested in all sectors of farm economy.
Based on his own observations during his travels along the eastern seaboard of America ``the spontaneous growth of the vine . . . bent under the weight of the ripe grapes,'' Washington was inspired to make repeated attempts at planting both native American vines and cuttings brought from Europe.
But, not unlike what Thomas Jefferson faced--the humidity of the region, lack of knowledge of vineyard management and the technology of dealing with pests and plant diseases, these attempts failed.
Our Nation had to wait some 200 years before the knowledge of modern viticulture and enology practices would allow the American wine industry to develop into one that is presently recognized internationally, with a strong competitive presence in the world market.
I wish to commend the work of Mount Vernon staffers, management, and the event's wine consultant, Gordon W. Murchie, a friend and industry spokesman, for presenting to the American public the proper image of the U.S. wine industry as being a part of our Nation's history, culture, and commerce. Public education that promotes ``responsible moderate consumption of wine as part of a healthy adult diet and life style'' is the message the U.S. wine industry and I wish to convey.
I am sure the Mount Vernon event will help further promulgate the message that wine is a beverage to be enjoyed in moderation with food, friends and in all manners of social occasions, but never abused.
Facts and Figures
National ranking
12th among farm wine and commercial grape growing states.
6th among vinifera wine growing states.
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Percent
1979 1997 increase
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Growth:
No. of wineries............................ 6 49 700
Acreage.................................... 286 1500 424
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1996 Production: 1,763 tons of wine grapes producing 282,080 gallons of wine.
Viticultural Regions
Virginia has six specifically designated grape growing
(viticultural) regions: Monticello, Northern Neck George Washington Birthplace, Rocky Knob, Shenandoah Valley, Eastern Shore, and North Fork of the Roanoke.
Major Varieties
Vinifera varieties: Chardonnay, White Ricsling, Cabernet Sauvignon, Pinot Noir, Gewurztraminer, Cabernet Franc, Sauvingnon Blanc, and Merlot.
Major French hybrid varieties: Seyval, Vidal Blanc, Villiard Blanc, and Marechal Foch.
Major American varieties: Concord, Delaware, and Niagara.
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Percent
Variety Acreage total Percent per ton
acreage
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Vinifera........................ 1140 76 $1,100 to $1,200.
French hybrid................... 285 19 $500 to $600.
American........................ 75 5 $400 to $500.
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Number of Vineyards in 1997--140.
1996 SALES
Cases and retail sales: 191,849; $23,021,880--9.5% increase over 1995.
Distribution of Virginia wines
In Virginia: Virginia wine is sold in retail outlets, restaurants, through festivals and special events, and direct at individual wineries.
Other: Distributed primarily in the eastern United States. Virginia wines are also found in major cities abroad as well as American cities such as Chicago, Dallas, Los Angeles, and San Francisco.
Tourism: Through winery tours and tastings, the Virginia wine industry attracts over 500,000 visitors annually.
Reasons for Virginia Wine Industry Growth: Favorable climate for growing grapes; Institutional support, especially from Division of Tourism and the Department of Agriculture & Consumer Services; Research and technology support from VPI& SU; Strong wine marketing program; An increasing regional and national awareness of quality of Virginia wines; and Dedication of Virginia wine industry to improving the quality and viability of its products.
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