Assembly Concurrent Resolution
No. 56
CHAPTER 30
Relative to California Winemaking Families and Grape Growers Appreciation Day.
[
Filed with
Secretary of State
May 14, 1999.
]
LEGISLATIVE COUNSEL'S DIGEST
ACR 56, Wiggins.
California Winemaking Families and Grape Growers Appreciation Day.
This measure would commend the family vintners and grape growers of this state and would designate the day of May 17, 1999, as California Winemaking Families and Grape Growers Appreciation Day.
Digest Key
WHEREAS, California’s proud wine making and grape growing heritage is integrally connected to the cultural, religious, and familial traditions of this state; and
WHEREAS, California’s wine making history began in 1769 when Padre Junípero Serra planted the first vinyards in San Diego; and
WHEREAS, The Gold Rush of 1849 transformed northern California into an important viticulture region when many “49ers” planted grapes and made wine, along with many other immigrant families throughout California; and
WHEREAS, California has become the leading producer of wine in America, now accounting for 90 percent of all wine, foreign and domestic, consumed in this country; and
WHEREAS, The wine industry is comprised primarily of family-owned enterprises, with 800 winery families and 4,000 growers promoting responsible stewardship of agriculture resources; and
WHEREAS, Wine grape growing and production is a significant agriculture industry in 43 of California’s 58 counties, with an estimated grape crush value of $1.5 billion; and
WHEREAS, California wine grape growers produced an all-time record of more than 2.9 million tons in 1997, on more than 407,231 acres; and
WHEREAS, Grapes are the second largest agricultural commodity in California and the sixth largest commodity in the nation, with California’s grape production ranking fourth internationally after Italy, France, and Spain; and
WHEREAS, The California wine industry is estimated to account for $10.9 billion in economic activity, providing 100,000 full-time jobs, and 300,000 seasonal part-time jobs, and the generation of more than $626 million in taxes and fees annually; and
WHEREAS, The California wine industry has flourished despite fires, floods, a revolution, military occupation, insect infestations, and Prohibition; and
WHEREAS, Wine grape growing enhances the environmental beauty of the state by preserving open space; and
WHEREAS, California wines frequently distinguish themselves as the best in the world in competitions and tastings, acquiring genuine respect for quality from foreign competitors; and
WHEREAS, Wine consumed in moderation enhances the appetite and provides delicious accompaniment to all types of regional cuisine in California, and enriches the quality of life for the citizenry of the state; and
WHEREAS, The wine industry enhances California’s quality of life through generous contributions to health, civic, and educational organizations; now, therefore, be it
Resolved by the Assembly of the State of California, the Senate thereof concurring, That the Legislature of the State of California commends the family vintners and grape growers of this state for their dedication to quality and also commends them for their commitment to enhancing their environment and communities; and be it further
Resolved, That the day of May 17, 1999, be proclaimed as “California Winemaking Families and Grape Growers Appreciation Day,” to promote the recognition and appreciation of the families of California’s wine industry; and be it further
Resolved, That the Chief Clerk of the Assembly transmit copies of this resolution to the author for appropriate distribution.