The Wine Institute

May 13, 2008 Congressman Sam Farr received Wine Institute’s Annual Leadership Award from Wine Institute President and CEO Robert P. (Bobby) Koch and Wine Institute Board Chairman Jasper (Jay) Indelicato of Delicato Family Vineyards, headquartered in Napa, with a winery in Manteca and vineyards in Monterey County.

WASHINGTON, D.C. — Wine Institute presented its Annual Leadership Award to Congressman Sam Farr, D-Carmel, during its 26th Washington Week, where Institute vintners met with top Congressional leaders and Administration officials in the nation's capital. Wine Institute President and CEO Robert P. (Bobby) Koch and Wine Institute Board Chairman Jasper (Jay) Indelicato, chief operating officer at Delicato Family Vineyards, presented the award to Farr in appreciation for the Congressman's outstanding work in supporting the California wine industry. Farr is a member of the Congressional Wine Caucus and is also Chairman of the Congressional Travel and Tourism Caucus.

"Through his work on the House Appropriations Committee, Congressman Farr has been instrumental in promoting and protecting the wine industry not only in his district on California's Central Coast but in wine regions throughout the state as well as the entire country," said Koch. "He understands that wine's unique role in both agriculture and tourism impacts a wide variety of industries dependent upon and stimulated by the wine industry."

"Congressman Farr has advocated for agricultural research, sustainable development, tourism promotion, and a host of other initiatives vital to the industry," added Indelicato. "We are honored to recognize Congressman Sam Farr."

"I am proud to support an industry that is one of the economic drivers for the state's economy," said Congressman Farr. "The California wine industry has a $125.3 billion impact on the U.S. economy and generates 1.1 million jobs. In California, nearly 20 million tourists visit wine regions annually and make $2 billion in wine-related expenditures. California wineries benefit communities with farming and winemaking practices that are socially and environmentally responsible, and enhance the quality of life by preserving open space and offering cultural attractions such as festivals, concerts and museums."

Since the 1940's, Wine Institute has maintained a strong presence in Washington, D.C. to promote and protect the wine industry in tax, trade, legislative and regulatory matters. Each year, a vintner delegation from California travels to the nation's capital for Wine Institute's Washington Week. The group discusses important issues in working sessions with the country's top decision-makers. The annual delegation visit builds upon the year-round work performed by Wine Institute.

Established in 1934, the Wine Institute is the public policy advocacy group of 1,100 California wineries and affiliated businesses that initiate and advocate state, federal and international public policy to enhance the environment for the responsible consumption and enjoyment of wine. The Wine Institute membership represents 95 percent of California production and 85 percent of U.S. production.