H-5075.1          _______________________________________________

                         HOUSE CONCURRENT RESOLUTION 4435

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State of Washington              52nd Legislature             1992 Regular Session

By Representatives Rayburn, Grant, Edmondson, Roland, Lisk, Riley, Ludwig, Bowman, Bray, Fraser, Leonard, Chandler, Haugen, Nealey, Paris, Brumsickle, Padden, Wynne and Anderson

Read first time 03/06/92.  Referred to Committee on Rules Review.Recognizing Washington wine appreciation month.

     WHEREAS, The history of wine dates back countless ages and is recognized as the temperate, civilized, sacred, romantic mealtime beverage recommended in the Bible; and

     WHEREAS, Washington's own history with wine began with plantings by Hudson's Bay Company settlers near Fort Vancouver in 1825; and

     WHEREAS, The first documented European vinifera winegrapes were planted in the Tampico area by German immigrants in 1871; and

     WHEREAS, Washington has since developed to become the second largest producer of vinifera winegrapes in the United States; and

     WHEREAS, Washington now grows more than eleven thousand acres of vinifera winegrapes producing an average of thirty-nine thousand tons of grapes per year valued at sixteen million five hundred thousand dollars; and

     WHEREAS, Tax revenues from the sale of Washington wine have made a significant contribution to the general revenue and several dedicated programs; and

     WHEREAS, Tax revenues devoted to wine marketing and wine research have helped the Washington wine industry gain recognition as one of the world's great wine growing regions and have paid diverse dividends to the state; and

     WHEREAS, Washington currently has over seventy-five separate wineries which sell over five million three hundred thousand gallons of premium table wine in all fifty states and over twenty foreign countries at a retail value over one hundred thirty-two million five hundred thousand dollars; and

     WHEREAS, The combined economic impact of Washington wineries and vineyards involves twenty-seven other sectors of the state economy for a total of forty million dollars; and

     WHEREAS, Washington wineries serve as an important attraction to a significant number of tourists visiting our region; and

     WHEREAS, Washington wines have become highly recognized in national and international press and continue to garner awards at disproportionately high levels in comparison to the volume of wines entered in distinguished international competitions; and

     WHEREAS, Washington wine, which refreshes the palate and enhances the appetite, has played a significant role in the development and recognition of culture and cuisine of the entire Northwest region; and

     WHEREAS, Premium table wine, when consumed in moderation, has been found in numerous studies to provide diverse healthful benefits, with documented positive impact on reduction of coronary disease; and

     WHEREAS, Premium table wine, as a mealtime beverage of moderation, enhances family values and provides an important base for family education about its proper use and enjoyment; and

     WHEREAS, Traditional use of premium table wine is not associated with social ills as crime, motor vehicle accidents, and lost productivity resulting from abuse; and

     WHEREAS, The Washington wine industry is recognized by this body as practicing exemplary standards of advertising and commercial ethics; and

     WHEREAS, Washington wineries are recognized as supporters of community groups through event sponsorship and contributions; and

     WHEREAS, Washington wine is an agriculturally based food beverage of moderation which brings pride to the State of Washington;

     NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, By the House of Representatives, the Senate concurring, That the Legislature of the State of Washington commends the vintners of this state for their dedication to history and quality and also commends them for their commitment to enhancing their environment and communities; and

     BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That the Legislature believes that Washington's reputation as an exceptional wine region and its wines should continue to be promoted throughout the state and all other markets of interest; and

     BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That the Legislature hereby proclaims the month of September 1992, as "Washington Wine Appreciation Month," and likewise proclaims the month of September of each year as "Washington Wine Appreciation Month," to promote recognition and appreciation for the Washington wine industry.