[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 154 (2008), Part 3] [EXTENS] [Pages 3498-3499] [From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]HONORING THE 150TH ANNIVERSARY OF GUNDLACH BUNDSCHU WINERY OF SONOMA COUNTY, CA ______ HON. MIKE THOMPSON of california in the house of representatives Thursday, March 6, 2008 Mr. THOMPSON of California. Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize Gundlach Bundschu Winery in Sonoma County, California on the 150th anniversary of its founding. In the 150 years since the winery was established on March 12, 1858, California's wine industry has become the fourth largest wine producing region in the world and Gundlach Bundschu has played an integral part in that growth. It is the oldest family owned winery in the state and the sixth generation of the founding family continues to live, farm and pioneer the production of fine wines on the same vineyard land that was originally purchased by their great-grandfather's grandfather. Each generation has weathered unique challenges that defined them and the California wine industry and has met those challenges with ingenuity and resolve. Company offices and wine vaults were destroyed in the 1906 San Francisco earthquake, severely curtailing what had been a thriving business. The family was able to continue with limited production until the passage of prohibition in 1919, which forced the winery to close. After the repeal of prohibition, Gundlach Bundschu wine grapes were once again in demand, but the family winery wasn't restored until 1973. Today, the modern winery is dedicated to sustainable farming at its best. The family has always been an integral part of the community and a leader in civic affairs. They were instrumental in initiating the first Vintage Festival in Sonoma, a celebration of the annual grape harvest that has been held continuously for 110 years. Now, in celebration of its Sesquicentennial, Gundlach Bundschu has commissioned a theatrical presentation that will tour nine cities throughout the United States in the spring and fall of 2008. Madam Speaker, it is appropriate at this time that we acknowledge Gundlach Bundschu on the 150th anniversary of its founding. As California's oldest family owned winery, Gundlach Bundschu is truly a testament to the enduring quality and character of [[Page 3499]] California wine, and to its place among the nation's finest wineries. ____________________