02.06.14

Cantwell, Murray Introduce Senate Resolution Marking 30th Anniversary of Walla Walla Valley Wine Region

Resolution recognizes region ‘for being a pioneer in the wine industry of Washington’

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, U.S. Senators Maria Cantwell (D-WA) and Patty Murray (D-WA) introduced a resolution honoring the 30th Anniversary of the Walla Walla Valley American Viticultural Area (AVA).

The Walla Walla Valley American Viticultural Area was created 30 years ago on February 6, 1984 with four wineries. Since then it has grown to a region with nearly 130 wineries that generates more than $500 million annually for Washington state, according to an economic impact study from the Washington Wine Commission.   

The full text of the Senate Resolution follows:

Whereas the Walla Walla Valley American Viticultural Area was designated an American Viticultural Area on February 6, 1984;

Whereas the Walla Walla Valley American Viticultural Area is considered one of the most awarded and recognized of the American Viticultural Areas in the United States;

Whereas in 2013, 4 Walla Walla Valley American Viticultural Area wines were selected by 3 leading wine publications as among the top 100 wines in the world;

Whereas the wine industry contributes over $500 million annually to the economy of Walla Walla County;

Whereas jobs in the wine industry are steadily growing in Walla Walla County and are expected to account for 20 percent of jobs in Walla Walla County by 2020;

Whereas the number of wineries in the Walla Walla Valley American Viticultural Area has grown from 4 in 1984 to approximately 130 today;

Whereas agricultural land devoted to growing wine grapes in the Walla Walla Valley American Viticultural Area has grown from 30 acres in 1984 to 1,800 acres in 2013; and

Whereas Walla Walla Valley American Viticultural Area wines are consistently rated highly by critics and enjoyed by the wine connoisseurs around the world: Now, therefore, be it

Resolved, That the Senate--

(1) commends--

(A) the Walla Walla Valley American Viticultural Area on the occasion of its 30 year anniversary; and

(2) recognizes the Walla Walla American Viticultural Area for being a pioneer in the wine industry of Washington; and

(3) requests the Secretary of the Senate to transmit an enrolled copy of this resolution for appropriate display to the Walla Walla Valley Wine Alliance.

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