WineAmerica and the Wine Institute recently held our first joint Congressional wine reception since 2019. The Covid era took away our ability to hold these events, and it was great to get back to hosting and getting a chance to enjoy wine with Members of Congress and their staff.

The March 23 event was intended to shed light on the Congressional Wine Caucus, and all of the work that it does on behalf of the industry in Congress. WineAmerica and Wine Institute provided wine from California, Washington, Oregon, New York, Texas, Pennsylvania and Michigan, and we partnered with Certified American Grown, who provided flowers that accompanied the wine and 75-degree weather perfectly.

Wine receptions are an important part of the advocacy process for WineAmerica. When you meet with a Congressional office, nine times out of ten it is with staff, not with the Member. This is fine as the staff does the lion’s share of the work, but you almost never get facetime with a Member during a regular meeting. A social event like a reception is an excellent way to see Congressional staff AND the Members. The relaxed atmosphere of a reception allows for great conversation and the ability to connect that you just cannot replicate across a conference table.

We want to thank our partners in the Congressional Wine Caucus, Representatives Mike Thompson (D-CA) and Dan Newhouse (R-WA), and the following members of WineAmerica for donating wine:

• L’Ecole No. 41 (Washington)
• Brooks Wines (Oregon)
• Fox Run Vineyards (New York)
• William Chris Vineyards (Texas)
• Mazza Vineyards (Pennsylvania)
• Chateau Chantal (Michigan)

 Next up, the always popular Wine and Shellfish Reception that will feature wines from Oregon, Texas, Virginia and more.

Congressman Dan Newhouse (R-WA), co-chair of the Congressional Wine Caucus drinking L'Ecole No. 41