By Elizabeth DiNovella

Thanks to the efforts of Wisconsin Grape Grower Association President, Randy Hartung, Governor Evers has signed a Proclamation naming Wisconsin Vineyard Week as July 14 – 20, 2019.

Excerpts of the proclamation follows:

Whereas; Wisconsin has a rich history of grape production dating back to 1846 when some of the first grapes grown in the Midwest were planted in Wisconsin by Agoston Haraszthy, a Hungarian immigrant; and

Whereas; Elmer Swenson, born in Osceola, Wisconsin began to develop hybrid grapes, later referred to as “cold-climate grapes,” in 1943 that could withstand the harsh Wisconsin winters and consistently produce excellent wines; and

Whereas; the first licensed winery in Wisconsin was opened in Algoma, Wisconsin in 1967 by Dr. Charles Stiehl; and

Whereas; Wisconsin boasts approximately 200 vineyards with over 1,400 acres of hybrid varietal grapes, ensuring a robust future for the Wisconsin tourism industry; and

Whereas; Wisconsin’s grape and winery industry has won numerous prestigious gold medal awards from some of the nation’s most respected international wine competitions; and

Whereas; the Wisconsin Grape Growers Association and the broader Wisconsin wine industry are examples of innovation in our state, proving that Wisconsin can compete on an international scale regardless of our cold-weather climate;

Now, Therefore, I, Tony Evers, Governor of the State of Wisconsin, do hereby proclaim July 14-20, 2019, as WISCONSIN VINEYARD WEEK throughout the State of Wisconsin, and I commend this observance to all our citizens.

This article was posted in Grapes and tagged vineyard week, Wisconsin vineyards, Wisconsin wine.