|
|
|
CONCURRENT RESOLUTION
|
|
WHEREAS, The Texas Hill Country is home to more than 45 |
|
wineries and vineyards, and Fredericksburg is the epicenter of this |
|
popular region; and |
|
WHEREAS, Early in the history of Fredericksburg, settlers |
|
used the native mustang grape to make wine; subsequent generations |
|
refined the cultivation of grapes and production of wine, and in |
|
recent years, several wines produced by Fredericksburg-area |
|
vineyards and wineries have won state and national awards, |
|
attesting to the high quality of local viticulture; and |
|
WHEREAS, More than 600 acres of grapes sprawl north and west |
|
of Fredericksburg, and the concentration of vineyards and wineries |
|
along U.S. Highway 290 draws a host of tourists; visitors enjoy |
|
patronizing tasting rooms, wine cellars, festivals, and a variety |
|
of other events, and several guided tours have been established for |
|
the convenience of customers; and |
|
WHEREAS, Fredericksburg has been designated as an American |
|
Viticultural Area by the Alcohol and Tobacco Tax and Trade Bureau; |
|
this appellation officially recognizes a "delimited grape growing |
|
region distinguishable by geographical features, the boundaries of |
|
which have been recognized and defined"; and |
|
WHEREAS, Hill Country wineries and vineyards contribute |
|
significantly to the prosperity of Fredericksburg, and they have |
|
brought the city international recognition that is a source of |
|
pride to area citizens; now, therefore, be it |
|
RESOLVED, That the 85th Legislature of the State of Texas |
|
hereby designate Fredericksburg as the official Wine Capital of |
|
Texas. |