Congressman Dennis Cardoza
18th Congressional District of California

WASHINGTON – Congressman Dennis Cardoza (D-Merced) today applauded the passage of legislation that he introduced honoring the life of Ernest Gallo, a pioneer in the field of winemaking, dedicated philanthropist, and community leader.  Cardoza introduced House Concurrent Resolution 88 following the death of Ernest Gallo on March 6, 2007.

“With the death of Ernest Gallo the valley lost a great leader and a dear friend,” said Cardoza.  “Ernest Gallo was a brilliant innovator in the wine industry and a philanthropist without equal at home. The California wine industry would not be what it is today without him. His legacy of generosity to Modesto and the Central Valley community will live on for generations.”

Ernest Gallo was the first son of Italian immigrants and grew up in Modesto, CA working in his parents’ vineyard.  Along with his brother Julio, Ernest founded E. & J. Gallo Winery at the end of the Prohibition Era in 1933, with $5,900 and a winemaking pamphlet from the basement of the Modesto Public Library.  Armed with a keen business sense, Ernest Gallo was able to predict the growing demand for affordable wine in the United States and fostered Gallo Winery from a small, family owned winery into one of the world’s largest.  Currently, the Gallo Winery employs thousands across the nation, contributing greatly to the economic strength and vitality of our country. 
 
Ernest Gallo was also widely known for his generous philanthropic work in the City of Modesto and throughout the state of California.  He created an endowment at the Gallo Center for the Arts in Modesto, established the Ernest Gallo Clinic and Research Center at the University of California at San Francisco and strongly supported countless other healthcare and educational endeavors.

The resolution will next be taken up by the Senate where it has already been introduced by Senator Dianne Feinstein.