Come Over October, approaching fast, will be a national celebration of wine as the beverage that brings us together—as family and friends, in homes and restaurants, for occasions large and small, or just hanging out.

The kickoff event will occur in Congress on Wednesday, September 25, at a bipartisan wine reception co-hosted by WineAmerica, the national association of American wineries in Washington, DC. WineAmerica has previously hosted receptions in conjunction with its legislative fly-ins each spring, but this is an even better opportunity to bring a divided Congress together over a glass of wine, highlighting the spirit of Come Over October.

WineAmerica’s mission involves federal public policy advocacy to protect and enhance the business climate for wine. While Michael Kaiser engages in the normal process of position papers, coalitions, and legislative meetings, we in the wine industry have a unique opportunity to tastefully remind legislators that wine is produced in all 50 states, bringing many economic benefits across the country. That’s the magic of Congressional Wine Receptions.

The Congressional Wine Caucus (CWC), co-chaired by Representatives Mike Thompson (D-CA) and Dan Newhouse (R-WA), is encouraging its many members to attend the tasting, which will include wines from all 50 states. They will also be part of a press conference preceding the event and featuring wine author Karen MacNeil, Napa-based author of The Wine Bible who initiated the idea behind the Come Over October celebration. WineAmerica Vice President Tara Good, who suggested this kickoff tasting and is organizing it, will also take part.

More details are available here.