HOUSE RESOLUTION CONGRATULATING THE DIAMOND HILL VINEYARDS ON THE OCCASION OF THEIR 50TH ANNIVERSARY

H7711

2026 -- H 7711
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LC005051
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STATE OF RHODE ISLAND
IN GENERAL ASSEMBLY
JANUARY SESSION, A.D. 2026
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H O U S E R E S O L U T I O N
CONGRATULATING THE DIAMOND HILL VINEYARDS ON THE OCCASION OF THEIR
50TH ANNIVERSARY

Introduced By:
Representatives Marszalkowski, Ackerman, Voas, Shekarchi,
Blazejewski, Chippendale, McEntee, Kennedy, Edwards, and Bennett

Date Introduced:
February 11, 2026

Referred To:
House read and passed
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WHEREAS, In the late 60s, after being stationed in France in the Air Force, Peter and
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Claire Berntson returned to the Town of Cumberland and bought 34 acres of land on Diamond
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Hill Road to follow their heart and try their hand at farming and winemaking; and
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WHEREAS, Diamond Hill Vineyards is now a second-generation, family-run vineyard
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and winery still owned by the Berntson family. Officially founded in 1976, with the first grape
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plantings, this year marks the anniversary of five decades of farming, family history, and
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winemaking; and
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WHEREAS, Encompassing over 30 acres of scenic vineyards, beautiful gardens and
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unspoiled woodlands in the Town of Cumberland, Diamond Hill Vineyards began producing
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Pinot Noir, and now produces Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, Sauvignon Blanc, as well as
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small-batch grape and fruit wines including various blends from New England fruits such as
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apples, cranberries, peaches and blueberries; and
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WHEREAS, Diamond Hill Vineyards offers a beautiful day touring the winery,
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delightful wine and cheese tastings, a stop at its lovely little gift shop, a tasting room set in the
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charming vineyard house, or just a relaxing afternoon unwinding with a glass of wine simply
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enjoying the beautiful grounds outside on the lawn, or under the large covered porch in the
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summer time, or cozy next to the fireplace on those cold winter days; and
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WHEREAS, What began as a dream fifty years ago, is now a successful, sprawling
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vineyard that hosts guests year-round, distributes wine to local liquor stores, and is a must stop

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for families and friends to gather, and for out-of-towners to visit; now, therefore be it
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RESOLVED, That this House of Representatives of the State of Rhode Island hereby
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congratulates the Berntson Family on the occasion of their 50th Anniversary of the founding of
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Diamond Hills Vineyard and, moreover, wishes for its continued success; and be it further
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RESOLVED, That the Secretary of State be and hereby is authorized and directed to
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transmit duly certified copy of this resolution to Peter and Claire Berntson and Family.
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