Whereas wine growers in southern California counties are a proud and established local institution that make lasting contributions to the economies of our State and Nation by producing beloved wines, creating jobs, and growing regional tourism; Whereas, despite facing formidable challenges, including prolonged droughts, high labor and energy costs, and burdensome land use regulations, southern California wine growers have continually exhibited resilience and achieved success; Whereas the wine industry in southern California has demonstrated uncommon adaptability and employed innovative solutions to optimize water usage through drip irrigation systems, exploring the development of drought-resistant grape varieties, and experimenting with new automated growing technologies; Whereas southern California wine growers have created abundant new opportunities for employment and economic development in the region; Whereas the southern California wine industry employs more than 600,000 Americans, and more than 422,000 are from California alone; Whereas, comprised of 93 vineyard and winery operations, Riverside County wineries and wine-related businesses generate an average of more than 17,000 jobs and more than $956,000,000 every year, as well as $2,700,000,000 in annual economic activity in the State; Whereas, comprised of 203 vineyard and winery operations, San Diego County wineries and wine-related businesses generate more than 29,000 jobs and more than $1,700,000,000 every year, as well as $4,400,000,000 in annual economic activity in the State; Whereas, comprised of 45 vineyard and winery operations, Orange County wineries and wine-related businesses generate more than 30,000 jobs and more than $1,800,000,000 every year, as well as $4,700,000,000 in annual economic activity in the State