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2020 SESSION

20104365D
HOUSE JOINT RESOLUTION NO. 372
Offered February 27, 2020
Celebrating the life of Michael Patrick Brandt.
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Patrons-- Carr, Adams, D.M. and Willett; Senator: Hashmi
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WHEREAS, Michael Patrick Brandt, award-winning brewer and winemaker and beloved member of the Richmond community, died on November 20, 2019; and

WHEREAS, born in Rochester, New York, Michael Brandt studied at James Madison University, where he earned a degree in sociology and acquired a love for brewing beer; and

WHEREAS, Michael Brandt’s career as a brewer and winemaker started as an assistant brewer at Calhoun’s Brewery in Harrisonburg, whereafter he worked his way through the ranks of the Virginia wine industry, ultimately becoming head winemaker and viticulturist at Naked Mountain Winery in Markham and assistant winemaker at Linden Vineyards; and

WHEREAS, committed to his craft, Michael Brandt returned to school to study the art and science of fermentation, earning a master’s degree in environmental studies from Virginia Commonwealth University and later working as a research agronomist at Virginia State University; and

WHEREAS, after many years helping other Virginia businesses thrive, Michael Brandt co-founded his own establishment, Garden Grove Brewing and Urban Winery, in Richmond; and

WHEREAS, Garden Grove Brewing and Urban Winery devoted itself to small-batch production, allowing Michael Brandt to experiment with novel recipes alongside more traditional offerings; with experience as both a brewer and a vintner, he excelled at producing creative combinations of beer and wine that both surprised and delighted patrons; and

WHEREAS, in recognition of his mastery as a brewer and winemaker, Michael Brandt’s recipes have won many awards at the Virginia Craft Beer Cup, the largest state competition of its kind in the United States; and

WHEREAS, a leader in his industry, Michael Brandt never hesitated to offer his expertise and guidance to other aspiring brewers and vintners, helping many others experience the joy of crafting great beer and wine; and

WHEREAS, Michael Brandt will be dearly remembered and greatly missed by his wife, Kara; his son, Miles; his parents, Berkeley and Carol; and numerous other family members and friends; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED by the House of Delegates, the Senate concurring, That the General Assembly hereby note with great sadness the loss of Michael Patrick Brandt, accomplished brewer and winemaker who inspired many with his passion and creativity; and, be it

RESOLVED FURTHER, That the Clerk of the House of Delegates prepare a copy of this resolution for presentation to the family of Michael Patrick Brandt as an expression of the General Assembly’s respect for his memory.