Howie and Bev Steinbeck Honored as 2006 Industry Persons of the Year.

PASO ROBLES, Calif. -- The Paso Robles Wine Country Alliance honored Howie and Bev Steinbeck, owners of Steinbeck Vineyards on Friday, January 19 as the 2006 Wine Industry Persons of the Year, the industry's most esteemed honor. The recognition took place at the Paso Robles Park Ballroom during the Wine Country Alliance's 15th Annual Gala where they were both presented the award in front of more than 180 industry leaders and local and regional dignitaries. The Steinbecks have been inspirational to the Paso Robles wine industry since 1982 when they planted their first 50 acres of Cabernet Sauvignon and Chardonnay. Since then, they have been involved and contributed as a team to numerous industry endeavors and actions furthering the development of the Paso Robles appellation.

"Howie and Bev Steinbeck are true pioneers of the Paso Robles wine industry and have contributed heart and soul to an industry that is bearing the fruits of their labor," notes Dana Merrill, President of Mesa Vineyard Management and Vice-Chair of the Paso Robles Wine Country Alliance. "I am proud to present this award to two deserving people who are always ready to lend a hand to this industry. It's appropriate that they are well recognized for their contributions."

Since 1972 when Howie and Bev Steinbeck first purchased land in Paso Robles to begin farming barley, they have been active and giving members of the community. Howie and Bev have served on the Paso Robles Ag Tour committee for 20 years, bringing an awareness of grape farming to the tour; were influential in the original Paso Robles Wine University (now Studies In Place -- SIP) and are well involved with vineyard research at California Polytechnic University in San Luis Obispo. Today Steinbeck Vineyards is comprised of 500 acres of premium wine grapes that are farmed and managed by three generations of the Steinbeck family. Howie and Bev's strong sense of community can also be seen in their dedication to the congregation at Trinity Lutheran Church and their hosting of the annual Paso Robles Wine Country Alliance member barbeque, sparing no expense and welcoming all like family. Through their strong faith and closely tied family, they are always willing to lend a helping hand and support those in need.

Howie and Bev Steinbeck are visionaries, who aided in establishing the Paso Robles Vintners and Growers Association (Board Member 1997 -- 98) - now the Paso Robles Wine Country Alliance - which gave impetus to a unified wine industry. The intuition continues through their support of The Wineyard at Steinbeck Vineyards which brought an AgTourism asset to Paso Robles, a new trend in travel that is gaining popularity nationwide. Through their involvement, two area wineries (Eberle Winery and Eagle Castle Winery) found their start, today they partner in many other vineyards and provide consulting and custom farming for a number of families. The Steinbecks farm and/or manage 1,000 acres of wine grapes in Paso Robles with many local wineries featuring fruit grown by the Steinbecks proving that the Steinbeck family is well interwoven into the fabric that makes up Paso Robles Wine Country.

In addition to the Steinbeck announcement, the evening program recognized Wine Country Alliance outgoing board members. Each was presented with a plaque thanking them for their leadership.

* Jon Cagliero -- Cagliero Vineyards -- served as Secretary/Treasurer

* Christopher Vix -- EOS Estate Winery -- served on the Marketing Committee

The 2006 board members representing grower and winery members and executive team were announced with the gavel being handed to the new Chairman of the Board.

* Steve Lohr -- J.Lohr Vineyards & Wines - Chairman

* Dana Merrill -- Pomar Junction Vineyards -- Vice Chairman

* Jerry Reaugh -- Sereno Vista Vineyards -- Secretary/Treasurer

* Don Brady -- Robert Hall Winery -- Nominating Committee and Past Chairman

* Justin Baldwin -- Justin Vineyards & Winery

* Tony Domingos -- Brave Oak Vineyard

* Gary Eberle -- Eberle Winery

* Ric Fuller -- Continental Vineyards

* Cindy Newkirk -- Steinbeck Vineyards

The Paso Robles Wine Country Alliance (PRWCA) represents wineries, growers and businesses in Paso Robles Wine Country. Centrally located between San Francisco and Los Angeles, along California's Central Coast, Paso Robles Wine Country is California's fastest growing wine region. It encompasses more than 26,000 vineyard acres and more than 170 wineries.

For more information, visit www.pasowine.com.

Photo Available Upon Request.