The Paso Robles Wine Country Alliance has revealed its 2024 Wine Industry Persons of the Year: Randy and Jenny Heinzen, owners of Vineyard Professional Services and Vineyard Professional Real Estate. The Heinzens will be honored during the Annual Gala on February 6, 2025, at Cass Winery.
Their recognition comes from nominations and votes by the Paso Robles wine community, which includes over 500 wineries, vineyards, and related businesses. The Heinzens expressed their gratitude for the award, noting their deep connection to Paso Robles, not just as a workplace, but as their home, and shared the honor with their peers and the wider community.
Jenny Heinzen, a broker and owner of Vineyard Professional Real Estate, has played a key role in shaping the Paso Robles wine region, facilitating the sale of over 50 vineyards and wineries. Meanwhile, Randy Heinzen, the owner of Vineyard Professional Services, has contributed significantly to sustainable farming practices and technological innovations in vineyard management. Their collective efforts have been pivotal in the development of the Paso Robles American Viticultural Area, solidifying their impact on the local wine industry.
In addition to honoring the Heinzens, the gala will also recognize the Dusi family for their 100 years of farming in Paso Robles. The Dusi family, originally from Italy, purchased land in 1925 and began planting Zinfandel. Today, the family continues to farm sustainably while expanding their vineyard developments, introducing new varietals, and launching the J Dusi brand. Their legacy of farming excellence has made a lasting mark on the region, and their century-long dedication will be celebrated during the event.
The event will also serve as the formal installation of the 2025 Board of Directors for the Paso Robles Wine Country Alliance. The new board members include Josh Beckett of Peachy Canyon Winery, Cris Cherry of MAHA Estate, Randy Heinzen of Vineyard Professional Services, Carole MacDonal of Il Cortile Ristorante, Maeve Pesquera of O’Neill Vintners & Distillers, Victor Popp of La Quinta Inn & Suites, Molly Scott of Justin Vineyards & Winery, Michelle Thacher of Thacher Winery & Vineyard, and Maggie Tillman of Alta Colina Vineyard & Winery. This group of leaders will guide the future direction of the organization.
As part of the board transition, Chloé Asseo-Fabre of L’Aventure and Noreen Martin of Martin Resorts will step down. Meanwhile, Maeve Pesquera and Victor Popp will join the board in 2025, bringing their expertise and leadership to the organization. The installation of the new board will be a significant moment during the gala, reflecting the ongoing evolution and growth of the Paso Robles wine community.