JASON HAAS NAMED THE 2015 PASO ROBLES WINE INDUSTRY PERSON OF THE YEAR

(Paso Robles, CA) On Friday, February 5 the Paso Robles Wine Country community comes together to recognize Jason Haas of Tablas Creek Vineyard for his outstanding contributions toward the success of the Paso Robles wine industry. Jason will be honored as the 2015 Paso Robles Wine Industry Person of the Year at the Paso Robles Wine Country Alliance’s annual winter gala.

12469593_10153646179132415_4878007134613854298_o Jason Haas, through his leadership role at Tablas Creek Vineyard, has worked diligently in getting Paso Robles Wine Country recognized as a world class wine region. His efforts have effectively brought notice to Paso Robles as the epicenter of California’s Rhone movement, including the establishment of the Paso Robles Rhone Rangers chapter. Jason’s contributions to the creation and advocacy of the 11 new American Viticultural areas within the greater Paso Robles Appellation aided in the landmark ruling, bringing further notoriety to the region.

“Jason’s dedication to Paso Robles wine country has been evident in his eagerness to share what makes the region unique to trade and media alike,” said Jennifer Porter, Executive Director of the Paso Robles Wine Country Alliance. “Whether it be on the road at an event or here in Paso Robles for one of our many programs that brings in wine trade and journalists, he is a devoted ambassador.”

Haas often represents the region to national groups including the American Wine Society, the American Institute of Wine & Food, the United Wine and Grape Symposium, and the Society of Wine Educators. Articles penned by Jason about Paso Robles and the Rhone varietals have been published in Wine Business Monthly, Wines & Vines, Wine Industry Network, and Zester daily. As the principal author of the Tablas Creek blog, it has won Best Winery Blog by the Wine Bloggers Association in 2008 and 2011.

Along with being a well-respected local representative, he is also a trusted source by media, often appearing in national and international articles representing Paso Robles Wine Country. Jason Haas currently serves chairman of the Paso Robles Wine Country Alliance Board of Directors, a director on the Rhone Rangers Board of Directors, and past board member of the Family Winemakers of California.

Jason was recognized by industry colleagues on Friday, February 5 and presented his award by Austin Hope, Vice Chairman of the Alliance Board of Directors, and his father, Robert Haas, Managing Partner of Tablas Creek Vineyard and recipient of the 2007 Paso Robles Wine Industry Person of the Year Award.

The Alliance’s annual gala event hosts more than 160 members of Paso Robles’ wine community with elected officials and representatives from national, state and local offices on hand to commemorate the honor. This year’s event will be held at Vina Robles Vineyards & Winery on Highway 46 East.

Board of Directors Installation

The evening also presents the 2016 Paso Robles Wine Country Alliance Board of Directors and Executive Team:

  • Chairman: Jason Haas, Tablas Creek Vineyard
  • Vice Chairman: Austin Hope, Treana and Hope Family Wines
  • Treasurer: Matt Dusi, Ranch 7
  • Carl Bowker, Caliza Winery
  • Hans R Michel, Vina Robles Vineyards & Winery
  • Greg O’Quest, French Camp Vineyards
  • Joe Plummer, Plummer Vineyard
  • Bob Tillman, Alta Colina Vineyard & Winery
  • Amanda Wittstrom-Higgins, Wittstrom Family Vineyard

ABOUT PASO ROBLES WINE COUNTRY ALLIANCE

The Paso Robles Wine Country Alliance 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 third largest wine region. It encompasses more than 32,000 vineyard acres and 200 wineries. For more information, visit www.pasowine.com. @PasoRoblesWine, #pasowine