Beringer
Beringer Vineyards re-names premium vineyard after Vineyard Manager
Oct 17, 2003, 12:58

Beringer Vineyards, Napa Valley’s oldest continuously operating winery, has officially renamed one of its key vineyards in tribute to long-time vineyard manager, Robert “Bob” Steinhauer.  Tre Colline Vineyard in the Howell Mountain sub-appellation of Napa Valley, a regular component in Beringer’s flagship Private Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon, will now be known officially as “Steinhauer Ranch”. 

“Through four decades of wine growing, including 24 years here at Beringer, Bob Steinhauer has come to embody a commitment to quality born of tireless stewardship of his vineyards.  His leadership, passion and integrity have resulted in innumerable contributions to the Californian wine industry, and renaming one of our key vineyards—and one of Bob’s favorites—seems the most fitting way of showing our gratitude,” comments Walt Klenz, Managing Director of Beringer Vineyards’ parent company, Beringer Blass Wine Estates.

Steinhauer’s hands-on career in vineyard management began in Delano, California, and shifted to Napa Valley in 1971.  Among his mentors was the legendary André Tchelistcheff*, known to many as the "Father of California Winemaking" and the man most responsible for establishing California’s credentials as a fine wine-producing region on the world stage.  “André taught me about terroir, about the special qualities of Napa Valley. And of course I’ve learned more from my experience along the way,” says Steinhauer.

As Senior Vice President of Vineyards, Steinhauer managed all of Beringer Blass Wine Estates’ 10,300 planted acres until July 2003, when he announced the desire to step-back from the intensity of that position and spend more time with his family.  In his new position, Steinhauer oversees Beringer Blass’ vineyards in Santa Barbara and San Luis Obisbo Counties, and the stable of reserve quality vineyards that he developed in partnership with Beringer Vineyards’ Winemaster, Ed Sbragia, over the last 25 years.

Steinhauer has been active in industry associations for decades and currently serves on the boards of the California Wine Institute and the Napa Valley Vintners’ Association (Vice President).  In 2001 he was appointed by Governor Gray Davis to serve on the State of California’s Pierce’s Disease/Glassy-winged Sharpshooter board. 

In reaction to the surprise tribute, Steinhauer said: “I’m very honoured to have my family’s name on this beautiful piece of property, and I think it’s also a wonderful way for the company to acknowledge all the farming activity and its importance. ”

~ Ends ~

* André Tchelistcheff was a pivotal figure in the revitalisation of the California wine industry following Prohibition.  Whilst oenologist at Beaulieu Vineyards, he used his Paris training in viticulture and wine making to pioneer such techniques as cold fermentation and the use of American oak barrels for ageing. 

NOTES TO EDITORS

Established in the Napa Valley, California, in 1876, Beringer Vineyards produces award-winning premium varietal wines across a broad spectrum of prices. 

Beringer has the honour of appearing on Wine Spectator’s Top 100 list more times than any other winery.

For further information, please contact:

Bryony Wright/ Mark Hunt

Jefferson Hunt Communication Consultants Ltd

Tel: 0117 909 1834/ 07974 741764

bryony@jeffersonhunt.co.uk