Paso Robles Wine Alliance honors 2025 industry leaders
Aron Nevarez and Christopher Taranto.
Ceremony begins at 6 p.m. July 18 at Mid-State Fair
– The San Luis Obispo County wine industry has announced the recipients of its 2025 Wine Industry Awards, recognizing leadership, innovation, and dedication in the region’s wine community. The awards will be presented at 6 p.m. on Friday, July 18 at the California Mid-State Fair in Mission Square.
This year’s honorees are Aron Nevarez as Wine Grape Grower of the Year, Molly Bohlman as Winemaker of the Year, and Christopher Taranto as Wine Industry Person of the Year. In addition, the industry will present a Lifetime Achievement Award to Libbie Agran, founder of the Wine History Project of San Luis Obispo County.
The Paso Robles Wine Country Alliance partnered with the SLO Coast Wine Collective, the Independent Grape Growers of the Paso Robles Area, The Vineyard Team, and past award recipients to nominate and select the 2025 awardees. Honorees are evaluated for their leadership and contributions to San Luis Obispo County, California’s third-largest wine region.
“The Mid-State Fair continues to be a perfect stage to honor the remarkable people behind San Luis Obispo County’s thriving wine community,” said Joel Peterson, executive director of the Paso Robles Wine Country Alliance. “This year’s honorees represent the very best of our region — from innovative winemaking and sustainable viticulture to tireless service in regional leadership. Their dedication, talent, and impact have earned the respect of their peers, and we look forward to celebrating their well-deserved recognition.”
Molly Bohlman and Libbie Agran.
Aron Nevarez has been growing premium wine grapes in the Paso Robles region since the 1990s, contributing to vineyards including Tablas Creek, Denner, and McPrice Myers.
Molly Bohlman has been crafting wines in California for nearly 30 years. Her career in San Luis Obispo County has included work at Gainey, Tolosa, Vina Robles, and for over a decade, Niner Wine Estates.
Christopher Taranto has led trade and media relations for Paso Robles Wine Country since 2007. He has helped shape national and international perceptions through trade education, speaking engagements, and media outreach.
The awards presentation is free to attend with paid admission to the California Mid-State Fair. Before the presentation, a ticketed event will feature a walk-around tasting of the gold medal winners of the Central Coast Wine Competition. Le Vigne Winery, the 2025 Central Coast Wine Competition Winery of the Year, will also be recognized during the event.
