Wine alliance names Paso Robles Wine Industry Persons of the Year
Randy and Jenny Heinzen, owners of Vineyard Professional Services and Vineyard Professional Real Estate, were named the 2024 Wine Industry Persons of the Year.
Randy and Jenny Heinzen to be honored at gala held in February
– The Paso Robles Wine Country Alliance has announced the 2024 Paso Robles Wine Industry Persons of the Year and the installation of its 2025 board of directors. Randy and Jenny Heinzen, owners of Vineyard Professional Services and Vineyard Professional Real Estate, were named the 2024 Wine Industry Persons of the Year.
The Heinzens will be honored at the Paso Robles Wine Country Alliance Annual Gala on Thursday, Feb. 6, at Cass Winery. The couple was nominated and selected by the organization’s membership, which represents more than 500 wineries, vineyards, and associated businesses.
“We are deeply honored to receive this recognition,” said Jenny and Randy Heinzen. “Paso Robles is more than where we work—it’s home. We share this award with our peers, mentors, and every person committed to keeping Paso Robles wine country vibrant.”
Jenny Heinzen, broker and owner of Vineyard Professional Real Estate, has facilitated the sales of more than 50 vineyards and wineries, shaping the Paso Robles wine region. Randy Heinzen, owner of Vineyard Professional Services, has focused on sustainable farming and technological innovation in vineyard management. Both have contributed significantly to the development of the Paso Robles American Viticultural Area.
Dusi family recognized for 100 years in Paso Robles
The Dusi family will also be honored at the gala, commemorating 100 years of farming in Paso Robles. Italian immigrants Sylvester and Caterina Dusi purchased land in 1925 and planted Zinfandel. Now in its fifth generation, the family continues to farm sustainably while introducing new vineyard developments, varietals, and the J Dusi brand.
“The Annual Gala brings our wine community together each year to recognize those who have contributed to the region’s success, and we are honored to celebrate Randy and Jenny Heinzen as Wine Industry Persons of the Year and recognize the Dusi family’s milestone anniversary,” said Joel Peterson, executive director of the Paso Robles Wine Country Alliance.
2025 board of directors installed
The event will also serve as the formal installation of the 2025 Paso Robles Wine Country Alliance Board of Directors. The incoming board members are:
- Josh Beckett – Peachy Canyon Winery / Thibido Winery
- Cris Cherry (Vice Chair) – MAHA Estate / Villa Creek Cellars
- Randy Heinzen (Treasurer) – Coakley Vineyard / Vineyard Professional Services
- Carole MacDonal – Il Cortile Ristorante / Parchetto Bistro
- Maeve Pesquera – O’Neill Vintners & Distillers / Robert Hall Winery
- Victor Popp – La Quinta Inn & Suites
- Molly Scott (Chair) – Justin Vineyards & Winery
- Michelle Thacher – Thacher Winery & Vineyard
- Maggie Tillman – Alta Colina Vineyard & Winery
Chloé Asseo-Fabre of L’Aventure and Noreen Martin of Martin Resorts will depart the board, while Maeve Pesquera and Victor Popp will join.
About Paso Robles Wine Country Alliance
The Paso Robles Wine Country Alliance is the official trade and marketing organization representing wineries, growers, and businesses in the Paso Robles American Viticultural Area. Spanning more than 40,000 vineyard acres and home to 200 wineries, Paso Robles Wine Country is located along California’s Central Coast between San Francisco and Los Angeles.
For more information, visit pasowine.com.
