2022 Wine Country Alliance Award Winners

By Jamie Guzman of Paso Robles Wine Country Alliance

The Community Wine Awards recognize individuals and organizations that make Paso Robles Wine Country a better place to live and work. For the fourth year in a row, we called for nominations for our Wine Awards from the Paso Robles Wine Country Alliance membership, and the awards are voted on by their peers. It is exciting to announce the recipients of the 2022 Vineyard Worker of the Year, Cellar Worker of the Year, Hospitality Star, and Environmental Steward.

Cellar Worker of the Year

Vineyard Worker of the Year

It all starts in the vineyard, and keeping a careful eye on how the vineyard is maintained and cultivated throughout the year takes a lot of talent and perseverance. The vineyard team member who has contributed the most to helping their team cultivate and harvest exceptional Paso Robles fruit is recognized in this award. Through leadership, dedication, or spirit, this team member deserves recognition for their time spent with boots in the dirt and hands on the vines.

Daniel Martinez,

“Daniel is first in, last out, and the best chef on the entire team! His low-key demeanor and softspoken confidence bring calm to even the busiest harvest days and nights. Daniel always says ‘yes,’ even when none of us know how he does it. He’s a reluctant pro when it comes to educating our guests and team about viticulture, and we are thrilled that he’s part of the Alta Colina family.”

Aurelien Cruzet, Clos

The cellar team is the backbone of the winery; through exceptional organization and careful management, this team keeps the winery’s vision for high-quality wine at the forefront. This award goes to a member of the cellar team who has contributed the most to help their team produce outstanding Paso Robles wine through leadership, dedication, or spirit; this cellar team member doesn’t shy away from getting dirty and deserves recognition.

“For the past five years, Aurelien’s been our Assistant Winemaker. Not only does he assist in the management of the cellar, vineyard, and production team, he’s an integral part of the hospitality team’s success, Always a phone call away and eager to help. He’s the first to greet every team member with a smile and a joke, even after a long night of harvest, all while being a supportive husband and father to his 2-year-old daughter. Aurelien is our ‘Jack of all Trades’ and so deserving of this award.”

To learn more about Paso Robles Wine Country Alliance, visit pasowine.com.