Wine Country Alliance Honors North County Vintner

By Julie Lynem, The Tribune, San Luis Obispo, Calif.

Feb. 4–Dennis Collins, a North County winemaker with 35 years in the wine business, was named 2005 Wine Industry Person of Year by the Paso Robles Wine Country Alliance.

Collins, owner of Big Red Vineyard and general manager of Treana Winery, was honored for his vision, dedication and leadership Friday night at the organization’s 14th annual Vintners and Growers Ball.

"Dennis is passionate about the wine business," said Don Brady, chairman of the Wine Country Alliance and winemaker at Robert Hall Winery. "His experience from a local, state, national and global perspective has helped shape the Paso Robles wine industry."

He also was recognized by Paso Robles Mayor Frank Mecham, San Luis Obispo County Supervisor Harry Ovitt and the office of Assemblyman Sam Blakeslee.

For the past five years, Collins, who moved to Paso Robles in 1996, has worked to promote the Wine Country Alliance as a member of its board of directors.

He helped establish the Paso Robles Wine University, which teaches people about Paso Robles wines, and has served on a variety of committees.

The organization also recognized its outgoing board members. Collins, Neil Roberts of Roberts Vineyard Services, Deborah Baldwin of Justin Vineyards & Winery and Gary Stemper of Eagle Castle Winery were honored with plaques.

New board members include Brady; Dana Merrill of Pomar Junction Vineyards; Jon Cagliero of Cagliero Vineyards; and Justin Baldwin of Justin Vineyards & Winery.

—–

Copyright (c) 2006, The Tribune, San Luis Obispo, Calif.

Distributed by Knight Ridder/Tribune Business News.

For information on republishing this content, contact us at (800) 661-2511 (U.S.), (213) 237-4914 (worldwide), fax (213) 237-6515, or e-mail reprints@krtinfo.com.