We are thrilled to announce the 2019 Paso Robles Wine Industry Person of the Year awardee Neil Collins!

On Thursday, January 23 the Paso Robles wine community will come together to recognize one of our own who has exemplified the spirit of Paso Robles Wine Country with outstanding leadership and vision. Neil Collins, Winemaker and Owner at Lone Madrone, Winemaker and Vineyard Manager at Tablas Creek Vineyard, and Proprietor of Bristols Cider, will receive the 2019 Paso Robles Wine Industry Person of the Year award at the Paso Robles Wine Country Alliance’s Annual Gala. 

Neil Collins has been an advocate for the Paso Robles American Viticultural Area (AVA) for more than 20 years. Neil’s winemaking has played an important role in introducing wines of balance and elegance from Paso Robles to a global audience.

“To be nominated for this award and then to be chosen by my peers as the 2019 Wine Industry Person of the Year, is at once, surprising, humbling, and a great honor,” said Neil Collins. “The Paso Robles wine community has always been good to me and to my family. I have been able to achieve successes far beyond my expectations, a few healthy failures along the way also! All with the support and encouragement of this community. I have strived to repay this by promoting and championing this great region before all else. I look forward to watching the continued growth in the reputation of our appellation as the very best in California and beyond. Thank you all so very much, my friends, and neighbors.”

Neil has emerged as a sought-after authority on the Paso Robles wine region, speaking to national and international trade and media audiences with a steadfast promotion of the AVA. Often speaking about biodynamic and dry farming, Neil’s expertise in the region is paramount. Neil, and his family, also add to the collective economic prosperity of the region with Lone Madrone winery and Bristols Cider. Along with Tablas Creek Vineyard, these are businesses that extend Mr. Collins’ vision of quality craft products from the Paso Robles region.

Neil Collins joins an impressive list of awardees spanning back to 1990 when the awards first began. He was nominated and named the 2019 Paso Robles Wine Industry Person by the Paso Robles Wine Country Alliance membership which represents 450+ companies including wineries, vineyards, and associated businesses. Neil will be recognized by industry colleagues at the Paso Robles Wine Country Alliance’s Annual Gala.

Not everyone can make it to the Alliance’s Annual Gala. So, the next time you see Neil, give him a pat on the back, or better yet, buy him a beer.