Wine Grape Grower of the Year
Aron Nevarez

Aron Nevarez, born in the Durango México Mountain range, he is the fourth generation of farmers and land stewards. At a very young age, working alongside his grandfather, he learned to love the land and the responsibility of caring for it. At the young age of 15, he moved to California in search of both an opportunity at a better life and to expand his knowledge of agriculture. He would eventually land in Paso Robles, working to support himself and simultaneously attending school to learn English.

Of course, he had to exaggerate his age by a few years in order to land a job initially, but he was fortunate enough to gain a lifelong career working the vineyards across all of Paso Robles. The process of cultivating new vines from the old began a passion that sustained and fueled him for decades to come.

In the early 90s, he took a job with Tablas Creek working on the propagation of Rhône varieties for their vineyard project. This was where it all started, and he took to interest in very fine detail all there was to learn about the combinations and compatibility between fruit vines and rootstock. With this knowledge and working alongside professors in the Rhône Varieties like John Alban; his efforts yielded some of the highest quality fruit for selected wineries in Paso Robles.

From 2004 to 2022, he accepted the job as Vineyard Manager for Denner Vineyards and always kept pursuing knowledge related viticulture, never stopping. His blood sweat and tears were all in effort to maintain his production of some of the best fruit by testimonies of his buyers. Between 2012 and 2013, he began managing other small vineyard projects in the region, leading up to his work with McPrice Myers and his vineyard project. By 2023, he accepted the position as the head of Viticulture for McPrice Myers.

Aron Nevarez continues his pursuit of knowledge, and all innovations related to the field of viticulture. All in an effort to keep up with Mother Nature and any curveballs that she may throw. Always living by the thought, “If you take, you have to give back. That applies to all.

Winemaker of the Year
Molly Bohlman

A native Midwesterner, Molly Bohlman had little exposure to wine growing up, but by her teenage years she was driven to make it her future. She visited her first vineyard on her 19th birthday, studied in France at 20, and worked at a research vineyard in Minnesota at 21. Within a month, she was planning her move to California to pursue a career in grapegrowing and winemaking.

Now nearly 30 years into her California wine journey, Molly has worked in diverse roles across Sonoma, Santa Barbara, and San Luis Obispo counties—including enologist, vineyard manager, assistant winemaker, and winemaker. She planted and farmed a Pinot Noir vineyard in the Sta. Rita Hills and has contributed to more than 15 brands, with production volumes ranging from boutique (100 cases) to large-scale (over 400,000 cases annually). Prior to joining Niner Wine Estates, she honed her skills at respected producers such as Gainey, Tolosa, Vina Robles, and Paul Hobbs.

Molly has been a winemaker at Niner Wine Estates for over a decade, where her elegant, age-worthy wines from Jespersen Ranch have earned critical acclaim and showcased the distinct character of the SLO Coast. Her wines reflect both her meticulous craftsmanship and deep connection to place.

A passionate advocate for sustainability, Molly played a pivotal role in helping Niner Wine Estates become the first SIP Certified Winery. She lent technical expertise to the Vineyard Team’s SIP (Sustainability in Practice) program during its early development and continues to be a thought leader in sustainable winegrowing.

Her industry involvement is broad and impactful. She has served on the Advisory Committee and Board of Directors of World of Pinot Noir (where she held leadership roles as Vice President and President) and the Vintners Institute Guild. Molly also co-founded the Central Coast Wine Tech Group and coordinated the Winemaker Technical Symposium for World of Pinot Noir. She currently serves on the Vineyard Team Board and SIP Technical Committee and is active in the SLO Coast Wine Collective, continuously championing collaboration and innovation in the region.

Academically, Molly holds an A.S. in Viticulture Management from Santa Rosa Junior College and a B.S. in Fruit Science with a Minor in Wine and Viticulture from Cal Poly, San Luis Obispo. Molly is passionate about cool-climate varieties, especially Pinot Noir, Chardonnay, and Syrah.

Outside of winemaking, she enjoys creative home and garden projects, hiking, yoga, travel, and time with her family. She lives in San Luis Obispo with her husband Daniel, and their son Sawyer.

Wine Industry Person of the Year
Christopher Taranto

With over 20 years of experience in public relations, destination marketing, and strategic communications, Christopher Taranto has been a driving force behind the success and visibility of Paso Robles Wine Country. As Communications Director for the Paso Robles Wine Country Alliance since 2007, he leads trade and media relations, develops programming for industry audiences, and shapes messaging that elevates the region’s profile among consumers, buyers, and press.

Chris is widely regarded for his ability to communicate the nuances of climate, soil, and AVA diversity in ways that are both engaging and accessible. He has designed and executed dozens of trade immersion experiences and media tours, helping top-tier buyers and influential journalists connect deeply with Paso’s people, wines, and place. He also organizes and leads consolidated tastings for influential wine critics to ensure they experience the full depth and diversity of the region. He brings Paso Robles to the world stage as well, representing the region at events across the country and internationally, building new relationships and opening doors for regional growth.

In addition to his core communications work, Chris contributes to grant-funded initiatives and collaborative campaigns that support the long-term competitiveness of the region. He’s known for his thoughtful planning, strong writing, and steady behind-the-scenes leadership that makes complex activations look effortless.

Before joining the Alliance, Christopher was the Public Relations Manager for the California Space Authority, where he led media efforts supporting California’s space enterprise sector. Prior to that, he served as Director of Tourism for the Paso Robles Visitors & Conference Bureau, where he developed a new brand identity and marketing presence for the city. Earlier in his career, he held key roles with the Monterey County Convention and Visitors Bureau and the Monterey County Travel and Tourism Alliance, focusing on strategic marketing, grants, and regional promotions.

Christopher earned his degree in Recreation Administration from California State University, Sacramento. He holds a WSET Level Two certification and is currently pursuing his Certified Specialist of Wine.

A longtime Paso Robles resident, Chris is also deeply engaged in the local community. He serves as Chair of the REC Foundation, supporting parks and recreation programs, and finds balance at home with his wife Jenny and their two sons, Joe and Nick—often enjoying the natural beauty of California’s Central Coast together.

PRWCA Lifetime Achievement Award
Libbie Agran

Libbie Agran is a passionate historian, archivist, and the visionary founder of the Wine History Project of San Luis Obispo County (WHP). Since retiring to the Central Coast over two decades ago, Libbie has dedicated herself to uncovering and preserving the rich agricultural and winemaking history of California’s Central Coast. Her journey began with a personal interest in California’s landscapes and farming traditions. Finding limited historical documentation available, she sought stories directly from farmers, grape growers, and winemakers. Through these conversations, Libbie identified vital themes
that shaped the region— particularly the unique tradition of multi-generational farming that continues to influence the diversity and quality of local grapes.

Between 2015 and 2017, she interviewed dozens of growers and wine pioneers, including Richard Sauret, Michael Dusi, and Brian Talley. Her research expanded to include local organizations such as the Paso Robles Wine Country Alliance, Independent Grape Growers of Paso Robles Area (IGGPRA), and the Edna Valley Wine Association. Drawing from historic deeds, oral histories, and in-depth fieldwork, she compiled a foundational list of more than 200 people, events, innovations, and terroir influences that have shaped the area’s wine history.

In 2017, Libbie founded the Wine History Project and assumed the role of Executive Director. Under her leadership, WHP has grown into a vibrant, public-facing institution with a dedicated team of historians, filmmakers, archivists, and photographers. WHP documents and celebrates the stories of San Luis Obispo County’s vineyards, wine families, and winemaking culture.

Key initiatives Libbie has led through WHP include:

• Planting historic Mission grape vineyards at Cal Poly and the Dana Adobe.
• Designing a comprehensive website featuring interactive timelines, films, biographies,
  and digitized artifacts.
• Curating an extensive archive of vineyard tools, labels, bottles, and farm equipment.
• Donating and archiving key materials such as the KCBX and Central Coast Wine Classic collection to UC Davis’ Special Collections of Food and Wine.
• Publishing San Luis Obispo County Wine–A World Class History in 2021.
• Producing more than 40 public exhibits and 13 educational films, including the award-winning The Amphora Project–Past Forward
• Building partnerships with institutions like Cal Poly, the Dana Adobe Cultural Center, and UC Davis to advance preservation, education, and research.

Among her most celebrated exhibitions is How the Italians Changed the Landscape, hosted at the Paso Robles History Museum. It chronicles the transformative impact of Northern Italian immigrants on the region’s vineyards and winemaking legacy — from land clearing and charcoal making to defying Prohibition and fueling the wine renaissance post-1934.

Libbie Agran’s enduring mission is to make history accessible, dynamic, and relevant. Her work ensures that the voices, tools, landscapes, and traditions of Central Coast wine culture are honored and shared for generations to come.