Group photo of 2026 award winners with local elected officials by Brittany App for the California Mid-State Fair
2026 San Luis Obispo County Wine Industry Awards Honor Outstanding Leaders
Every year, the San Luis Obispo County wine community comes together to recognize the people whose passion, leadership, and dedication continue to strengthen one of California’s premier wine regions. The 2026 San Luis Obispo County Wine Industry Awards celebrate three individuals whose contributions have helped shape the future of Paso Robles and San Luis Obispo County wine.
The Paso Robles Wine Country Alliance, in partnership with the SLO Coast Wine Collective, the Independent Grape Growers of the Paso Robles Area, The Vineyard Team, and past award recipients, selected this year’s honorees for their outstanding leadership, innovation, and lasting impact on California’s third-largest wine region.
“The Mid-State Fair is always a special opportunity to celebrate the people who make San Luis Obispo County’s wine community exceptional,” said Joel Peterson, CEO of the Paso Robles Wine Country Alliance. “This year’s honorees have each made a lasting impact in their own way, whether through winemaking, vineyard stewardship, or industry leadership. We’re proud to recognize their contributions and celebrate the work they’ve done to help our region thrive.”
Meet the 2026 San Luis Obispo County Wine Industry Award recipients.
 Wine Grape Grower of the Year
Octavio García Martínez, Martínez Farming
Octavio García Martínez has dedicated more than three decades to agriculture and nearly 30 years to growing premium wine grapes in Paso Robles. After immigrating from Oaxaca, Mexico at age 16, he built a career rooted in hard work and respect for the land before founding Martínez Farming in 2010.
Today, Martínez Farming specializes in every stage of vineyard development and management, helping produce premium fruit for many of California’s top wineries. Beyond vineyard operations, Octavio is passionate about investing in his team and sharing the story of agriculture through social media, giving others a deeper appreciation for the people behind every harvest.
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 Winemaker of the Year
Janell Dusi, J Dusi Wines
Janell Dusi represents one of Paso Robles’ most iconic winegrowing families. Carrying forward a legacy that began more than a century ago, she has built J Dusi Wines around her family’s historic vineyards while honoring generations of tradition with a fresh perspective.
Since launching J Dusi Wines in 2006, Janell has remained involved in every aspect of the winemaking process, from the vineyard to the cellar. Today, she crafts wines from more than 600 acres of family-owned vineyards, with four generations of the Dusi family continuing to work side by side to preserve Paso Robles’ rich winemaking heritage while embracing its future.
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 Wine Industry Person of the Year
Andrew Jones, Sunridge Nurseries & Field Recordings
Andrew Jones has spent more than 20 years helping shape both California winegrowing and the Paso Robles wine community. As Vice President of Sales at Sunridge Nurseries and founder of Field Recordings, his work has influenced vineyards across the state while inspiring innovation within Paso Robles.
In 2012, Andrew became the first winery to establish itself in Tin City, helping transform the once-industrial area into one of California’s most dynamic wine destinations. Through his leadership, entrepreneurship, and commitment to the local community, he has played a significant role in the continued growth and reputation of Paso Robles Wine Country.
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Celebrating the 2026 Honorees
The 2026 San Luis Obispo County Wine Industry Awards were presented Friday, July 17, at 4 p.m. in Mission Square at the California Mid-State Fair.
Following the awards ceremony, guests were invited to attend the Central Coast Wine Competition Gold Medal Tasting from 5–7 p.m., a ticketed walk-around tasting featuring this year’s gold medal-winning wines. The event recognized Diablo Paso Wines as the 2026 Central Coast Wine Competition Winery of the Year.
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