Tablas Creek Vineyard manager named Paso Robles Wine Industry Person of the Year

Jason Haas, who manages Tablas Creek Vineyard with his father, Robert Haas, has been named the 2015 Paso Robles Wine Industry Person of the Year.

Through the years, Jason Haas has worked to bring recognition to the Paso Robles wine industry. Because of his efforts, the city has been noticed as the epicenter of California’s Rhone movement, including the establishment of the Paso Robles Rhone Rangers Chapter, according to a news release from the Paso Robles Wine Country Alliance.

Haas also has helped create and advocate for the 11 new American Viticultural Areas established within the greater Paso Robles appellation.

Haas, who oversees the business operations of Tablas Creek, often represents the region to national groups. His articles about Paso Robles and the Rhone varietals have been published in Wine Business Monthly, Wines & Vines, Wine Industry Network and Zester Daily. He is the principle author of the Tablas Creek blog, which was named Best Winery Blog by the Wine Bloggers Association in 2008 and 2011.

“I am hugely honored to have been chosen,” Haas said. “This is something that really, if you look at the list of past winners, it honors the iconic founders of the Paso Robles wine region, and to be included with them is a huge honor.”

Haas added that it was a treat to accept the award from his father, who was named the Paso Robles Wine Industry Person of the Year in 2007.

Haas serves as chairman of the Paso Robles Wine Country Alliance board of directors, a director on the Rhone Rangers board of directors, and he is a past board member of the Family Winemakers of California.

He was recognized Friday at the Paso Robles Wine Country Alliance’s annual winter gala.

The alliance also recently announced its 2016 board of directors and executive team. Aside from Haas as its chairman, the board includes: vice chairman Austin Hope, Hope Family Wines; treasurer Matt Dusi, Ranch 7; and members Carl Bowker, Caliza Winery; Hans R. Michel, Vina Robles Vineyards & Winery; Greg O’Quest, French Camp Vineyards; Joe Plummer, Plummer Vineyard; Bob Tillman, Alta Colina Vineyard & Winery; and Amanda Wittstrom-Higgins, Wittstrom Family Vineyard.

This story was originally published February 8, 2016 at 1:40 PM with the headline "Tablas Creek Vineyard manager named Paso Robles Wine Industry Person of the Year."