2017 Winemasters

Steve Lohr

J. Lohr Vineyards & Wines

As chairman and CEO of J. Lohr Winery, Steve Lohr combines a big-picture view of the wine industry with a hands-on work ethic.

At the age of 10, Steve helped his father, Jerry, plant their first vineyards in Greenfield, in the Arroyo Seco appellation of Monterey County. From that point through high school, he often spent weekends working with his father in the vineyards and learning about winegrowing, which fostered his lifelong passion for viticulture. Steve graduated from Stanford University with degrees in civil engineering and economics and split his time between winegrowing and designing and building high-end custom homes on the San Francisco Peninsula. In 2003, after two decades in the home building business, Steve chose to devote his full energy to J. Lohr Vineyards and Wines as the company’s VP of planning & development. In 2009, Steve was named EVP/COO for J. Lohr Vineyards, and for the next four years oversaw the management and development of J. Lohr’s vineyards in Paso Robles, Monterey County and St. Helena. Steve continues to champion J. Lohr’s position as an industry leader.

From the winery’s pioneering work in the area of viticultural research to its unveiling of the largest photovoltaic solar tracking array in the wine industry and its many industry and appellation-based policy initiatives, Steve works locally, nationally and internationally on behalf of his family’s winery and the broader wine industry.

KR Rombauer

Rombauer Vineyards

KR’s first hands-on experience in the wine industry came in 1978, at Conn Creek Winery, where his folks were partners. KR worked in various capacities during construction, working harvest and in the wine cellar.

KR graduated with a Business Administration degree from California State University, Fresno. While in college, his parents began construction of the Rombauer Vineyards winery. He assisted in many aspects of the construction and development of the new business. Upon graduation, KR returned to work at the family winery, primarily in production-related areas.

As the winery became well established and the needs of the business evolved, KR moved from production to marketing and sales. There he gained valuable experience working in the national marketplace. He has also been the general manager of the winery, and now serves on the Board of Directors and continues to consult with staff in the areas of marketing and sales.