PASO ROBLES: Gretchen Roddick, the executive vice president of Hope Family Wines and board chair of the Wine Institute, has been named Wine Enthusiast's Person of the Year in the 27th annual Wine Star Awards, the company announced on October 9. The award recognizes her as a leading voice in California's wine community and one of its foremost champions of wine and agriculture.

Roddick started at the winery as a tasting-room host in 1997 and has since helped grow Hope Family Wines from 1,000 cases to nearly one million, with distribution in all 50 states and 62 countries. Working alongside owner-winemaker Austin Hope, she has put the brand on the map globally, built national distribution, developed a robust direct-to-consumer sales channel, and guided the company's 130-person team. As executive vice president, she joins Hope in overseeing all company operations, from production and winemaking to finance, hospitality, sales and marketing.

Hope Family Wines · Source

"It means a great deal to be recognized by the editors of Wine Enthusiast," Roddick said. "But this doesn't belong to me alone. When I started in the wine industry 30 years ago, I had no idea how many generous people would take time to teach me, push me and believe in me. My leadership style and drive come from those mentors and colleagues."

Roddick grew up in San Jose, the daughter of entrepreneurial parents, and graduated from Cal Poly San Luis Obispo with a degree in fruit science and a minor in agricultural business. In 1997 she took a ground-floor job with a small, then-unknown Paso Robles winery, the one that became Hope Family Wines, and learned the business alongside Austin Hope as the company grew around them.

A champion of the industry

Roddick's influence extends well beyond the winery. She joined the Wine Institute's board of directors as a central coast director in 2008 and was elected in June 2026 to serve as the organization's 2026-27 board chair, the institute's top leadership position. In that role she leads the board's work on legislative and regulatory advocacy, international market development, media relations, scientific research and education programs for California's wine industry. Her peers previously recognized her as San Luis Obispo County's Wine Industry Person of the Year in 2022, the same year Hope Family Wines was named Wine Enthusiast's American Winery of the Year.

Paprika Studios / California Grown · Source

"Gretchen is a relentlessly optimistic difference maker at a time when our industry needs it most," said Jacqueline Strum, president and publisher of Wine Enthusiast Media. "Her leadership has been instrumental in the growth and success of Paso Robles and the greater wine industry. Best of all, she lifts others up, brings people together and doesn't see obstacles, only opportunities."

Austin Hope, the company's president and winemaker, called Roddick's leadership style world class. "Gretchen's work ethic, insatiable drive, and passion for success have been a privilege to watch for 30 years," he said. "Her love for life and people is infectious to be around." The company's portfolio spans six brands, Austin Hope, Treana, Quest, Austin, Liberty School and Troublemaker, and its flagship Austin Hope Cabernet Sauvignon has twice been named a Top 10 Wine of the Year by Wine Enthusiast.

"I'm going to take a moment to enjoy this," Roddick said in the announcement. "Paso Robles and California wine have given me so much, and it's a joy to share this recognition with everyone who has made our region what it is today. I can't wait to see where we go next, together."