Meet the Winemaking Team

Bob Steinhauer - Consulting Winegrower

Robert Steinhauer discovered his love for grapes at an early age, living and working on his parent’s raisin farm in Fresno, CA. With over 40 years of wine growing experience, a master’s in Plant Science from California State University, Fresno and many accolades within the wine industry, Steinhauer comes to Rodney Strong as a consulting winegrower for Rockaway Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon and other reserve wines.

Steinhauer’s expertise confirmed and enhanced the precision farming of Rodney Strong Vineyards. His extensive knowledge in Sonoma County makes him a perfect match.After receiving his Master’s in 1969, he managed the technical and farming practices at Schenley Industries in Delano, California. Robert transitioned completely into wine when he took a position at Napa Valley Vineyard Company as Vineyard Manager. Steinhauer coordinated the harvest of Napa Valley Wineries, developed almost 2,000 new acres and engineered technical aspects of vineyards.

While at Beringer, Robert oversaw farming operations for 10,400 acres as senior Vice President of Vineyard Operations. He managed grape purchases from over 400 growers throughout the state and served on the Senior Management Committee. Robert remained at Beringer until he decided upon a new venture; consulting.

As Manager of Administration, Steinhauer helped lead the reorganization of the American Vineyard Foundation. He has also been recently honored by the American Society for Enology and Viticulture for his contributions to the industry with the 2008 Merit Award.

He is president and part owner of Wineland Consulting, LLC. Steinhauer and his family still own a 20-acre raisin vineyard in Fresno. He resides in Napa.