HONORING ROBERT "BOB" STEINHAUER

HONORING ROBERT "BOB" STEINHAUER

Congressional Record, Volume 172 Issue 58 (Friday, March 27, 2026) [Congressional Record Volume 172, Number 58 (Friday, March 27, 2026)] [Extensions of Remarks] [Pages E279-E280] From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [ www.gpo.gov ] HONORING ROBERT ``BOB'' STEINHAUER ______ HON. MIKE THOMPSON of california in the house of representatives Friday, March 27, 2026 Mr. THOMPSON of California. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the life and contributions of Robert ``Bob'' Steinhauer in recognition of his extraordinary contributions to Napa Valley viticulture and our greater wine community. Bob Steinhauer was widely regarded as one of the most influential viticulturists of his generation. Intellectually rigorous and deeply curious, he challenged conventional thinking and helped shape the direction of viticultural research statewide, often being the first to apply new science in the field. Bob earned his Bachelor of Science in Viticulture in 1965 and his Masters in Plant Science in 1969 from California State University, Fresno, He was among the first students to complete the newly created viticulture degree, developed by Professor Vince Petrucci. Bob was instrumental in raising funds for the establishment of Fresno State's Vincent E. Petrucci Library. A gifted storyteller and ``force of nature,'' Bob possessed an encyclopedic knowledge of Napa Valley vineyards and elevated viticulture into the modern profession of winegrowing. Bob served as Vice President of Viticulture and Grower Relations at Beringer Vineyards, where he worked for 25 years. His decades of leadership, mentorship. and service to organizations in our wine community left a lasting impact on generations of growers and winemakers including the Napa Valley Grapegrowers, the Napa County Farm Bureau, the Winegrowers of Napa County, the Napa Valley Vintners, and the American Vineyard Foundation. Statewide. he was engaged with American Society for Enology and Viticulture, California Association of Winegrape Growers, and the Wine Institute. Nicknamed ``Tasmanian Devil'' for his energetic style, he paired intensity with genuine respect for people, advocating for fair wages, health insurance, and pension benefits for vineyard workers he viewed as essential partners in crafting great wines. [[Page E280]] Bob is survived by his wife of 57 years, Verna Grimm Steinhauer, his children, Erik John Steinhauer (Audrey) and Anne Christine Steinhauer: his granddaughter, Parker Gayle Steinhauer; and his cousin, Leonard Hoskins. Mr. Speaker, we thank Bob Steinhauer for his dedicated service to our community, Therefore, it is fitting and proper that we honor him here today. ____________________