[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.

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