Meet the Speaker: Paul Hobbs ’75

Paul Hobbs ‘75 is a world-renowned winemaker. In 2013, Forbes Magazine referred to Hobbs as “The Steve Jobs of  Wine”. He has been twice named “Wine Personality of the Year” by Robert Parker of The Wine Advocate. Over his  40+ year career, Hobbs has received more than ten 100-point scores across his portfolio—a rare feat that places him  in the top echelon of the world’s winemakers. He graduated from Newfane in 1971, earned his BS in Chemistry  from the University of Notre Dame in 1975, and MS in Viticulture & Enology from the University of California,  Davis in 1978.  

Regarded as an international visionary for his accomplishments in the vineyard and winery, Hobbs combines his  childhood roots on the family farm in Western New York with an innovative scientific approach to refine the art of  winemaking. He is recognized across the globe for breaking with tradition and forging new paths in the pursuit of  excellence; both in stewardship of the land, and the crafting of wines that represent the purist concept of place – leading the way in the early 90’s as a pioneer of site-specific, vineyard designate wines. Robert Parker notes that  “Paul Hobbs is like a good truffle-hunting dog when it comes to finding great vineyards.” 

In 1979, he was appointed a member of the inaugural Opus One winemaking team joint venture between Robert  Mondavi / Mouton Rothschild of Bordeaux.  

Later, a first trip to Argentina in 1988 marked the beginning of what today has become a highly consequential South  American winemaking career. Prominently featured in Ian Mount’s “The Vineyard at the End of the World:  Maverick Winemakers and the Rebirth of Malbec,” Hobbs is recognized for his legendary status as the pioneer  winemaker who played the leading role in launching the variety’s rise to fame.  

Today, Hobbs is owner and vintner for eight wineries around the world: Paul Hobbs, Crossbarn, and HOBBS  (California), Hillick & Hobbs (Finger Lakes, New York), Viña Cobos (Argentina), Crocus (Cahors, France),  Yacoubian-Hobbs (Armenia), and Alvaredos-Hobbs (Galicia, Spain).

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