Presented by STRAUSS, the contest will recognize four local businesses with cash support, industry insights, and access to Paso Wine Fest 2027
November 6, 2026 (Paso Robles, CA) — – STRAUSS, the official workwear of Paso Robles Wine Country, is launching the STRAUSS Trades Business Booster Contest, a new initiative designed to support and celebrate local businesses. One business will receive a $5,000 small business grant, along with a VIP Paso Wine Fest 2027 experience, while three additional businesses will be recognized as runners-up with professional development opportunities and Paso Wine Fest general admission.
Family-owned since 1948, STRAUSS has long supported the skilled professionals who keep businesses and communities moving forward. Through their partnership, STRAUSS and the Paso Robles Wine Country Alliance (PRWCA) are bringing that spirit of support to the Paso Robles business community, providing local businesses with an opportunity to gain additional resources, industry connections, and recognition to help them take their next step.
Grand Prize Winner Will Receive:
- $5,000 small business grant to support business growth and new opportunities.
- Four passes to Friday’s Paired Paso and four VIP passes to Saturday’s Grand Tasting at Paso Wine Fest 2027.
- Recognition announcement at the 2027 Paso Wine Fest Grand Tasting.
- Media feature across Paso Wine and STRAUSS social media channels.
- A Wine Business Bootcamp: a curated strategy session or experience connecting the winner with experienced industry professionals for tailored discussions, insights and business guidance. Format and details will be determined following winner selection.
Three Runners-Up Will Each Receive:
- Two passes to Friday’s Paired Paso and two general admission passes to Saturday’s Grand Tasting at Paso Wine Fest 2027.
- Recognition announcement at the 2027 Paso Wine Fest Grand Tasting.
- Media feature across Paso Wine and STRAUSS social media channels.
- A Wine Business Bootcamp: a curated strategy session or experience connecting recipients with experienced industry professionals for tailored discussions, insights and business guidance. Format and details will be determined following winner selection.
Application Details
Applications for the STRAUSS Trades Business Booster Contest open November 1 and must be submitted by November 30, 2026, at 11:59 p.m. PST. The contest is open to any businesses located within the Paso Robles American Viticultural Area.
Winners will be selected by a designated panel based on the creativity, quality and originality of their submission; the size, development stage and growth potential of their business; and their connection to the theme of entrepreneurship in Paso Robles Wine Country, including their business vision, personal journey and involvement in the local wine community. Judging will take place December 1–4, 2026, with winners notified by email or phone on or around December 7. Winners will be publicly announced at the 2027 Paso Wine Fest Grand Tasting.
For more information and to apply, visit STRAUSS.com.
ABOUT STRAUSS
Engelbert Strauss, or simply STRAUSS, is a global leader in workwear design and manufacturing. Founded in 1948, the family-owned company is overseen by brothers Henning and Steffen Strauss, the third generation of the Strauss family. Its iconic ostrich logo reflects the family’s name and roots—Strauss means ostrich in German. The ostrich is trusted by tradespeople, builders, farmers, and DIYers across the globe for its pioneering style of technical, multi-pocket workwear that melds performance and function with comfort and design. Now firmly established in the U.S., STRAUSS ships nationwide, operates a flagship store in Venice, California, maintains a strong presence at trade shows across the country, and is setting up a new headquarters in Columbus, Ohio. For more, visit STRAUSS.com.
ABOUT PASO ROBLES WINE COUNTRY ALLIANCE
The Paso Robles Wine Country Alliance is the official trade and marketing organization that represents wineries, growers, and businesses in the Paso Robles American Viticultural Area. Centrally located between San Francisco and Los Angeles on California’s Central Coast, Paso Robles Wine Country encompasses more than 35,000 vineyard acres and 250 wineries. For more, visit pasowine.com or download the free Paso Wine app.
