Patty Held-Uthlaut graduated cum laude from California State University, Fresno with a Bachelor of Science degree in Enology with an emphasis in Viticulture in 1982. While attending CSUF, she was a two-time recipient of American Society for Enology and Viticulture scholarships. After graduation, Patty worked as an assistant winemaker for Taylor Wine Company in Hammondsport, New York, and, in 1985, was promoted to winemaker, responsible for more than 1.5 million gallons of wine. In that capacity, Patty received the 1987 Governor s Cup in the New York Wine Classic Wine Competition for her 1985 Great Western Vidal Blanc Ice Wine. In 1988, she returned to her family winery in Hermann, Missouri, where she worked as Director of Retail Sales, Special Events and Wholesale Distribution in St. Louis and Illinois for Stone Hill Winery until 1997. At that time, Patty took over all Wholesale Distribution while continuing to direct Public Relations and Special Events. Currently, Patty is in charge of Public Relations and Special Events for Stone Hill. Patty has judged wine at such prestigious competitions as the International Eastern Wine Competition, Los Angeles County Fair Wine Competition, the San Diego National Wine Competition, the National Orange Show, the Indy International Wine Competition and the Finger Lakes International Wine Competition. Patty is also actively involved in local industry and community organizations. She is currently on the Marketing committee for the Missouri Wine and Grape Board and the Hermann Area Chamber of Commerce Wurstfest Committee. In 2004, Patty was instrumental in forming the Hermann Wine Trail, a collaboration among seven local wineries for the purpose of promoting and advertising the Hermann area wine country. She currently serves as president of that organization