Bob’s pursuit of winemaking began in the early 1970′s when he and his wife Cathy criss-crossed European vineyards to better understand the why and how of crafting fine wine. His philosophy is pretty simple: focus on what the vineyards have provided. Start with the highest quality fruit you can, treat it vigorously when necessary, gently most of the time, and stay out of its way but watch it closely. Allow the wines to develop slowly, and make sure they provide exceptional pleasure.

Bob retired from Chateau Ste. Michelle in 2003 to devote himself full time to Betz Family Winery, then in its sixth year. Betz Family Winery opted to keep their resources focused on 3000 cases of red wines from Washington State’s Columbia Valley using Bordeaux and Rhone varieties.

Bob and his wife Cathy are loyal supporters of the Auction of Washington Wines attending the events each year and generously donating their time and Betz Family wines. We are pleased that Bob will be the Co-Chair of the 25th Anniversary!

Stein Kruse is president and chief executive officer of Holland America Line Inc. and chairman of Seabourn, both units of Carnival Corporation & plc. Holland America Line operates a fleet of 15 premium cruise ships offering more than 500 cruises annually on all seven continents. Seabourn’s fleet of five ultra-luxury ships (the sixth one will enter service in June, 2011) offers 207 cruises annually throughout the world.

Stein joined Holland America Line in Seattle in 1999 as senior vice president, fleet operations with overall responsibility for operations and newbuilding. In 2003, he was named president and chief operating officer, and on December 1, 2004, chief executive officer. In January, 2011, he was named chairman of Seabourn and the corporate headquarters transitioned from Miami to Seattle.

Under Stein’s leadership, Holland America Line has introduced nine new ships, implemented the Signature of Excellence quality and service enhancement initiative and created a Health, Environmental, Safety and Security program. As well, Stein has broadened Holland America Line’s philanthropic efforts, with programs that have raised more than $2 million for Susan G. Komen for the Cure and encouraged employees to serve on nonprofit boards.

Before he joined Holland America Line, Stein was senior vice president and chief financial officer of the North American operations for global Japanese shipping company “K” Line, where he also oversaw financial activities in seven U.S. subsidiary companies and served on the company’s board of directors.  Prior to that, he was executive vice president and chief operating officer for Radisson Seven Seas Cruises and president and chief executive officer for Seven Seas Cruise Line.

Stein currently serves on the boards of the Cruise Lines International Association, U.S. Coast Guard Foundation, World Trade Center Seattle, Saltchuk Resources Inc., the University of Washington Foster School of Business Dean’s Advisory Board and the City of Rotterdam International Advisory Board.

A native of Oslo, Norway, he holds a Bachelor of Science degree from Purdue University and is a graduate of Harvard Business School’s Advanced Management Program.  Stein, his wife and two children reside in Bellevue, Wash.