I became a soil scientist because I believe the land tells you what it wants to grow. For 30 years I've helped landowners listen.
— Steve Vierra, C.P.S.S.
About Steve Vierra
Three Decades
in the Field
Steve Vierra's story began in the vineyards of Paso Robles. While still a student at Cal Poly San Luis Obispo, he launched his first soil research project in 1997 at Laura's Vineyard in East Paso Robles — and Steve Vierra Agriculture was born. After graduating in 1999 with a degree in Soil Science, Steve earned his certification as a Certified Professional Soil Scientist (C.P.S.S.) and went on to design and install some of the region's most respected vineyards.
What started as a young scientist's curiosity about the relationship between soil and plant has grown into a career spanning three decades and four continents. Steve's vineyard experience includes work in New Zealand, Chile, and Australia — bringing a global perspective to every California project he takes on.
Back home on the Central Coast, Steve has spent over two decades in senior operational roles — first as a resident soil scientist and vineyard manager for a prominent Paso Robles viticulture firm, then as Director of Vineyard Operations overseeing hundreds of acres of wine grape production across multiple properties. Along the way he pioneered mechanized farming practices that helped reshape how Central Coast growers think about efficiency and quality.
In recent years, Steve has emerged as the leading local expert in spirit-quality agave cultivation, helping wine grape growers explore viable alternative crops suited to California's evolving climate and water landscape. It's a natural extension of his core philosophy: read the soil, understand the land, and grow what belongs there.
Work With MeFirst soil research project at Laura's Vineyard, East Paso Robles. Steve Vierra Agriculture established.
Graduated with a degree in Soil Science. Earned Certified Professional Soil Scientist (C.P.S.S.) designation.
Vineyard consulting across New Zealand, Chile, and Australia — building a global soil and viticulture perspective.
Senior operational roles across Paso Robles — resident soil scientist, vineyard manager, then Director overseeing hundreds of acres. Pioneered mechanized farming on the Central Coast.
Emerged as Central Coast's leading expert in spirit-quality agave — a natural fit for California's arid landscape and evolving water constraints.
Soil analysis, land evaluation, crop planning, farm management, and plant material sourcing — for wine grapes, agave, and beyond.
