COACHELLA VALLEY, CA - Loss ripples through an industry as tight as ours, but recently there was one close to the heart of our team at ANUK. Robert “Bobby" Bianco, a pillar of the fresh produce community, the Co-Owner of Anthony Vineyards, and a mentor to the leadership of many, including our own team, was an icon in the industry.

Undoubtedly, Bobby’s contributions are immeasurable. A tour de force, he and his brothers built Anthony Vineyards into the company we know today. In 1975, he became known as the first in the nation to commercially grow the new red flame seedless grape in Coachella Valley. This variety would become one of the top grapes produced in the world. People from across the globe would travel to see Bobby and learn how this grape was grown.

His influence can be found in his community as well, as he and his brother Domenick “Cookie” Bianco have employed thousands of Valley residents in the last 50 years.

In a past Snack article, we covered Bobby’s legacy in depth, detailing how he and his family expanded Anthony Vineyards. A theme throughout his story is his ability to stay ahead of the curve—the mark of a man whose innovative thinking made him an industry legend.

In his spare time, Bobby enjoyed golf and served on the board for Southwestern Growers Tournament. He even played in the Bob Hope Classic.

Throughout his life, Bobby supported a variety of religious and community organizations, including the Boys and Girls Club, Big Brother Little Sisters of the Desert, Desert Arc, the formation of Palm Valley School, as well as supporting churches such as Our Lady of Perpetual Help, St. Francis Parish, Our Lady of Solidad, Our Lady of Guadalupe, and Sacred Heart.

Bianco is survived by his son, Anthony Bianco, and daughter, Francesca Gist, as well as six grandchildren—all of whom reside in Coachella Valley.

His life will be remembered Saturday, March 20, at 10 a.m. at Sacred Heart Church.

Our thoughts and prayers are with the Bianco family. Bobby will be sorely missed. His contributions as a table grape grower, businessman, friend, and family member cannot be overstated. The industry, and all of us here at AndNowUKnow, will feel his absence greatly.