rooted in community
Steve McIntyre, a third-generation Californian, met Kim—a Minnesota native—after she moved to California and enrolled at Camarillo High School. The two became high school sweethearts and married in 1980 while both were studying in Fresno. Kim pursued a career in dental hygiene, while Steve followed a path into viticulture. A professor at Fresno State further fueled Steve’s passion for winemaking, leading him to earn a Master’s Degree in viticulture and enology from CSU Fresno.
In the 1980s, the couple moved to Monterey County when Steve took a job planting Galante Vineyards and then worked as assistant winemaker/viticulturist at Hahn Smith & Hook. In 1992, they founded Monterey Pacific LLC, which they ran for over 30 years, planting and farming thousands of acres and producing hundreds of wines.
It takes time to discover what brings you joy. For us, giving back is a big part of that.
GIVING BACK THROUGH Donor Advised Funds
Kim attributes her deep-rooted philanthropic values to her father. “We were raised to give back and think of others,” she says. The McIntyres volunteered extensively with 4-H while raising their three children and continued to mentor volunteers long after. “We’re so pleased we raised our family here—it’s such a great community,” they reflect.
Seeking a way to streamline their giving, they learned about donor-advised funds and were immediately drawn to the idea. “It just made sense,” says Steve. “Pooling resources for growth and ensuring they’re invested wisely to make an impact in the community—it’s a great concept.” In 2018, they partnered with the Community Foundation for Monterey County to establish the Kim and Steve McIntyre Fund and the Monterey Pacific Company Fund. With a donor advised fund, the donor receives an immediate tax deduction and can recommend grants over time.
Their giving process is a personal one—often decided “over dinner and a glass of wine”—with a focus on supporting children, youth, and animals, particularly in the Salinas Valley and South County. Their philanthropic reach has supported a diverse range of causes, including Rancho Cielo, the Albert & Donna Oliveira Clinic in Greenfield, a youth soccer team in Greenfield and preservation efforts at Mission San Antonio. “We like to help people succeed,” Steve shares.
GIVING TIME AND TALENT
Steve and Kim also dedicate their time and talents. Steve served on the board of the Big Sur Land Trust and is a member of the Salinas Valley Basin Groundwater Sustainability Agency. Kim is a breeder for Bernese Mountain Dogs (they have six). She fundraises for The Bernese Mountain Dog Club of America, focused on improving longevity for the breed.
Looking ahead, the McIntyres plan to expand their philanthropy and involve their adult children in their giving decisions. Their decades-long commitment to agriculture, community service, and charitable giving has left a lasting impact on the Salinas Valley and greater Monterey County.
“It takes time to discover what brings you joy,” Steve says. “For us, giving back is a big part of that.”
