Though born in Richmond, Virginia, David Beckstoffer is a true child of Wine Country. And though he’s come to love the land as much as his father, Andy Beckstoffer, that wasn’t always the case. He remembers, “After high school, I couldn’t wait to get out of Napa Valley. It was really dullsville for a teenager. I didn’t appreciate it until after I experienced a career going from airport to airport with a suit bag slung over my back.”These days, David fully embraces the family business as president of Beckstoffer Vineyards (the largest, nonwinery-owned grapegrower in Northern California). In July, David was elected president of Napa Valley Grapegrowers (NVG). “It gives me the opportunity to work closely with fellow grapegrowers to promote Napa Valley vineyards and ensure that grapegrowing continues to be the best and most important use of the land here,” he says. “We’re so lucky to be living in the middle of this national treasure.”
What did you do professionally before joining the family business?
I worked for Bechtel in San Francisco. I was in its finance group and we arranged financing for large-scale infrastructure projects around the world—power plants, high speed railways, bridges, highways, things like that.
Are you an early bird or a night owl?
After my daughter was born, I got into the habit of waking up at 5 a.m. and working out. Now, 12 years later, I’m hooked. I also love watching the sun come up while reading the paper with a cup of coffee. It’s a magical part of the day.
What item in your office has special significance for you?
I have a photo of my wife and I white water rafting in Costa Rica. You can’t even see the raft—we’re in the middle of a very hairy rapid, paddling for our lives—it looks like we’re about to flip over (and I think we were). On really hectic days, it helps me remember that there’s life beyond the wine business.
How and why did you become a luthier?
I’ve been playing guitar since I was in high school. One year, I traveled to Spain and decided I was going to bring back a really nice Spanish classical guitar. I bought a Ramirez and worshipped the thing. I wanted to know everything about it and started researching how they were made. I figured if the Ramirez brothers could build guitars in the 19th century without fancy power tools, Japanese saws and high-tech humidity controls, I could do it too. I didn’t account for the skill factor…but I’m having a lot of fun anyway.
Who was your favorite musical group or artist in high school?
I was a huge Pink Floyd fan in high school. David Gilmour (the guitarist) was my idol—OK, he still is. I think “Shine on You Crazy Diamond” is as close to musical perfection as anything by Mozart or Coltrane. It’s my ringtone now—some things are timeless.
If you could have lunch with anyone, who would it be?
Probably Led Zeppelin guitarist Jimmy Page. Besides talking about guitars, I think he might have some incredibly hedonistic rock and roll stories.
Describe an embarrassing life moment.
I was introducing the president of a major Japanese bank to my American colleagues at a formal business dinner, and I presented his driver instead. In my defense, the driver was very well-dressed.
What’s something you’ve done that surprised even you?
Before I went to France last year, I took a lot of French classes hoping that I would be more acceptable to the Parisians if I were able to at least mumble a few sentences in French. One day, I was stopped on the street by a woman who asked for directions. We had a short chat about the neighborhood and the weather or something. It was only after she walked away that I realized we hadn’t spoken a word of English! My French teacher would have been so proud.
What’s your favorite question to ask?
Should we open another bottle?
What’s your favorite question to answer?
Should we open another bottle?
Who’s the most famous person you’ve ever met? Were you star struck?
I was in a ski lift line when I heard a very familiar voice with an English accent behind me. I turned to see Pink Floyd’s David Gilmour standing behind me talking with his wife. I knew it was my big chance to make an impression on my greatest musical idol, but all I could come up with was something like, “Hey, how’s it going?” Chance of a lifetime lost forever.
