Harmony

January. A new year, a new decade…new chances to meet new people and learn about new things. Our first suggestion: Harmony. Let me explain…

Tom and Barbara Beckmen are well-placed to evaluate harmony. As founders of Roland Corporation, in the 70’s they revolutionized the interplay between computers and music. Roland Corp’s electric keyboards and synthesizers were on the cutting edge of electronic cool. But after years of helping musicians achieve sweet harmonies onstage, the Beckmens decided to create harmony in a glass instead, and Beckmen Vineyards was born.

They purchased two extensive vineyards in the Santa Ynez Valley, liking the regions varied soils and exposures. Their younger son Steve joinede the fray, taking the vineyards certified biodynamic, not only eschewing all chemicals but also pledging to treat the land as a living organism: self-contained, self-sustaining, and following cycles entirely dictated by nature. They started producing crystalline perfect Chardonnay and plush, velvety Rhone reds, because Santa Ynez is perfect for both. Close to the Pacific, coastal breezes and fog roll in at dusk, preserving acid in crisp whites. Further inland, reds thrive in near-constant sunshine.

This year, the Beckmens’ elder son Jeff joined the family business. After 24 years on Wall Street, he says he is ‘excited to be marketing wines in which he and his family take great pride.’ At Pour Richard’s, we take great pride in the fact that Jeff Beckmen will be visiting us on Friday, January 24 to present and talk about his family’s wines. We can’t take you at a table in the vineyards, but we can take the vineyards to you, so you can experience these delicious wines for yourself.

Harmony in a glass-you can taste it.