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St. Helena, CA – Andy Beckstoffer, founder
and owner of Beckstoffer Vineyards in the Napa
Valley, encouraged students graduating last week from The Culinary Institute
of America at Greystone to remember the
agricultural heritage they’ve experienced in the surrounding Wine Country, and
help to preserve it. Beckstoffer addressed 37
students graduating with Associate
in Occupational Studies (AOS) degrees in culinary arts and baking
& pastry arts.
“If you remember one thing about us as you venture out into
this world beyond Napa, I hope it will be the way we care about agriculture and
work to preserve it,” said Beckstoffer. “I hope you
remember the passion with which we approach business, our great wines, and our
winemaking families.”
Beckstoffer Vineyards owns and
farms more than 3,600 acres of top-quality grape-growing properties in the Napa
Valley, Mendocino County, and the Red Hills of Lake County. The company’s
commitment to excellence, innovation, and its people is a benchmark for the
industry.
Beckstoffer has pioneered
innovations in drip irrigation, vine spacing, bench graft production, vineyard
technology, and farming management that have significantly improved wine grape
quality. He has also become a fixture of the California wine culture, leading a
number of top Napa Valley vineyards and becoming actively involved in many of
the region’s important trade organizations and initiatives.
Beckstoffer reminded the
graduating students that in the 1970s, it was people their age who
provided new energy and passion to the Napa Valley and created
the outstanding grapes and wines that are enjoyed today.
“It’s your time to make a difference in the kitchens and the
towns and cities where you will migrate,” said Beckstoffer.
“You must be respectful, and cooperative and continue
to learn from your elders, but you need to get on with it.”
Photo Caption and Hi-Res Image
Andy Beckstoffer, founder and
owner of Beckstoffer Vineyards in the Napa Valley
asks students graduating from The Culinary Institute of America at Greystone to remember the agricultural heritage in the
valley, and to help preserve it. (Photo
credit: Charlie Gesell/CIA)
Founded in 1946, The Culinary Institute of America is an independent,
not-for-profit college offering associate and bachelor's degrees with majors in
culinary arts, baking and pastry arts, applied food studies, and culinary
science, as well as certificate programs in culinary arts and wine and beverage
studies. As the world's premier culinary college, the CIA provides thought
leadership in the areas of health & wellness, sustainability, and world
cuisines & cultures through research and conferences. The CIA has a network
of 46,000 alumni that includes industry leaders such as Grant Achatz, Anthony Bourdain, Roy
Choi, Cat Cora, Dan Coudreaut, Steve Ells, Charlie Palmer, and Roy Yamaguchi. The CIA also
offers courses for professionals and enthusiasts, as well as consulting
services in support of innovation for the foodservice and hospitality industry.
The college has campuses in Hyde Park, NY; St. Helena, CA; San Antonio, TX; and
Singapore.
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