Andy Beckstoffer has been a wine grape grower in the Napa Valley since 1969. He is one of the top growers in California. His company, Beckstoffer Vineyards, owns and farms the most vineyard land – 1,072 acres – in the Napa Valley across five of its sub-appellations, which includes the famed Beckstoffer To Kalon and Georges III vineyards. Beckstoffer also owns 1,138 acres in Mendocino County and more than 1,100 in Lake County. According to the company, it delivers 11,000 tons of grapes to winemakers annually that are used by more than 50 wineries. Some of those include Paul Hobbs, PlumpJack, Broman, Schrader, Acacia, Clos du Val, Merryvale, Provenance, Signorello, Stag’s Leap Wine Cellars, and Zahtila. It adds up to Beckstoffer being one of the most important grape growers in North America.

Last year Beckstoffer was also instrumental in initiating a series of “Hang Time” seminars regarding extended maturation of grapes. According to Beckstoffer, the purpose of the sessions was not to stop the practice but to alert grape purchasers about all aspects of the regimen from an agricultural perspective and how ‘hang time’ might affect a wine. It included scientific discussions and how consumer preferences for wines with respect to grape ripeness might result in different types of wine. Beckstoffer also wanted to alert growers they might be losing revenue because over-maturation he says, causes weight loss, thereby reducing income. The issue has garnered much discussion and fomented some controversy.

Additionally, Beckstoffer is active in political and charitable issues as they pertain to agricultural preservation. Toward that end, last year he was named "Grower of the Year" at Copia. He was recognized too for his participation in raising the political and social status of growers in Napa.

The following are the highlights of a discussion had while touring the Beckstoffer’s holdings in the various appellations of the Napa Valley with the grower himself and Jim Lincoln, head of Beckstoffer’s down-valley vineyards, and David Michul, Beckstoffer’s chief viticulturist and head of vineyard operations.