In 1994, Tom and Judy Beckmen bought the former Houtz Vineyard property, consisting of a twenty acre vineyard parcel and a rustic winery, located in smack dab in the middle of Santa Ynez Valley in Santa Barbara County.

Tom grew up outside Chicago, working on a ranch and managing farm programs to put himself through college. But he also had an entrepreneurial spirit. In the early 1970’s, Tom founded a company called Roland Corporation U.S., which helped to pioneer electronic musical instruments, creating a synthesis of music and computer applications. His original passion for agriculture stayed with him however and, after selling Roland Corporation U.S. in 1993, he turned his attention to becoming a winegrower.

His son, Steve, also had a love of the land and agriculture. With his analytical mind and problem solving skills, he was the ideal family member to pursue winemaking. Largely self-taught, Steve brought fresh eyes and a keen palate to the task of resuscitating the vineyard property.

In 1996, the Beckmens purchased a 365 acre ranch, now known as Purisima Mountain Vineyard, which Steve planted to Rhone varietals. Then in 2006, after a series of experimental and controlled trials, Beckmen went to 100 percent biodynamic farming at Purisima Mountain Vineyard.