Beckmen Vineyards has been selected as one of the top 100 wineries in the world by Wine & Spirits magazine. One of only 27 wineries in California to receive this honor, Beckmen Vineyards has been singled out for its “excellence and consistency,” according to the Wine & Spirits tasting panel.
“This is a very special honor for us,” says founder Tom Beckmen. “Not only are we proud to be singled out alongside some of the world’s finest wineries, but we are also excited to be representing Santa Barbara County and the Central Coast. This is an amazing region that is taking its rightful place alongside some of the world’s best.”
Founded in 1994, Beckmen Vineyards is a collaboration between Beckmen and his son, Steve, with the emphasis on biodynamical farming at its Purisima Mountain Vineyard in the Santa Ynez Valley.
“We have focused on a meticulous, very hands-on method of farming that we believe brings out the best in our wines,” said Beckmen. “It is great to be recognized for this hard work. While biodynamics is certainly good for the environment, we know that it also contributes to quality and taste.”
Beckmen Vineyards has established a reputation as one of North America’s premier producers of Rhône varietals, consistently receiving praise from critics for its Syrah, Grenache, Grenache Blanc, Grenache Rosé, and Marsanne, as well as its Cuvée Le Bec and Le Bec Blanc blends. Beckmen Vineyards also makes Sauvignon Blanc and Cabernet Sauvignon.
Scholarship Foundation names new president
Joe Cole has been elected as president of the Board of Directors for the Scholarship Foundation of Santa Barbara. A practicing attorney in Montecito, Cole is a principal in Melchiori Cole Capital, LLC, builder of assisted living and memory care communities.
Over the last 25 years, as a director or corporate lawyer, he has advised a broad range of public, private or non-profit corporations, including service as a director of Jordano’s, Inc., ABC-Clio, Inc. and XO Communications, Inc. He is a former publisher of the Santa Barbara News-Press.
In addition to the Scholarship Foundation, Cole’s community work includes serving as an officer or director of the Alice Tweed Tuohy Foundation, the Hemophilia Foundation of Southern California, the Montecito Educational Foundation, the Santa Barbara Symphony, the Montecito Union School Wellness Committee, the Santa Barbara Zoological Gardens, the Santa Barbara Water Polo Foundation, Surgical Eye Expeditions International, the Oxnard Police Officer’s Memorial Foundation, Knowlwood Tennis Club, and the Santa Barbara Chamber of Commerce.
Cole graduated in business finance from USC and holds a law degree from the University of California, Hastings College of the Law. He has been a resident of Santa Barbara for 25 years. He and his wife Susan have three children.
Since 1962, the Scholarship Foundation has helped more than 21,000 Santa Barbara County students with awards totaling more than $55 million in scholarships and loans – making the Foundation the nation’s leader in community-based scholarships for higher education.
Buellton announces decorating contest
The first Christmas Decorating Contest, sponsored by the Buellton Chamber of Commerce, will begin Dec 15 for the Best Residential and Best Business in Buellton. Certificates will be awarded Dec. 22 at the Chamber office behind Pea Soup Andersen’s. Applications are available from the Chamber office.
Local residents pass state bar exam
Allen Kupres, Los Olivos, and Kevin Matthew Gallagher, Buellton, were listed among 4,571 persons statewide who passed the California Bar Examination given in July of this year. The announcement came late in November, stating the new attorneys were among the 56.1 percent of those who applied to the bar and passed the exam.
School district reopens barn bids
Bids are reopening for a new barn to be built for the school farm at Santa Ynez Valley Union High School. The SYVUHS District Board of Education reopened the biding after one bid for the project came in at more than $100,000 over the $150,000 estimated cost presented last summer. To raise funds for the project the school received community support, including a donation from the Santa Ynez Valley Elks and $70,000 from the county’s Regional Occupational Program.
The existing barn has been in use since the 1960s and is used by agriculture students for their livestock projects.
Rabobank to match funds
Rabobank in Buellton has announced a Holiday Match to raisefunds for the Buellton Library. The bank will match all donations to the library up to a total of $1,000. Funds for the Buellton Book Endowment can be dropped off at the Buellton Library or at Rabobank in Buellton.
Sales offices now open
The sales office will be open in December for Juliette Walk, a residential development in Buellton. The project includes 44 townhomes with seven affordable units, located at La Lata and Highway 246. More information is available from www.olsonhomes.com or call Jeff Palazzo at 814-6012.