The Bossman Cometh: Clyde in LA!

K&L is a unique company for many reasons—one of which is that it’s small enough to be a family-run, people-centric place, but geographically big enough (two stores in the Bay Area and one in LA, plus a fulfillment center in San Carlos) that we don’t always see everyone on the regular. So it was a special treat for the LA team to get to do a Bordeaux tasting with the owner/founder/Bordeaux evangelist, Clyde Beffa.

Clyde poured our staff tasting, and we were treated to some of the back stories behind the wines. Clyde has been traveling to Bordeaux nearly every year since 1991, so his knowledge of the place and people runs deep. He’s had the opportunity to personally visit most of the producers we carry. But the beauty of Clyde is that he’s warm, tells a good story, and genuinely enjoys the wines. His enthusiasm for Bordeaux is infectious.

At the end of the day, we were able to wind down with him at Papilles, an intimate French bistro in Hollywood. The food was on point and the vibe was casual and friendly. Clyde opened some beautiful bottles of Bordeaux from the 80s and 90s*, and there was Champagne and Burgundy floating around as well. I count myself lucky to work with such a passionate, knowledgeable team who also happen to be lovely people. There are no dramatic stories to regale you with—it was just a pleasure, through and through. Thanks for the visit, Clyde!