Clyde Beffa: An Icon of the Wine World
It’s simply beyond me to imagine the number of amazing bottles that have found their way onto tables or into cellars because of Clyde Beffa’s passion for wine and the people behind it. But Clyde’s story is only partly about the wines themselves—his leadership, impact on those around him, and the excitement he brings to the world of fine wine are qualities for which we are all grateful.
It is this and more that we hope to capture as we celebrate Clyde on the eve of his retirement after decades of leading K&L and building one of the most singular Bordeaux programs in the world. It must also be said that he did so with a grace, integrity, and kindness that we all wish for in our leaders, qualities that are incredibly rare and special.
I’ve said it before, and it’s worth saying again—one of the most striking things about traveling to Bordeaux with Clyde was seeing everyone greet him as a friend, not merely a client. He was there before the modern era of Bordeaux, before there was a red carpet for visitors, making discoveries in challenging vintages with under-the-radar properties, and bringing that enthusiasm home to California as one of the great storytellers in fine wine. He did all the real and hard work, creating genuine connections that are rare to see these days.
Over the years, Bordeaux has certainly become more refined and polished, but while others followed scripted château visits, Clyde challenged winemakers and property owners to golf tournaments. He is the kind of person who walks around the Left Bank calling out everyone’s “vintage,” even after meeting them only once or twice. More often than not, he brings the best wine to dinner, even if it’s from a property over five thousand miles away from his cellar.
My most quintessential Clyde story is one he probably doesn’t even remember, but it speaks volumes about how he carries himself. I was invited to a company party about a month into my tenure at K&L and barely knew anyone. Arriving late, my wife and I took a seat at an empty table, the only one available. Clyde, whom I had probably met only once at that point, wandered over and made us feel immediately at home, regaling us with stories about his time as a dairy farmer, sharing some amazing wines, and entertaining us endlessly. Over the years, I’ve seen him bring this kind of energy, kindness, and thoughtfulness to everything he does.
One of the things I’ve always felt strongly about is that when we’re doing our job well, we’re genuinely excited about the wines and spirits we sell. If I write up a wine and find myself wanting to bring some of it home, we’re doing something right. I love seeing the excitement that comes from sharing a special bottle with colleagues, friends, and clients, knowing that experience is always worth more than the wine itself. All these values are ones that Clyde expresses effortlessly, and they are among the many reasons his enthusiasm for Bordeaux has been infectious over the years. Clyde’s retirement brings these qualities into sharp relief.
Generations of wine lovers, K&L employees, and folks all around Bordeaux are better for having Clyde in their lives. Having this kind of impact on the world around us is rare—something we all aspire to, but few can accomplish. As we bid farewell to Clyde, we celebrate not just his achievements but the lasting legacy of friendship and passion he leaves behind.