Premiere Napa Valley Live Auction

Jeff Ames

Winemaker, TOR

Jeff Ames moved to the Napa Valley in 1999 and shortly thereafter began working as assistant winemaker to Thomas Brown on projects including Schrader, Maybach and TOR. In 2003, he took over as head winemaker at TOR, and in 2005 founded his own brand, Rudius Wines.

Country born: Germany

Education: BA in History

Years in the wine industry: 20-30 years

Winemaking Philosophy:
To let the vineyards fully express themselves and to completely utilize the best qualities of the fruit in a particular vintage.

Tor Kenward

Winemaker, TOR

Tor Kenward is the proprietor of TOR Kenward Family Wines and Vineyards in Napa Valley, California, and a consultant to several high profile California wineries.

In 2001, Tor retired as Vice President/Winery Spokesman of Beringer Wine Estates after two decades on its multi-winery executive committee, to launch TOR Kenward Family Wines. From 1977 to 2001 he was very influential in shaping Beringer's highly acclaimed Reserve wine programs. The Beringer 1986 Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon and the 1996 Reserve Chardonnay were both honored Wine of the Year in the Wine Spectator.

Beringer acquired many leading California wineries (Stags Leap, Etude, Souverain, Chateau St. Jean, among others), built the Meridian and Maison Deutz brands from the ground up, and managed a diverse, successful import division, while Tor served as Vice-President. Regular visits to Europe's great wine growing regions and wineries through the 80s and 90s inspired Tor's plans for each of these California wineries wine and food educational programs.

In 1987, Tor and internationally known chef and teacher Madeleine Kamman mapped out the foundation for the School for American Chefs at Beringer. For over a decade, the program taught many leading chefs that are working today. Julia Child asked Tor to serve on the national board for The American Institute of Wine and Food and Copia: The American Center for Wine, Food and the Arts. He served for a decade on each of these boards. 1995 - 1997 Tor served as AIWF's National Auction Chairman for their annual Rare Wine Auction, and chaired their tribute auction dinner celebrating Julia Child's 70th Birthday Party in Washington, DC.

Tor was on the first steering committee for the Napa Valley Wine Auction (currently the world's most successful wine auction) and the first Premier Napa Valley Wine Auction (currently the world's leading trade wine auction). Through the 80s and 90s Tor served on numerous other local and national wine and food boards and steering committees. He was often quoted in leading wine publications representing the wine industry, was interviewed on the Today Show, CNN, and was the industry spokesperson on 60 Minutes anniversary segment on the French Paradox.

TOR Kenward Family Wines are small production, terroir driven, single vineyard Cabernet Sauvignons, Chardonnays and a limited line of Rhone varietals under another label, ROCK. The wines since inception have received the highest praise and scores from the leading wine critics. Robert Parker said early on, "Having known Tor for over 15 years, I know that he is the consummate connoisseur of many things, including music, wine, and food, so it is not surprising he is able to translate his passion and discriminating taste into an impressive portfolio of wines."

Country born: United States

Years in the wine industry: 30+ years

Andy Beckstoffer

Winemaker, TOR

Andy Beckstoffer is one of the early and most important leaders in the evolution of the Napa Valley to a world class grape growing region. A native of Richmond, Virginia and Graduate of Amos Tuck School at Dartmouth, Andy joined Heublein, Inc. in 1966 and played a critical role in advising the company to enter the super-premium wine segment of the California wine industry, including its purchase of Beaulieu Vineyards and United Vintners, owners of Inglenook and Italian Swiss Colony wines.

Andy has made a notable contribution to the overall quality and perception of Northern California grape growing. In 1989, he led the Napa Valley Grape Growers in establishing the Winery Definition Ordinance, which requires that 75% of grapes used in Napa Valley wines must come from the appellation. And, in 1994, as founder and first president of the Rutherford Dust Society, Andy encouraged and promoted the highest quality standards in grape growing and winemaking in the Rutherford Viticultural Area.

Andy lives in the Napa Valley with his wife Betty, to whom he has been married for over 50 years. In 2000, Andy and Betty were named Citizens of the Year for their dedication and active participation in the community. And, in 2010, Andy was elected into the Culinary Institute of America’s Vintners Hall of Fame, the first grower to be honored with this prestigious wine industry award.

Country born: United States

Years in the wine industry: 30+ years