Portrait of David Brown
i. Biography
Coming Up
The work begins in systems: refrigeration and air conditioning engineering at Beaumont Medical and System Air gave David Brown a trade grounded in precision, patience, and how moving parts stay in balance. Those habits carried forward when he founded Brown Industrial Corporation, where hands-on problem-solving remained the method, not the slogan.
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Where They Are Now
At Brown Estate Vineyards in St. Helena, the focus stays on site, fruit, and timing. Brown’s wines are built from that discipline, with Lodi Old Vine Zinfandel as a specialty and a style he describes as distinctly California with an edge of Europe — fruit-forward and bold, but crisp and refreshing, with a clean, lifted finish.
In Their Words “Their stewardship of the land and grape growing ensures that us winemakers can keep turning out great wines vintage after vintage.” “Wine really is made in the vineyard, and the Kautz family does an excellent job producing great fruit for the winery.” Those lines put the emphasis where Brown keeps it: on vineyard work, on fruit quality, and on the growers whose labor sets the terms for the wine that follows.
Honors
David's honors include Chevalier of the Legion of Honor medal, Emmy plaque, and featured veteran in Studs Terkel’s The Good War. Together, they sketch a life that has been recognized across different spheres, marking a career and personal story with distinction beyond the cellar.
FAQ
Asked of David
Where did David Brown work before?
David Brown's earlier career included Beaumont Medical and System Air.
What recognition has David Brown received?
Chevalier of the Legion of Honor medal (2010).
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The Sunday email
Read about winemakers like David Brown in the Sunday email.
Every Sunday we send a lead story and up to four more about the chefs, winemakers, sommeliers and hoteliers behind the restaurants, bars, wineries and hotels we cover.
Recent stories
Free. One email a week, and you can unsubscribe from any issue.