David Stevens' innovative approach to wine retailing in Napa Valley has made him an industry leader. But his lasting legacy is Jameson Humane, the animal rescue organization he founded with his wife Monica.
Stevens, 72, developed Alzheimer's disease and passed away on November 12th.
He grew up in Minot, North Dakota, and moved to San Francisco in 1975. Stevens said he arrived in Napa Valley in 1995 and became a bartender at the St. Helena restaurant Tra Vigne, where he also ran the wine program. This led him to co-found ACME Fine Wines in 2003, pioneering a new approach to wine retail that focuses on rare and often overlooked wines from small California producers.
“What a wonderful valley we live in. All these people are reaching out in memory of David. But he deserves it,” his wife Monica Stevens said Wednesday. told the Press Democrat.
The two met in 2006 and founded 750 Wines together in 2009. There, they built on decades of relationships with vintners and winemakers and established a private tasting room and wine shop showcasing traditional local wines and new wines being produced. Napa and Sonoma.
Wine Access acquired 750 wines in 2021.
“He had great taste and loved his wine,” said Dave Stoneberg, former longtime editor of the St. Helena Star. For many years he hosted the Star Napa Valley Vintners Tasting Panel of local wines, which Mr. Stevens frequently attended.
“He discovered people like Russell Bevan and Robert Foley who were making great wine. It was the first time he had done anything like that,” he said.
Andy Beckstofer, a grape grower with vineyards in Napa, Lake and Mendocino counties, said he has known Stevens for a long time.
“He was a gentleman. He took care of people. When you work as a bartender, you learn how to keep people happy,” Beckstofer said. “But it's also important to remember that he and Monica were a pair. They created these things together.”
In 2014, the Stevens founded Jameson Animal Rescue Ranch, now known as Jameson Humane. Named after the Great His Pyrenees that Monica rescued in Chicago, Jameson Humane is a no-kill sanctuary focused on extensive programs of education, prevention, and intervention.
“I've been involved with (Jameson Humane) for a long time,” said Beckstoffer, who has hosted fundraisers for the nonprofit at his Napa Valley property. “You know, what touched me was that one of the things they do is help elderly people who have pets, dogs and cats. That's all they have. But I'm worried about what will happen to these guys when they're gone. Jameson will take care of them.”
To date, Jameson Humane has helped more than 60,000 animals in 26 states. It includes not only dogs and cats, but also rabbits, chickens, birds, horses, cows, sheep, emus, peacocks, llamas, goats, ducks, donkeys, and turtles.
Through Jameson's 24/7 community helpline, callers can find assistance for issues such as emergency care, general medical care, surgery, and more. Jameson will provide free pet food and supplies and will find temporary foster homes in cases of domestic violence. They have even been known to assist with deposits to landlords for pets.
Another of Jameson's efforts is disaster preparedness, response, and recovery efforts for companion animals and their humans during wildfires, earthquakes, pandemics, power outages, and floods. Jameson works with local emergency services to provide food, shelter, rescue and medical services to animals separated from their homes and humans by disasters.
One of the new programs, “Leaders for Ethics, Animals, and Planet,” gives high school students hands-on experience in farming and livestock care and earns $1,000 by volunteering at participating animal sanctuaries. We offer you the opportunity to
Jameson Human's work is supported by a team of volunteers and WineaPAWlooza, an annual summer fundraiser held in Napa Valley.
At WineaPAWlooza, the Stevens combined philanthropy, wine, and music. Bassist Stevens was a member of his rock and roll band, Wristrocket, started by guitarist Jeff Smith, founder of Hourglass Winery.
“David's work with wine was important,” Stoneberg said. It extends beyond St. Helena to other counties – they just opened a spay/neuter clinic in Lake County for people who can't afford it – and even other states. There is. This work will continue to live on. ”
“He will be missed,” Beckstoffer added.
A celebration of Stevens' life is planned for November.
