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Rooted In The Wild

Our Legacy

For three generations, our family has been making wine on Sonoma Mountain with one guiding belief: never settle for ordinary. That spirit brought Mike and Mary Benziger to California, inspired our transition to Biodynamic farming in 1995, and still drives us today.

We seek out Northern California’s wildest vineyards—working hand in hand with nature to craft bright, expressive wines as vibrant as the land they’re from. With Chris Benziger leading the next chapter, we continue our pursuit of the extraordinary, honoring our roots while shaping a future that’s as wildly extraordinary as the wines we create.

1973

Newlyweds Mike & Mary Benziger drive west and permanently settle in Northern California

1980

Mike and his father, Bruno Benziger purchase the historic Wegener Ranch on Sonoma Mountain in Glen Ellen. They move in on Halloween.

1982

The four remaining siblings: Bob, Joe, Jerry and Patsy, with their spouses make their way to California.

1986

Imagery Series is introduced as a collaboration between Winemaker, Joe Benziger and Artist, Bob Nugent.

1995

Benziger Sonoma Mountain Estate transitions from conventional to Biodynamic farming. Five years later, in 2000, the Estate is officially certified as a Biodynamic® Farm by the Demeter® Association.

2001

Tribute, our flagship wine is introduced. Tribute becomes the first Certified Biodynamic® release from Benziger Sonoma Mountain Estate.

2006

All Benziger wines are certified as sustainable, organic, or Biodynamic®.

2007

Mike Benziger & International Biodynamic Consultant Alan York, are featured on the cover of the "Wine Spectator."

2015

Mike Benziger retires. Lisa Amaroli becomes Winemaker.

2025

Benziger celebrates 40th anniversary of Biodynamic farming

Where Terroir Meets Elegance

Our diverse Biodynamic® vineyards produce intensely flavorful and site-expressive Bordeaux-style wines. Tribute, an elegant blend of these sites, is marked by bold flavors and deep layers, revealing the complex terroir of our Sonoma Mountain estate. How fitting that it was the first Demeter-certified Biodynamic wine from Sonoma County.

Shop the Legacy

sustainability in every bottle

Every wine in our portfolio carries a third-party certification of green farming practices. Whether the vineyard is certified sustainable, organic, or Biodynamic, it’s carefully tended with eco-responsible methods. We don’t just farm this way because we believe that caring for the land is the right thing to do – it also happens to be the best way to make distinctive, authentic wines. By nurturing our vineyards and land, we’ll be able to make quality wines for many generations to come. And that is good for, well, everybody.

Demeter-certified Biodynamic

Crafted from grapes grown using holistic, regenerative farming practices that treat the vineyard as a self-sustaining ecosystem.

California certified organic farmers

Made from grapes farmed without synthetic pesticides, herbicides, or fertilizers, in harmony with nature.

California sustainable winegrowing alliance

Grown and produced with a focus on environmental stewardship, social responsibility, and economic viability for future generations.

Our Team

“The best impression a winemaker can leave on his wines is his footprints in the vineyard.”
– Chris Benziger

Andrew Ewing

Wine Club Manager

Andrew’s journey to wine began in the kitchen. A Certified Chef with a deep appreciation for food and flavor, he discovered the magic of wine pairing early on. One sip was all it took – he was hooked, not just on the wine, but on what it could do alongside the perfect dish. After years in fine dining, he found his home in Sonoma wine country, where he now brings his passion for hospitality to Benziger Family Winery. Andrew is inspired by the winery’s commitment to sustainability. Whether planning a pickup party or helping a guest find their next favorite bottle, he brings chef-level attention to detail and warm Midwestern charm to every experience. When he’s not at the winery, you’ll find him with a wine glass in one hand and a spatula in the other. He loves hiking, coastal drives, and making wine feel a little less intimidating and a lot more fun.  

Chris Benziger

Vintner

Still in high school when the Benziger family moved from White Plains, Chris finished his senior year in wine country. He went on to earn a degree in marketing from the University of San Francisco while spending summers, weekends and every spare moment working at the winery. He officially joined the Benziger Family Winery in 1993. Chris oversees the home ranch and is dedicated to the thriving Biodynamic ecosystem of the estate: shepherding the Benziger flock of sheep, tending to the estate vegetable and fruit trees, and producing Biodynamic preparations for our vineyards. Chris feels that the only way to communicate the quality of the wines he promotes is by having the soil from the vineyard in which he’s endorsing under his nails. Chris also travels to major markets and promoting Benziger wines around the country.

Lisa Amaroli

Director of Winemaking

Lisa Amaroli began her journey in the wine industry in 1996 shortly after graduating from Sonoma State University with a degree in Biology and Chemistry. Having lived and worked in Europe before college, Lisa gained a perspective into “living” a food and wine lifestyle, which sparked her passion for wine. Lisa’s career in wine started in the vineyards, later working in the lab and operations, before joining the team at Benziger Family Winery in 1999. She is dedicated to cultivating Certified Biodynamic and Organic wines, believing they reflect both the land and the people who bring them from grape to bottle. When not making wine, Lisa is an avid horseback rider, traveler, and is forever looking for the perfect wine and food combination.

Jerry Mackling

Vineyard Manager

Growing up on a family farm in Nebraska, Jarold (Jerry) Mackling is a natural fit as Vineyard Manager at Benziger Family Winery. Jerry moved to California in 1986, working his way to Vineyard Manager at Kunde Family Vineyards over the course of 31 years. Upon departure from Kunde, he took on the role of Viticulturist for Redwood Empire Vineyard Management overseeing multiple properties in the Russian River, Dry Creek, Chalk Hill and Alexander Valley AVAs. In February of 2019, Jerry started as Vineyard Manager at Benziger overseeing 9 vineyards throughout Sonoma County.

Jill Benziger

Trade Development Ambassador

Jill Benziger’s journey with Benziger Family Winery began long before her official start in 2015. She first worked at the winery during summer before high school, gaining hands-on experience and developing a deep appreciation for her family’s legacy in winemaking. After earning her BA in Psychology from Sonoma State University, Jill returned to the family business, bringing her passion, insight, and dedication to the team. Outside of the winery, Jill loves spending quality time with her husband, Jordan, and their lively Doberman mix, Marley Man. She also enjoys catching up over a cocktail with her best friend—her retired dad and Imagery founder, Joe Benziger. An adventurer at heart, Jill embraces the next great experience, whether exploring new places or enjoying life’s spontaneous moments.

Hilary Clair

Tasting Room Manager

Hilary’s passion for wine began in fine dining, which led her to work in Napa Valley. After managing restaurants in Marin and Sonoma County, she found herself drawn back to the hospitality side of the wine industry. Hilary started her career with us in 2020 at Imagery Estate Winery, where she served as the tasting room manager. In 2024, she was promoted to tasting room manager at Benziger Family Winery. Outside of work, Hilary enjoys traveling, hiking and spending time outdoors.

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harvest party

Saturday, October 4 | 2-5pm

Celebrate the harvest season with delicious wine, tasty BBQ, and fun activities for all ages.

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