The wine grape harvest has begun here in California.  The crop looks high in quality and a little lower in yields.  Just the way we like it!  This is the time of year when my heart races and I thrive on weeks of little sleep and the high rush of seeing my family’s 28th harvest to begin the transition from grapes to delicious wines.  We will pick our estate Sauvignon Blanc at 6:00 am on Aug. 23rd.   This is one of my favorite times as my six siblings, the in-laws and all the nieces and nephews gather to celebrate the first grapes of 2008.  I will take some photos and post them as soon as possible.   If you have a chance, a trip to the California’s Wine Country during harvest is always the best time to experience the rush of harvest and to see behind the scenes in the winemaking process.

Harvest is not the only buzz in Northern California this week.  Labor Day Weekend has us at Benziger participating in two amazing events.  Sonoma Wine County Weekend celebrates the highly acclaimed food and wines from Sonoma County with a variety of events.  There are wine tastings, lunches and dinners throughout Sonoma County.  Please visit www.sonomawinecountryweekend.com to see the schedule of great events.  The Benzigers will be at the Sonoma Valley Harvest Wine Auction helping to raise money for local charities.   If you can’t come to the events, you can bid on some of the amazing Sonoma wines and vacation packages through the on-line auction.  

In San Francisco, history will be made as the largest celebration of food kicks off with many events honoring food, wine and arts in America.  Slow Food Nation is close to my heart as the group also inspires sustainability through out the food systems as we focus on sustainability with wine grapes.  The entire schedule of events is posted at www.slowfoodnation.org.   You can attend lectures, taste food, listen to music, watch movies, and my favorite – taste wine!  Stop into the Demeter Biodynamic® Trade Association’s lounge in the Taste Pavilion and hear mini lectures on Biodynamic farming from us and some of our fellow Biodynamic vintners from Ceago, Paul Dolan, Bonny Doon, Frey, Quivira, Mendocino Farms and Grgich Hills.   The line-up of events is impressive and will be sure to shine the spotlight on California’s global leadership with food, wine and mostly importantly to all of us – sustainability of our Earth. 

Off to test more grapes and see when they will be ready to harvest.  I promise to send photos and updates along the way. 

Take good care,
Mike Benziger

Our Sonoma Mountain estate winery is just up the road from the quaint town of Glen Ellen in beautiful Sonoma Valley. My family has called Glen Ellen home for 28 years and we feel blessed to have the small town charm with the benefits of great wine, art, parks and culinary experience.  It would not be hard to spend the entire day in this picturesque and historical part of California.  A few of my family’s favorite spots are…

Imagery Estate Winery

Just a few minutes down the hill from Benziger, you’ll find our sister winery Imagery Estate. My brother Joe is the winemaker and his passion is rare varietals. His limited-production Mourvedre, Petit Verdot, Tempranillo and White Burgundy are not to be missed. In addition to original wines, Imagery is also home to an extensive international art collection featuring the work of the many talented artists who have created one-of-a-kind labels for my brother’s boutique wines.

14335 Hwy. 12; Glen Ellen, CA 95442

Tasting Room Hours
Daily from 10:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
Saturday and Sunday till 5:00 p.m.

Jack London State Historic Park

The Benziger generation—like my three kids—who were born and raised on Sonoma Mountain has always thought of Jack London Park as the family backyard. A stone’s throw from our winery, the park offers miles of hiking and biking trails. A memorial to writer and adventurer Jack London, who lived on the property for more than 10 years, Jack London Park also offers horseback riding and scenic picnic spots. 

2400 London Ranch Road; Glen Ellen, CA 95442

The Jack London Lodge and Saloon

We Benziger boys have a long history with this quaint saloon and its antique oak bar. Back in the day, my dad, Bruno Benziger, would tell our mom that he was taking the boys to “fix a hole in the fence.” That meant we were heading down to the Lodge to relax and take a break from building the family winery.  Like Jake London himself, this is the local hangout for our family and other local vintners.  

13740 Arnold Drive; Glen Ellen, CA 95442

Oysters at the Glen Ellen Inn

A great place to unwind from a busy day of work (or of wine tasting, hiking and biking), the patio at the Glen Ellen Inn serves up some of the best oysters in the area. The serene spot overlooks a small fountain and is surrounded by cherry blossom trees. 

13670 Arnold Drive; Glen Ellen, CA 95442

The Swiss Hotel

For some of the best people watching on the historic square in downtown Sonoma, grab a seat on the patio at The Swiss Hotel and enjoy the local color as you sip your Benziger Chardonnay.  Come on Tuesday nights and enjoy the local farmer’s market as well. 

18 W. Spain Street; Sonoma, CA 95476

Picnicking

There are many picturesque spots to enjoy a picnic in Sonoma Valley. We like to pick up sandwiches and prepared foods at the Glen Ellen Village Market, open a bottle of Benziger or Imagery wine and enjoy an al fresco meal at one of our estate picnic tables.

Glen Ellen Village Market: 13751 Arnold Drive; Glen Ellen, CA 95442

Hope to see you in the area.  Until then, take good care —

Mike Benziger