In 2000, Benziger Family Winery in Glen Ellen became the first Demeter-certified biodynamic vineyard in the North Bay (and one of the first in the United States). Founder and winemaker, Mike Benziger, along with close to a dozen other family members who work at the winery today (“with more in the wings,” he says), believe that, when compared to traditional agricultural monoculture, biodynamic simply makes more sense.
Biodynamic involves more than the elimination of chemical inputs. It emphasizes a holistic approach to land stewardship and working with nature to create a healthy, balanced environment in and around the vineyard. The family’s 85-acre estate includes just 42 acres of vineyards. The rest consists of gardens, woodlands, wetlands, livestock grazing areas, wildlife sanctuaries and winemaking facilities.
In addition to nurturing the land, the Benziger family has instituted myriad green business practices at the winery and, in 2010, Mike earned the Growing Green Award for Water Stewardship from the National Resources Defense Council.
What are the challenges and rewards of working in a family business?
My family and I share the same vision. Because of that, we’re able to find what each family member is passionate about and put them in those roles. Our rewards are generational ownership and operation.
Are you married? If so, how long?
I have been married to a very special person, Mary, for 38 years.
Did you go to college? If so, where and what was your major?
I attended College of the Holy Cross in Massachusetts, and my major was politics.
What do you love to do outside of work?
When I’m not working I enjoy to reading, traveling, gardening and biking.
What’s the first thing you do every morning?
I get up early, drink coffee, then write down my thoughts. It helps me get the day started.
Describe one of your happiest life moments.
Recently, I’d say it’s any time I get to spend with my wife and granddaughter. (My first grandchild arrived last year.)
Tell an embarrassing childhood story.
One of my most embarrassing moments happened when I was 12 years old: I was beat to crap over a baseball by Mary Flannery in front of my friends.
What’s your favorite season?
Harvest is my favorite season. I don’t have to return phone calls, emails, texts or messages of any kind—and people actually understand.
When do you find yourself singing? What’s the song?
I always have music and voices in my head. But right now, it’s “Live Cursed, Seen Worse” by The Curly Wolf.
Who was your favorite teacher and what important lesson did they instill in you?
My favorite teacher was Jim Clark, who instilled the art of self observation and self-remembering.
Window or aisle seating?
I prefer window seating. I imagine what it would be like to jump out and to live down there.
What was the last movie you saw? How many stars would you give it?
The last movie I saw was “Hugo.” I’d give it four stars, it was great.
If you could change one thing about the world, what would it be?
If I could change, or add, one thing about the world, I’d like to see mandatory public service after high school or college.
What do you consider your best quality?
The ability to completely forget about reality.
What’s your most prized or sentimental possession? Why?
My most prized possessions are my books. I am always going back to them. My favorites are about nature, laws and philosophies, ancient culture and current fiction.
If you could not fail, what would you do?
I’d do a better job of depending on others.
Which if the five senses do you treasure most?
I treasure the sense of touch the most.
What’s your idea of a great dessert?
A great dessert is a bottle of Tribute [a Cabernet Sauvignon blend made entirely from biodynamic Sonoma Mountain estate fruit] shared with my friends.
What skill would you like to learn in the next year?
I’d like to learn the skill of appreciation in the next year.
Do you have a pet peeve?
A pet peeve?! Call my wife Mary: She has the list!
What’s one of your favorite places to relax in the North Bay?
On top of Sonoma Mountain…actually, anywhere on Sonoma Mountain. Have you been? Breathtaking.
