Benziger is a family owned winery which began production in 1981. In 1982, they created the Glen Ellen brand of affordable wines which they sold in 1993. This winery is well known for its commitm...
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$10 for tasting of 6 wines
$15 for reserve tasting
$40 for vineyard tour and tasting (appointments required)
$15 for vineyard tram tour (at 11AM and 3:30PM daily)
Reviews (159 Reviews)
3 Reviews
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11/28/2009As you drive under the sign and enter a beautiful world with a goergeous view of the sprawling vines and hills there is no place like Benziger. Located in the small town of Glen Ellen and right off Jack London Ranch Road, Benziger is delightful.
The tour is amazing, with the tram winding throughout the property. The tasting room and reserve tasting room are nicely decorated, but not overdone. The artistic items are unique and in no way commercial (as in other wineries). Outdoors is a picnic area, an area that can be rented for special events (and Benziger holds a few of their own that are remarkable).
A couple of picnic tables are near a fenced aviary that at times has peacocks inside. There is a family atmosphere at Benziger, not only is it owned and operated by family members, but the grounds have a swingset and several trails that make it family friendly as well.
The wines are simply delicious, biodynamic in make and several have been written up and received awards in wine magazines. Our personal favorite way to spend the day is wandering through the vineyards, a stop in the tasting room and reserve room as well. Then it's off to San Francisco and THE STINKING ROSE restaurant, where several Benziger wines are on the menu to compliment dinner.
Whether you visit on a tour, or stop by after visiting Jack London State Park, Benziger is a magical place that will remain in your memory and on your palate!
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11/19/2009
One of Benziger's claim to fame is being a certified biodynamic farm which is the highest level of green certificate to the best of my knowledge. The entrance is really nice and the property is quite sprawling - I'd encourage you to take a tour if you have time. I really like the feel of their tasting room and the service was great (we did visit on a weekday so it was pretty quiet). I did the single vineyard tasting at the main bar. There are a couple of other options. I was pleased with the wines. I enjoyed the sauvgnon blanc and cab. They have a ocuple of ports but it wasn't for me even though I enjoy ruby ports.
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10/17/2009
I had heard great things about Benziger before a recent trip to Sonoma and therefore decided to pay a visit. I wasn't disappointed. Although it is not my favorite wine, they were the first biodynamic winery in the valley. They have a really interesting tractor tour that highlights the winery and information about biodynamic farming, and at $15 (which included a 4-flight tasting) it's great value.
