I never met a Benziger I didn't like
Biodynamic wines and another generation stepping up to the vines
Karylyn Parsons
We are lucky to play hosts to many exciting wine people in the islands. Chris Benziger of Benziger Family Wines was one of the visiting vintners at St. Croix Food and Wine Experience.
Chris is no stranger to the islands. In his misspent youth he was a bartender at The Barbery Coast on St. Thomas, now known as The East End Café, where they happen to pour his family’s wines!
During a wine symposium in St. Croix, Chris explained the nitty gritty of biodynamic wines.
Biodynamics is a fascinating farming concept first introduced by Dr. Rudolph Steiner in the 1920s. It combines common sense agriculture with an understanding of ecology, while recognizing the spirituality of any given place. At a winery the vineyard manager becomes the caretaker of the land, being responsible for the health and balance of the soil.
In short, leave it better than when you found it.
The Benziger wineries Sonoma Mountain Estate was the first in Napa and Sonoma to be certified biodynamic.
Mike Benziger the winery’s founder and Chris’older brother, came up with the concept of “Farming for Flavors.” This is essentially recognizing the strengths of each parcel of land and planting appropriate varietals.
With seven siblings and the second generation stepping up to the vines, Benziger is the largest wine family in one of California’s smallest regions.
At this beautiful winery there is a good chance you will encounter a family member. Of course they treat everyone like family, which is why, I never met a Benziger I didn’t like, be it a person or a wine.
If you visit California wine country make sure to stop by and see the most hospitable winery on the planet.
Chris Benziger at the St. Croix Food and WIne Experience in April 2009, enjoying wine and a cigar with Wes Reeve.
virginvoices.com photo by Lee Lashley
Karylyn Parsons is wine director for West Indies Corp in the U.S. Virgin Islands
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