Benziger Family Winery – Kathy Benziger-Threlkeld—kid sister to six siblings - passionate, personable, primed and pumped with enthusiasm—showcased her family’s wines recently in Ottawa and winecurrent was there to bring you the following reviews and how to purchase. Benziger was an early adopter of sustainable farming practices, moving through, and gaining certification in, sustainable, organic and, eventually biodynamic practices.

One of the few family-owned and family-operated wineries in Sonoma, there are four generations and over 20 family members involved. Growers are also an important part of their larger family, partnering in the Benziger raison d’être ‘family, great wines and healthy vineyards’. The three wines reviewed below speak for themselves, but here’s a great video that speaks to what Benziger’s all about… click here.

Order the Chardonnay and Merlot by the case of 12 (the iconic, 5-star Tribute is a six-pack) for delivery to home, office or licensee in time for Christmas from Charton Hobbs—plus HST and refundable 20-cent bottle deposit. If you’re in the Ottawa area, email Area Manager, Mike MacDougal This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.


Benziger Family Carneros Chardonnay 2009
Carneros, California $23.95 13.9% alcohol
Alluring aromas of toast, ginger, cinnamon and vanilla waft easily from this structured, gorgeous Chard. Waves of complex, delicious flavours roll endlessly with racy citrus, spiced apple and tropical fruit—pineapple and melon—to the fore. It’s medium-full bodied, rich and smooth as silk with good depth and a lingering aftertaste of succulent white peach and lemon yoghurt adorned with exotic spice. A perfect dance partner for roast turkey, steamed lobster or pork roast. (Vic Harradine)


Benziger Family Sonoma Merlot 2007
Sonoma County, California $25.95 14.5% alcohol
Black plum, cedar and tobacco on the nose, there’s a river of palate-bathing, luscious black currant, juicy dark cherry and spice-infused black plum. It sports good weight and texture with deft balance and a lengthy aftertaste of dark berry fruit wreathed by roasted herbs and mocha. The oak and tannins are fully integrated, the overall tasting experience quite special; even so, improves with a two-hour aeration/decant. (Vic Harradine)


Benziger Family ‘Tribute’ 2007
Sonoma Mountain, California $99.95 14.6% alcohol
This is the first Demeter-certified, bio-dynamic wine from Napa or Sonoma. Sandalwood, wisps of wood smoke and rich, concentrated berry fruit aromas roll from this rich, luscious red blend—84% Cabernet Sauvignon, 10% Cabernet Franc, 3% Petit Verdot, 3% Merlot. A complex, structured ribbon of sweet, ripe mulberry and cassis mingle with earthy tones and dark chocolate. It’s fully textured with good weight and a solid core of fruit interlaced with moderating acidity and supple tannin on the luxurious finish. Splendid now, even better 2015 to 2020—it was tough to spit. (Vic Harradine)