JOAQUIN CORONA
Vineyard Foreman Joaquin Corona has led our estate vineyard team through the challenges of Biodynamic farming for over 20 years. Corona's bond with the land is evidenced by the steely clarity with which he approaches the daily demands and complexities of viticulture. "Some plants grow too much, and some not enough," he observes. "It's my job to understand why."
"Joaquin's abiding spirit and reverence for nature are an inspiration to me personally and integral to Biodynamics," says Winemaker Mike Benziger. "We couldn't farm this way without him and the entire vineyard team."
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JOSE ORTIZ
Jose Ortiz has seen a lot of changes since he first came to work for the Benziger Family Winery in 1983. “We always had great people, now the environment reflects that.” In his first year, Jose worked in the vineyard but soon found himself inside the winery and now supervises all cellar work. Jose has taken the companies conservation goals to heart. “We have to be very careful to use only the water that we need. And electricity, too.”
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MIKE BENZIGER
Mike has never held a job outside the wine business. Growing up in New York, Mike worked for his father, Bruno Benziger, a wine and spirits importer. After college, he moved to California, where he got a job at the fine wine shop Beltramos. His appreciation for wine grew, and in 1978 he began a winery apprenticeship. Mike founded Benziger Family Winery in 1980 with his father and seven brothers and sisters. 2001 marked the first vintage of Tribute.
