Celebrating over four decades of pioneering sustainable winegrowing in Sonoma County, Benziger Family Winery invites guests to experience daily the beauty of its certified Biodynamic estate.
November 13, 2026 (Glen Ellen, CA) — Benziger Family Winery, a pioneer in sustainable and biodynamic winemaking in Sonoma County, has been named Environmental Advocate of the Year by Wine Enthusiast for their 2026 Wine Star Awards. The recognition celebrates the winery’s longstanding dedication to environmental sustainability, responsible farming and exceptional wines while protecting the land for generations to come.
For more than four decades, sustainability has shaped Benziger’s approach to winemaking. Nestled on the slopes of Sonoma Mountain, the winery’s 85-acre estate serves as a living example of how thoughtful farming practices support biodiversity, healthy vineyards and ultimately yield exceptional wines. In 2000, Benziger became the first winery in Sonoma or Napa to earn Demeter’s Biodynamic® certification, establishing its position as an early leader in environmentally responsible winegrowing. Today, every wine in Benziger’s portfolio carries a third-party certification, including CSWA certified sustainable, CCOF certified organic or Demeter certified Biodynamic®.
“When my family first began transitioning Benziger Winery to biodynamic farming, many of our friends and neighbors didn’t understand why we were making such efforts. Now over 20 years later, this award is a testament to our family values and unwavering commitment to environmental responsibility,” said Chris Benziger, 2nd Generation Vintner. “The recognition is inspiring us to continue building on the foundation we’ve created and push towards a more sustainable future.”
At Benziger, sustainability goes beyond the grape vines. The winery approaches its Sonoma estate as an interconnected ecosystem, where animals, plants, insects and soil all play an important role. Sheep graze among the vines to help manage vegetation and naturally fertilize the soil and Scottish Highland cattle recycling natural grasses from the estate while beneficial insects and birds contribute to a balanced vineyard environment. By working in harmony with nature, Benziger cultivates healthy vineyards while reducing reliance on synthetic chemicals.
As the 2026 Environmental Advocate of the Year, the winery invites guests to discover why its commitment to sustainability has made it a Sonoma wine country must-visit destination. Benziger offers unique experiences that allow guests to see sustainable winemaking in action and learn how caring for the land contributes to remarkable wines.
Benziger’s award-winning Biodynamic Tractor Tram Tour and Tribute Estate Tour & Tasting bring guests into the estate vineyards and aging caves on guided journeys showcasing the wildlife and sustainable farming practices that make Benziger Winery distinct.
Benziger Family Winery’s recognition will be celebrated at Wine Enthusiast’s Wine Star Awards Gala in San Francisco on January 25th, 2027. To learn more about Benziger Family Winery or book a tour or tasting at its Sonoma Mountain estate, visit www.benziger.com.
ABOUT BENZIGER FAMILY WINERY
Benziger Family Winery was established on an 85-acre estate in Glen Ellen, Calif. in 1980 by Mike Benziger with the support of his family. Leaders in Biodynamic®, organic and certified-sustainable farming, Benziger Family Winery is dedicated to crafting authentic wines that are true to the grape variety, vintage and vineyard. They believe that natural and carefully cultivated farming yields wines with more flavors, aromas and site-specific character.
