Our Sonoma Mountain estate winery is just up the road from the quaint town of Glen Ellen in beautiful Sonoma Valley. My family has called Glen Ellen home for 28 years and we feel blessed to have the small town charm with the benefits of great wine, art, parks and culinary experience. It would not be hard to spend the entire day in this picturesque and historical part of California. A few of my family’s favorite spots are…
Imagery Estate Winery
Just a few minutes down the hill from Benziger, you’ll find our sister winery Imagery Estate. My brother Joe is the winemaker and his passion is rare varietals. His limited-production Mourvedre, Petit Verdot, Tempranillo and White Burgundy are not to be missed. In addition to original wines, Imagery is also home to an extensive international art collection featuring the work of the many talented artists who have created one-of-a-kind labels for my brother’s boutique wines.
14335 Hwy. 12; Glen Ellen, CA 95442
Tasting Room Hours
Daily from 10:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
Saturday and Sunday till 5:00 p.m.
Jack London State Historic Park
The Benziger generation—like my three kids—who were born and raised on Sonoma Mountain has always thought of Jack London Park as the family backyard. A stone’s throw from our winery, the park offers miles of hiking and biking trails. A memorial to writer and adventurer Jack London, who lived on the property for more than 10 years, Jack London Park also offers horseback riding and scenic picnic spots.
2400 London Ranch Road; Glen Ellen, CA 95442
The Jack London Lodge and Saloon
We Benziger boys have a long history with this quaint saloon and its antique oak bar. Back in the day, my dad, Bruno Benziger, would tell our mom that he was taking the boys to “fix a hole in the fence.” That meant we were heading down to the Lodge to relax and take a break from building the family winery. Like Jake London himself, this is the local hangout for our family and other local vintners.
13740 Arnold Drive; Glen Ellen, CA 95442
Oysters at the Glen Ellen Inn
A great place to unwind from a busy day of work (or of wine tasting, hiking and biking), the patio at the Glen Ellen Inn serves up some of the best oysters in the area. The serene spot overlooks a small fountain and is surrounded by cherry blossom trees.
13670 Arnold Drive; Glen Ellen, CA 95442
The Swiss Hotel
For some of the best people watching on the historic square in downtown Sonoma, grab a seat on the patio at The Swiss Hotel and enjoy the local color as you sip your Benziger Chardonnay. Come on Tuesday nights and enjoy the local farmer’s market as well.
18 W. Spain Street; Sonoma, CA 95476
Picnicking
There are many picturesque spots to enjoy a picnic in Sonoma Valley. We like to pick up sandwiches and prepared foods at the Glen Ellen Village Market, open a bottle of Benziger or Imagery wine and enjoy an al fresco meal at one of our estate picnic tables.
Glen Ellen Village Market: 13751 Arnold Drive; Glen Ellen, CA 95442
Hope to see you in the area. Until then, take good care —
Mike Benziger