In December 2011, three months after Grape Experiences went live, I was offered the opportunity to conduct my first interview with a member of the wine industry who lived only 20 minutes from my home. Thrilled to meet John Benish, owner of Benessere Vineyards, a small family-owned winery in St. Helena, I embraced the moment with […]
Savor the Story in Benessere Wine
Have you ever met a person who you just feel gets along with everyone? Perhaps you have an acquaintance who may not necessarily be your best friend but who looks you straight in the eye, makes you feel comfortable and is interested in what you say. John Benish, owner of Benessere Vineyards, (www.benesserevineyards.com) and his daughter Nell Sikora […]
Meet the Owner: My Lunchtime Chat with John Benish of Benessere Vineyards
Family first. These words were mentioned several times during my lunch with John Benish, owner of Bennessere Vineyards in St. Helena, California. Both John and I live in the Chicago area and in late December, I had the opportunity to share lunch with him and his lovely daughter, Nell Sikora, to discuss the winery and the wine produced. […]
Appellation St. Helena – Taste the Wines, Discover the Region
Where can you find a Napa Valley wine region with 12,000 acres of which 6800 are under vine – more than any other AVA in the Valley? If you guessed Appellation St. Helena, you’re correct. This unique area in the world is located 20 miles north of the San Pablo Bay, north of Rutherford and […]
Give Thanks for Family, Friends and Wines from Napa Valley
Whether you’re having a traditional Thanksgiving feast with family members or a Friendsgiving gathering where the meal is an “anything goes” affair, I’m hoping that good conversation, delicious food and wonderful wines will be in abundance. Having sorted through a bounty of wines (all sent as samples) that offer a variety of price points and […]
