Wine Country
Discover the Art of Wine in Glen Ellen
Jill Benziger, VIP Hospitality Ambassador, with Jamie Benziger and Kara Lynae de LambertWhen winemaker Joe Benziger founded Imagery Estate Winery in 1987 with artist Bob Nugent, it is doubtful he thought his daughter would one day take over. But after her father retired in 2017, that’s exactly what Jamie Benziger did. Echoing the art/wine partnership between her father and Nugent, Jamie joined forces with Kara Lynae de Lambert, who became Imagery’s official curator. And why does a winery need a curator you ask? Because very bottle is graced with artwork commissioned by a new artist, the only requirement being that it pay homage to a hand-drawn sketch Bob once made of a replica Parthenon located at Benziger Family Winery. At Imagery, art is infused throughout the visitor experience, from unique artwork replicated on every wine label, to the tasting room and the dedicated on-site art gallery, featuring label artwork commissioned from some of the world’s most notable contemporary artists. The entire collection has over 700 artworks by over 400 artists.
Jamie Benziger, Winemaker
Jamie Benziger, Imagery’s second-generation winemaker, grew up between her family’s two Sonoma wineries. While studying marketing at Loyola Marymount University and working summers selling tour tickets at the winery, Jamie realized she wanted the family business to be her future. She eventually went back to wine country, transferring to Sonoma State University to complete her marketing degree and adding wine business to her studies. Since becoming winemaker, Jamie has been on a roll, as she’s been named the 2019 Best Woman Winemaker in the International Women’s Wine Competition and was also included on Wine Enthusiast’s 2019 list of “40 Under 40 Tastemakers.”
Kara Lynae de Lambert, Imagery Curator
Kara’s background in art history and arts management lead her to Imagery Estate. Kara has managed the winery’s Artistry Label Program commissioning emerging and established artists for the wine label brand for over 10 years. The fun part: Kara personally selects the artists and then she and Jamie taste together while viewing the submissions to find the right piece for that varietal and vintage.
About the Estate
Founding Winemaker Joe Benziger immediately saw the potential of the Estate Vineyard, saying, “I think Imagery will be one of the best sites in Sonoma Valley.” This uniquely situated hillside property provides healthy soil, great drainage, and southern exposure, creating ideal conditions for nurturing Bordeaux varietals. Imagery grows all five noble Bordeaux varietals at the Estate, (Cabernet Sauvignon, Malbec, Merlot, Petit Verdot and Cabernet Franc), which are used in its Estate Cabernet, Estate Merlot, and flagship blend, Pallas.
Upper Ridge Vineyard, Pine-Mountain-Cloverdale Peak
The Northernmost region of Sonoma County is a region called Pine Mountain-Cloverdale Peak. This area on the northern flank of the Mayacamas Mountains only officially gained AVA recognition in 2011. In the Upper Ridge Vineyard, located at the top of Pine Mountain, quality of fruit is created by its unique terroir, elevation (one of the highest in Sonoma County) and exposure. Almost any varietal is able to be grown here and Imagery currently has 11 unique wine varietals planted in this one special vineyard.
The Experience
The tasting room (Thurs.–Mon. from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.) offers a wide variety of tastings experiences and walk-ins are welcome. Those wanting a more immersive experience can try the Collections Tasting with Gallery Tour. Learn the story behind the wine and the labels at this intimate, seated and semi-private experience. Or, if you like a little bocce with your wine experience, try enjoying the unique wines on the recently renovated lawn area and enjoy exclusive access to the bocce court. The experience is hosted by a knowledgeable wine specialist.
Imagery Estate Winery | 14335 Highway 12 | Glen Ellen, CA 95442 | 707.935.3000
guestservices@benziger.com | www.imagerywinery.com
