I’ve long admired the wines produced at Benziger Family Winery in the Sonoma County burg of Glen Ellen.
And that was before I learned about his biodynamic farming practices, important not only now but for future generations, and his efforts to conserve water, extremely important during a period of extended drought that California has been experiencing.
Appropriately, Benziger’s environmental work is starting to become as well known as his superb wines. On March 13, he will be honored by the Golden Gate Salmon Association at its 2nd annual Sonoma Dinner, to be held at the Ramekins Event Center in Sonoma.
“Mike is well known in the region for his water conservation practices and biodynamic farming,” said Victor Gonella, founder and treasurer of GGSA, in a press release. “Conserving and wise water policies are needed to keep the iconic salmon industry strong, along with California’s water dependent economy. As a farmer, Mike Benziger understands this. So, it is our great pleasure to honor him.”
The release included this description of the GGSA: “A coalition of salmon advocates that includes commercial and recreational salmon fisherman, businesses, restaurants, tribes, environmentalists, elected officials, families and communities that rely on salmon. GGSA’s mission is to protect and restore California’s largest salmon producing habitat comprised of the Central Valley rivers that feed the Bay-Delta ecosystem and the communities that rely on salmon as a long-term, sustainable, commercial, recreational and cultural resource.”
Tickets for the dinner honoring Mike Benziger are available by calling 855-251-GGSA (4472) or by visiting www.goldengatesalmonassociation.com. They cost $125 per person, and table sponsor packages are available for $1,200, and include reserved VIP seating for eight and $100 worth of raffle tickets.
And, yes, Benziger Family wines will be served.
You can read more about Benziger’s environmental efforts here.
