Imagery Winery: A Guide to the Best Wines and Scenic Views

Imagery Winery is a family-owned winery located in Glen Ellen, California. They specialize in crafting rare wines from uncommon varietals and character-rich vineyards. The winery was founded in 1985 by Joe Benziger, who had a passion for experimentation and a desire to create distinctive wines. Today, Imagery Winery is run by Joe's son, Jamie Benziger, who continues his father's legacy of innovation and excellence in winemaking.

One of the unique features of Imagery Winery is their focus on art. The winery infuses art throughout the entire experience, from unique artwork replicated on every label to 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. Around 100 pieces are displayed in the gallery at any given time. This combination of wine and art creates a truly immersive and unforgettable experience for visitors.

Imagery Winery offers a wide range of wines, from classic varietals like Chardonnay and Cabernet Sauvignon to more unusual blends like Malbec, Tempranillo, and Lagrein. They also offer wine clubs, tastings, tours, and events. With their commitment to experimentation and their passion for art, Imagery Winery is a must-visit destination for anyone interested in wine and culture.

History of Imagery Estate Winery

Imagery Estate Winery was established in the mid-1980s by Joe Benziger, a member of the Benziger family, which has a long history of winemaking in Sonoma. The Benziger family has been making wine in Sonoma for over 30 years, and they have been instrumental in establishing Sonoma as a premier wine region in California.

The Benziger Family Legacy

The Benziger family has a long history of winemaking in Sonoma. In the 1980s, Joe Benziger and his siblings started Benziger Family Winery, which quickly became a popular destination for wine lovers. The Benziger family has always been committed to sustainable and organic farming practices, and they were one of the first wineries in Sonoma to adopt these practices.

Jamie Benziger's Influence

Jamie Benziger, Joe's daughter, has been instrumental in shaping the direction of Imagery Estate Winery. Jamie has a degree in art history and has always been interested in the intersection of art and wine. She has brought her passion for art to Imagery Estate Winery, which is known for its unique labels that feature artwork from a variety of artists.

Under Jamie's leadership, Imagery Estate Winery has continued to experiment with new varietals and winemaking techniques. The winery has become known for its unconventional approach to winemaking and its dedication to crafting rare wines from uncommon varietals and character-rich vineyards.

Overall, Imagery Estate Winery has become a beloved destination for wine lovers who are looking for something unique and unexpected. With its commitment to sustainability, its dedication to art, and its focus on crafting exceptional wines, Imagery Estate Winery has established itself as one of the premier wineries in Sonoma.

Wine Varietals and Winemaking

Imagery Winery is known for its expressive, distinctive blends crafted by acclaimed winemaker Jamie Benziger. The winery is dedicated to crafting rare wines from uncommon varietals and character-rich vineyards. Here are some of the varietals that Imagery Winery produces:

Cabernet Sauvignon

Imagery Winery's Cabernet Sauvignon is a medium-bodied wine with ripe blackberries and vanilla on the palate. The tannins are firm and well-structured, providing a long and satisfying finish. This wine pairs well with grilled meats and hearty stews.

Sauvignon Blanc

The Sauvignon Blanc from Imagery Winery is a crisp and refreshing wine with a bright acidity and a hint of citrus on the palate. The wine is blended with a bit of dry Muscat, which adds floral notes to the wine. This wine pairs well with seafood and light salads.

Chardonnay

Imagery Winery's Chardonnay is a rich and buttery wine with flavors of ripe apple and pear on the palate. The wine is aged in oak barrels, which gives it a creamy texture and a hint of vanilla. This wine pairs well with roasted chicken and creamy pasta dishes.

Pinot Noir

The Pinot Noir from Imagery Winery is a light-bodied wine with flavors of cherry and raspberry on the palate. The wine is aged in oak barrels, which gives it a subtle hint of vanilla and spice. This wine pairs well with grilled salmon and mushroom risotto.

Sangiovese

Imagery Winery's Sangiovese is a medium-bodied wine with flavors of cherry and plum on the palate. The wine is aged in oak barrels, which gives it a subtle hint of vanilla and spice. This wine pairs well with tomato-based pasta dishes and grilled meats.

Overall, Imagery Winery's varietals are well-crafted and showcase the winery's dedication to winemaking. The winery's use of uncommon varietals and careful attention to detail make their wines stand out among others in the Sonoma Valley.

The Imagery Winery Experience

Located in Glen Ellen, California, Imagery Winery offers a unique experience to visitors. The winery has been exploring the intersection of art and wine for over 30 years, and this is evident throughout the estate. Here are some of the experiences visitors can expect:

Art and Wine Pairing

Imagery Winery infuses art throughout the visitor experience, from unique artwork replicated on every label to 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. Visitors can enjoy an art and wine pairing experience, where they can taste a selection of Imagery wines and learn about the artwork that inspired them.

Tasting Room Adventures

The tasting room at Imagery Winery is an adventure in itself. Visitors can choose from a variety of tasting experiences, including a seated tasting, a wine and cheese pairing, or a chocolate and wine pairing. The tasting room is open daily from 10 am to 5 pm, and reservations are recommended.

Wine Club Membership Benefits

Imagery Winery offers a wine club membership program that provides members with exclusive benefits, including access to limited-production wines, discounts on wine purchases, and invitations to members-only events. Members can choose from three different club levels, each with its own unique benefits.

Overall, the Imagery Winery experience is one that visitors won't soon forget. With its unique combination of art and wine, visitors can explore their senses in a whole new way.

Sustainable Practices

Imagery Winery is committed to sustainable practices in all aspects of their operations. They believe in preserving the environment and producing high-quality wines that are a true reflection of the terroir. Their sustainable practices include biodynamic vineyard management and eco-friendly initiatives.

Biodynamic Vineyard Management

Imagery Winery uses biodynamic vineyard management practices to cultivate their grapes. Biodynamic farming is a holistic approach to agriculture that emphasizes the interrelationship between the soil, plants, and animals. This approach encourages biodiversity and the use of natural remedies to promote healthy soil and plant growth.

The winery uses a combination of organic and biodynamic methods to grow their grapes, which are planted at a higher density than most Northern California vineyards. This approach encourages the vines to live in a much smaller footprint, thereby consuming less fertilizer and water. The winery also uses cover crops, which help to prevent soil erosion and provide a natural habitat for beneficial insects and other wildlife.

Eco-Friendly Initiatives

Imagery Winery has implemented several eco-friendly initiatives to reduce their impact on the environment. They have installed solar panels to generate clean energy and have implemented water conservation measures to reduce their water usage. The winery also uses recycled materials in their packaging and has implemented a composting program to reduce waste.

In addition, the winery has implemented energy-efficient practices in their operations. For example, they have installed variable frequency drives on their glycol pump to increase energy efficiency and reduce CO2 emissions. They have also implemented a lighting retrofit program, which has resulted in significant energy savings.

Overall, Imagery Winery is a leader in sustainable practices in the wine industry. Their commitment to biodynamic vineyard management and eco-friendly initiatives has resulted in high-quality wines that are a true reflection of the terroir.

Visiting Imagery Winery

Imagery Winery is a unique winery located in Glen Ellen, Sonoma Valley, California. It is a great place to visit for wine enthusiasts who want to explore the intersection of art and wine. The winery offers a semi-private experience that highlights their most coveted small lot wines and the story behind each label. During this immersive experience, you'll enjoy an intimate gallery tour and a seated exploration of five unique wines led by one of their wine specialists.

Location and Accessibility

Imagery Winery is located in Glen Ellen, Sonoma Valley, California. The winery is easily accessible by car and is only a short drive from downtown Sonoma. Visitors who are staying in San Francisco can take a scenic drive to the winery, which takes approximately 1 hour and 30 minutes. For visitors who prefer not to drive, there are several tour companies that offer guided tours to the winery.

Events and Private Tours

Imagery Winery offers a variety of events and private tours throughout the year. They host several events such as wine and food pairings, art exhibitions, and live music performances. Visitors who are interested in hosting a private event can contact the winery to schedule a private tour and tasting. The winery offers several private tour options, including a vineyard tour, a barrel room tour, and a wine and food pairing experience.

Overall, Imagery Winery is a great place to visit for wine enthusiasts who want to explore the intersection of art and wine. Visitors can enjoy an immersive experience that highlights their most coveted small lot wines and the story behind each label. The winery is easily accessible by car and offers a variety of events and private tours throughout the year.

Wine Selection and Purchasing

When it comes to wine selection and purchasing, Imagery Estate Winery offers a wide range of options for customers to choose from. With a focus on experimentation and crafting rare wines from uncommon varietals and character-rich vineyards, Imagery has something for every wine lover.

Wine Pricing and Value

Imagery Estate Winery offers a range of wine pricing options to fit different budgets. Prices for their wines start at $15.99 and go up to $16.99 per bottle. The winery also offers a wine club membership that provides exclusive access to limited edition wines, discounts on wine purchases, and invitations to exclusive events.

Customers can be confident that they are getting a high-quality product at a great price when they purchase wine from Imagery Estate Winery. The winery has won numerous awards for its wines, including gold medals at the San Francisco Chronicle Wine Competition and the Sonoma County Harvest Fair.

Bottle Sizes and Packaging

Imagery Estate Winery offers its wines in standard 750ml bottles. The winery also offers a variety of packaging options, including gift boxes and wine bags, making it easy to give the gift of wine to friends and family.

In addition, Imagery Estate Winery offers custom wine labels for special events such as weddings, corporate events, and fundraisers. Customers can work with the winery's team to create a unique label for their event, adding a personal touch to their wine selection.

Overall, Imagery Estate Winery's wine selection and purchasing options are sure to satisfy any wine lover's needs. With a focus on quality, value, and customization, Imagery Estate Winery is a top choice for wine enthusiasts.

Tasting Notes and Wine Profiles

Red Wine Characteristics

Imagery Winery is known for its expressive and distinctive red wine blends. The winery produces a variety of red wines ranging from bold to light-bodied, each with its unique taste and aroma. The red wines at Imagery Winery are known for their dry and fresh characteristics, which make them perfect for pairing with a variety of foods.

One of the most popular red wines at Imagery Winery is their Pinot Noir. This wine is known for its light-bodied and fruity taste, with notes of cherry and raspberry. It pairs well with a variety of dishes, including grilled salmon, roasted chicken, and mushroom risotto.

Another popular red wine at Imagery Winery is their Cabernet Sauvignon. This wine is known for its bold and full-bodied taste, with notes of blackberry, vanilla, and oak. It pairs well with hearty dishes such as steak, lamb, and roasted vegetables.

White Wine Profiles

Imagery Winery also produces a variety of white wines, each with its unique taste and aroma. The white wines at Imagery Winery are known for their fresh and crisp characteristics, which make them perfect for pairing with seafood and light dishes.

One of the most popular white wines at Imagery Winery is their Chardonnay. This wine is known for its full-bodied and buttery taste, with notes of apple, pear, and vanilla. It pairs well with seafood, poultry, and creamy pasta dishes.

Another popular white wine at Imagery Winery is their Sauvignon Blanc. This wine is known for its crisp and refreshing taste, with notes of citrus and tropical fruits. It pairs well with light dishes such as salads, seafood, and grilled vegetables.

Overall, Imagery Winery produces a variety of high-quality red and white wines that are perfect for any occasion. Whether you're looking for a bold and full-bodied red wine or a crisp and refreshing white wine, Imagery Winery has something for everyone.

Imagery in the Community

Imagery Estate Winery has been an active member of the community, supporting local artists and educational programs.

Collaborations and Local Art

Imagery Estate Winery has a long-standing tradition of supporting local artists. The winery has collaborated with artists to create unique labels for their wine bottles. These labels are not only beautiful but also tell a story. The winery also has a permanent collection of artwork on display at their tasting room. The collection includes paintings, sculptures, and other pieces of art. The winery believes that art and wine are intertwined and that both are meant to be enjoyed.

Educational Programs and Outreach

Imagery Estate Winery is committed to educating the community about wine. The winery offers educational programs to the public, including wine tastings, vineyard tours, and food and wine pairing classes. The winery also offers a wine club that provides members with exclusive access to events and discounts on wine purchases. The winery believes that wine should be accessible to everyone and strives to make wine education fun and approachable.

Imagery Estate Winery is also committed to giving back to the community. The winery supports local charities and non-profit organizations through donations and sponsorships. The winery believes that it is important to be an active member of the community and to support those in need.

In conclusion, Imagery Estate Winery is more than just a winery. It is a member of the community that is committed to supporting local artists, educating the public about wine, and giving back to those in need. The winery's commitment to the community is evident in everything they do, from their unique wine labels to their educational programs and charitable donations.