Jeff McBride joined the Benziger winemaking team January 2, 2012 bringing with him more than three decades of experience. Most recently, McBride served as Vice President of St. Michelle Wine Estates and Vice President, General Manager of Stag’s Leap Wine Cellars. A long time resident of Sonoma County, McBride’s experience also includes winemaking at Kenwood and Dry Creek Vineyards. Degrees in biochemistry and philosophy from the University of Colorado illustrate the duality of McBride’s approach to the craft; science as well as art.

McBride believes, “Wine enhances life. Wine brings joy and stimulates communication. It is consumable art.” An educator and author of a long running column on winemaking and the environment, McBride embodies the Benziger family’s passion for wine education and environmental stewardship.

Benziger’s previous winemaker, Rodrigo Soto, resigned in late 2011 to return to his native Chile. Since 2006, Soto led winemaking for Benziger and was instrumental in elevating wine quality and closely integrating sustainable viticultural practices with winemaking techniques in the cellar.