About

About Benessere Vineyards

Benessere Vineyards is a small, boutique winery in the heart of Napa Valley, specializing in Italian grape varieties that thrive in our warm St. Helena climate. Benessere, an Italian word meaning “well-being” or “living the good life,” reflects both our approach to winemaking and our commitment to warm, welcoming hospitality.

Our estate is rooted in a belief that Italian grapes have a special place in Napa Valley. Today, our portfolio includes Sangiovese, Pinot Grigio, Vermentino, Falanghina, Teroldego, Nero d’Avola, Primitivo, Montepulciano, Sagrantino, and Aglianico, along with select Napa Valley wines including Cabernet Sauvignon and Zinfandel.

Our History

The property was purchased by John and Ellen Benish in 1994. They immediately began restoring the vineyards, winery, and residence, and in 1995 produced Benessere’s first vintage of Sangiovese.

From that inaugural vintage, the winery continued to explore Italian varieties that were relatively uncommon in Napa Valley. Over the years, that commitment grew into one of the most distinctive Italian-focused wine portfolios in the region.

Benessere also produces Phenomenon, our Super Tuscan-inspired red blend, as well as a Zinfandel from the historic Collins Holystone Vineyard, located adjacent to our estate and planted more than a century ago.

A Property with a Story

Long before it became a winery, the property served several purposes. It was once a cattle ranch, followed by a dairy farm in the 1920s and 1930s, and later became a thoroughbred horse ranch in the 1960s—complete with a racetrack at the front of the property.

By the mid-1970s, much of the land had been converted to vineyards. Remnants of the property’s earlier life can still be seen today, including the original stall doors from the barn that was eventually converted into a wine cellar.

Obsidian can also be found throughout the property, particularly in our aptly named Black Glass Vineyard. Fragments of the volcanic glass continue to surface in the vineyard today, connecting the land to its much longer history.

Living the Good Life

The Benish family chose the name Benessere after falling in love with the Italian way of life during a trip to Italy in the late 1980s. The idea of “living the good life” became the inspiration for the winery they created in Napa Valley.

Today, that spirit continues at Benessere: distinctive wines, beautiful surroundings, good food, and the opportunity to slow down and enjoy them with others.

Read about Benessere Vineyards & General Manager & Winemaker, Matt Reid “Wine Chronicles: Living Well, Differently — Matt Reid on Benessere Vineyards’ Vision”