Zootourism.com review: Benziger Family Winery 1883 London Ranch Road Glen Ellen, CA 95442 United States 707-935-3000 http://www.benziger.comThe Benziger Family Winery is one winery of many in the Napa-Sonoma region. What sets the Benzigers apart however is their adherence to a fully biodynamic method of winemaking. Where others may go organic, biodynamic takes the process of being true to nature even further. Pest control is managed by keeping a number of owls and bluebirds on the property. Weeding is done at the same time as fertilizing by a small herd of goats and a pair of shaggy Highland cattle. Chickens rove the fields and take care of any additional bugs. Most likely to be visible is the pair of peacocks that reside in the winery’s small aviary. Outfitted with local redwood for their massive ‘birdhouses’ as well as some playthings, the peacocks simply act content, greeting visitors whenever they arrive…except during the area’s standard rainy winters, when they simply huddle (still under cover) and glare at the visitors. Wineries don’t generally have a lot for the kids, but Benziger has the added appeal of the birds, and kid-friendly tours that often find the other animals on the grounds. | |
