Winemaker Jamie Benziger of Sonoma Valley's Imagery Estate wins North Bay Forty Under 40 award

May 22, 2020

In 25 words or less, how do you exemplify the spirit of being a top Forty under 40 professional?

I strive to be a young confident leader in my role to all generations I encounter keep pushing the limits in the wine industry.

Years with company: 4

Length of time in current position: 2 years

Number of people who report to you: 3

Greatest professional accomplishment: Taking over for my dad as Imagery's winemaker

Greatest professional challenge: Being put in the spotlight to be the face of Imagery

Best advice received: Go beyond the expected and have fun doing it

Single most important event in your professional life in the last 12 months: Being nominated and named Wine Enthusiasts 2019 40 under 40 Tastemakers

What steps is your company taking to sustain your organization and morale in the current economy?

We have a culture task force in place that meets to discuss how to keep morale up between different sites and departments.

Next professional goal: To keep advancing in my company and educating myself

Education: Bachelor of Science degree with concentrations in Wine Business and Marketing from Sonoma State University. Winemaking Certification from University of California Davis Division of Continuing and Professional Education.

Hometown: Kenwood

Mentor/admired businessperson: My dad, Joe Benziger

Typical day at the office: No day in the office is typical especially during harvest

Best place to work outside of your office: The vineyard

Hobbies: Exercising, horseback riding, skiing

What you wanted to be when you grew up: I wanted to be a marketing and/or advertising executive in New York