I’ve been to Imagery Estate Winery twice now, and each time, it’s been prefaced by a visit to Benziger. That’s not only because it’s conveniently located down the same road, but also because Imagery was founded by Joe Benziger of the namesake winery.
Like Benziger, Imagery implements a biodynamic farming method, staying aligned with its organic principles. Their emphasis lies in lesser-known varietals, and while I’m hardly a wine connoisseur, I am intrigued by words not often used in Sonoma County: Muscato di Canelli, Lagrein and Mourvedre.
During my last visit, I enjoyed a longer than average tasting. Towards the end of the tasting, our group was offered port. While the goofball in me loved sipping it out of the little glass funnel, I learned something useful too: port is a classic (and delicious) pairing with semisweet chocolate.
Thanks to my two visits, Benziger and Imagery now go hand in hand. You can’t really visit one without going to the other. Benziger is like the salt of the earth uncle, and Imagery is its flashier but true to its roots nephew.