Benton Family Wines, established in 2015 by Daniel and Kara Benton, has roots that trace back to the late 1990s with the founding of Croze and Smith-Wooton by Gary Wooton and his wife Suzanne. Initially focusing on small production, Gary's approach emphasized sourcing grapes from various vineyards rather than owning them, a philosophy that Daniel adopted after moving to Napa Valley in 2010. Daniel has since expanded his vineyard management efforts through his company, Brix, which allows him access to premium vineyard sites. Benton Family Wines produces several brands, including Croze, known for its Cabernet Sauvignon, and Smith-Wooton, which features limited production varietals like Cabernet Franc. The winery emphasizes a hands-on winemaking style, aiming for balance and longevity reminiscent of classic Napa wines. Their offerings include a range of reds and whites, with notable wines like the 2021 Smith Wooton Cabernet Franc and the 2016 Croze Oakville Cabernet Sauvignon. While the Benton Family Wines tasting room is permanently closed, their wines are distributed across more than 20 states and can be found in select local retailers. The winery has a history of being a bonded winery since the 1970s, previously hosting various producers.
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Monroe, OR, United States of America