Discover Benza Vineyards: A Willamette Valley Gem

Benza Vineyards, a recent addition to the esteemed Willamette Valley wine region in Hillsboro, Oregon, is quickly gaining recognition for its exceptional, organically-grown still and sparkling wines. The vineyard’s picturesque setting adds to the allure, making it a must-visit destination for wine enthusiasts.

Located in the rolling hills of Hillsboro, approximately 45 minutes from Portland, Benza Vineyards is not only a new winery but also an ambitious contender for the title of “best” in the region. Their commitment to quality and sustainable practices sets them apart in a competitive landscape.

Benza Vineyards offers a diverse selection of wines, including Willamette Valley staples such as Pinot Noir, Pinot Gris, and Chardonnay. They also produce sparkling wines incorporating Pinot Meunier and a unique Syrah sourced from the renowned Rocks District of eastern Oregon.

The quality of Benza’s wines is evident in the high scores they’ve received from respected wine critics, with many achieving ratings in the mid-90s. This recognition underscores the vineyard’s dedication to producing exceptional wines.

The Story Behind Benza Vineyards

The journey of Benza Vineyards began over two decades ago, in 2004, when owners Ron Benza and Trish Damkroger first considered owning a vineyard. Initially, they explored potential locations near Sonoma and Livermore, California. However, none of the properties felt like the perfect fit.

Several years later, Trish accepted a prominent position at Intel in Hillsboro, prompting their search for the ideal vineyard location to shift to Oregon. The couple’s determination and passion for winemaking led them to the Willamette Valley.

In 2017, Ron and Trish finally discovered the vineyard they had been searching for, a well-established property within the Laurelwood District AVA (American Viticultural Area). The following year, they released their first vintage, featuring the 2018 Benza estate Pinot Noir, marking the beginning of their winemaking journey.

A year later, they expanded their offerings with the debut of their sparkling Crémant of Oregon, further showcasing their commitment to producing a wide range of high-quality wines. Today, Benza Vineyards boasts a robust portfolio of red, white, rosé, and sparkling wines.

Exploring Benza’s Wine Selection

During a visit to Benza Vineyards in March 2025, my companion, Marlynn, and I indulged in their standard tasting menu, which featured a selection of their acclaimed wines. Each wine offered a unique expression of the Willamette Valley terroir.

• 2022 Pinot Gris Reserve ($40): A unique take on a classic varietal.
• 2022 Touch of Gold Estate Chardonnay ($42): An elegant and balanced Chardonnay.
• 2021 Symphony Pinot Noir ($44): A fruit-forward Pinot Noir that impressed critics.
• 2018 Estate Pinot Noir ($54): A rich and complex expression of the varietal.
• 2022 Borderlands Syrah ($64): Sourced from the Rocks District, offering a distinctive flavor profile.

2022 Pinot Gris Reserve: A Unique Expression

Pinot Gris was once a prominent varietal in the northern Willamette Valley. However, in recent years, it has taken a backseat to other white wines, such as Chardonnay. Benza Vineyards’ Pinot Gris stands out from the typical clean and crisp versions.

Benza ages their Pinot Gris in oak barrels, a practice commonly associated with Chardonnay production. This technique imparts subtle oaky notes, along with hints of vanilla and toasty caramel. If you haven’t experienced a Pinot Gris in some time, this is an excellent wine to rediscover the varietal’s potential.

2022 Touch of Gold Estate Chardonnay: A Tribute to a Beloved Horse

Upon visiting Benza Vineyards’ tasting room, you’ll likely notice a portrait of a horse alongside a bottle of wine. This horse, named “Lucky Touch of Gold” or simply “Touch,” was a beloved companion of the Benza family. This wine pays tribute to the cherished animal.

The Estate Chardonnay is barrel-aged but maintains a balanced profile. It showcases delightful notes of stone fruit, green apple, and a touch of toastiness, complemented by well-integrated acidity. The wine’s complexity and elegance make it a standout choice.

2021 Symphony Pinot Noir: A Critic’s Darling

The 2021 Symphony Pinot Noir was a standout among the wines sampled during our tasting. This elegant, fruit-forward red wine received a remarkable 93-point score from renowned wine critic James Suckling, solidifying its reputation as a top-tier Pinot Noir.

The Symphony Pinot Noir exhibits prominent red fruit flavors, such as black cherry and strawberry, with a subtle hint of pepper. Its approachable yet refined character makes it enjoyable both now and after a few years of cellaring, allowing for further development of its exceptional qualities.

2018 Estate Pinot Noir: Classic Willamette Valley

The 2018 Estate Pinot Noir is among the first wines produced by Benza Vineyards and showcases classic characteristics of the Willamette Valley. This Pinot Noir presents dark cherry and earthy notes, accompanied by a noticeable spiciness.

While the 2018 Estate Pinot Noir boasts richness and complexity, we found ourselves gravitating towards the silky smoothness and pronounced fruit aromas of the 2021 Symphony Pinot Noir. Both wines offer unique and satisfying experiences.

2022 Borderlands Syrah: A Taste of the Rocks District

The grapes for the 2022 Borderlands Syrah are sourced from the Rocks District in Milton-Freewater, a region straddling the border between eastern Oregon and Washington. The wine’s name reflects its origin, capturing the essence of this unique terroir.

Syrahs from the Rocks District are known for their distinctive “funk,” a characteristic aroma and flavor that can be polarizing. While I typically find this funk overpowering, the 2022 Borderlands Syrah exhibited a more restrained expression, allowing the fruit and tertiary aromas to shine through.

If you appreciate deep, rich red wines with a touch of funk, but not an overwhelming amount, the 2022 Borderlands Syrah may be a delightful discovery.

Enhance Your Tasting with Delicious Food

Benza Vineyards is also known for its exceptional charcuterie board. While charcuterie boards are a common sight at wineries, Benza’s rendition stands out for its quality and abundance.

The board features a generous assortment of salamis, cheeses, crackers, apples, olives, chocolates, and other delectable items. One board was more than sufficient to satisfy our group of five. Our favorite element was the soft fromage blanc topped with honey, a perfect complement to the wine tasting experience.

For those seeking a full meal in a vineyard setting, Benza Vineyards is fortunate to have assistant winemaker Ivan Minuet, a Culinary Institute of America (CIA)-trained chef. Minuet crafts unique menus for special pop-up events and intimate wine dinners. Inquire with the staff at Benza for more information on upcoming culinary offerings.

Dog-Friendly Atmosphere

If you’re a dog lover, you’ll appreciate the furry friends who roam freely at Benza Vineyards. During our visit, we encountered at least four dogs, ranging from Chloe the Great Pyrenees to Bruno the Australian Shepherd.

We welcomed the canine companions, even when they sidled up to our table in hopes of snagging a morsel of charcuterie. Bruno even went so far as to gently rest his head on my leg, hoping to get a closer look at the spread. If you prefer to avoid close encounters with dogs, you may want to request a table that is more secluded.

The Benza Vineyards Tasting Experience

Benza Vineyards offers several tasting areas, including an outdoor porch and lawn overlooking the vineyards, as well as an indoor main tasting room known as the Stables.

On the day of our tasting, it was raining, so we opted for a secluded table in the Stables. The tasting room is tastefully decorated, creating a warm and cozy atmosphere. Our table, tucked away at the back behind a partial wall, provided added privacy.

Benza Vineyards welcomes walk-ins, but 90-minute appointments are recommended and available from 11am to 3:30pm Thursday through Sunday.

The tasting fee is $40 per person, which is waived with an $80 wine purchase or club membership sign-up.

You can even bring your own dog, provided they are kept on a leash.

Plan Your Visit to Benza Vineyards

Benza Vineyards
16740 SW Pinot Place
Hillsboro, OR 97123

503-452-8577

Book a Reservation

Explore More Oregon Wineries

Discover other exceptional wineries in the Willamette Valley and beyond:

• Lytle-Barnett and Aubaine Wine Tasting Room
• Corollary Wines
• Alloro Vineyard
• Bells Up Winery

If you visit, please be sure to let them know that you read about it on Urban Bliss Life! And if you snap some pics, tag us @UrbanBlissLife and #UrbanBlissLife on Instagram, TikTok, Twitter, and Facebook.