At l’eau à la bouche, we love telling stories that inspire. Through our Magazine, we spotlight the passionate people shaping the food, wine, and lifestyle industries—those whose dedication, creativity and authenticity echo what we champion every day at the agency and what our clients love, too.
For this edition, we headed to one of California’s most iconic wine regions to meet a truly inspiring figure: Lisa Amaroli, Head Winemaker at Benziger Family Winery in Sonoma County. With decades of experience, a deep commitment to sustainability, and a hands-on approach to biodynamic winemaking, Lisa brings heart, craft and purpose to her work. Her insights are both personal and powerful—just the kind of story we love to share.
Can you tell us a bit about yourself?
I’m Lisa Amaroli, Head Winemaker at Benziger Family Winery in Sonoma County, California. I’ve spent much of my career here and have grown with the team and the land we work on.
What initially drew you to winemaking?
I started in the field with a strong mentor who gave me the opportunity to explore both the craft of winemaking and the art of managing people and facilities. When he retired, I took the reins and was finally able to focus fully on what I love most: making wine. Harvest is still the most thrilling time of year—it used to feel overwhelming, but now it’s pure excitement.
How would you describe the work culture at Benziger?
The team here—from vineyard crews to leadership—is passionate and genuinely happy to be doing what they do. That energy is contagious. Mistakes are part of the process, but we see them as learning opportunities. The atmosphere is collaborative and driven by a shared love for the product.
What’s your winemaking philosophy?
I try to let the vineyard speak for itself. We use indigenous yeasts and keep intervention to a minimum. The idea is to preserve the grape’s natural character and respect the land. All of our wines are biodynamic, and regenerative farming is a cornerstone of our approach.
What trends do you see shaping the future of wine?
Younger consumers are asking questions and gravitating toward organic and biodynamic wines, which is encouraging. Biodynamics were once misunderstood, but they’re now gaining legitimacy and market appeal. That said, I think our biggest challenge remains consumer education.
Tell us about a wine you’re especially proud of.
One that stands out is our biodynamic Chardonnay. It has a fresh acidity and crispness that you wouldn’t expect from a California white. It’s more in line with a Burgundy style, and while it’s not for everyone, it really surprises and delights the right drinker.
How important is sustainability in your work?
It’s at the heart of everything we do. From soil health to pest management, we’re constantly looking for ways to farm more sustainably without driving up costs. I firmly believe that organic and biodynamic practices can be accessible if done thoughtfully.
How has your experience as a woman in wine shaped your path?
There have certainly been challenges, but the industry is evolving. I’ve been fortunate to have mentors like Rodrigo Soto, who helped shape my approach and inspired me to stay true to my values. That kind of support is essential, especially for women entering leadership roles.
Any advice for young women entering the industry?
Find your people—those who will mentor you and champion your work. Be patient, be open, and don’t be afraid to bring your full self into the room. There’s room in this industry for diverse voices and fresh perspectives.
Where do you see yourself and the winery in a few years?
Continuing to push the boundaries of biodynamic farming and connecting more deeply with our wine club community. Our direct-to-consumer model is strong—it represents 95% of our sales—and I see us strengthening that even more. Ultimately, I want to keep telling the story of our land through every bottle.
And lastly... your dream pairing?
Pinot Noir and duck. Every time. But if I could sneak in one more glass before leaving this world? A Barolo with veal tartare.
Benziger Family Winery
benziger.com
