The history of wine in Santa Barbara County wouldn’t be the same without Michael Benedict. Michael had the dirt on wine and the wine on dirt. Literally. Nobody knew more than Michael about how and where grapes grow best, and nobody did more to establish vineyards that produce outstanding wines in the Santa Ynez Valley — and especially in the Santa Rita Hills AVA (American Viticultural Area).
Some of the world’s best pinot noir, chardonnay, and other wines are made from grapes grown on the Sanford & Benedict Vineyard, which Michael first planted with business partner Richard Sanford in early 1971. Sanford & Benedict wines, loved in their time, are legendary today.
Michael Benedict died in July at age 83 of melanoma. He was active and engaged with work right up to the end, and he leaves behind many friends and loved ones, including Margaret Daley — his companion and collaborator of many years — and their daughter, Morgan Benedict.
