Jonas Crowder
May 28, 2025
Great wine, animals, people and hospitality in the Laurelwood District AVA
The Vibe
Approaching Benza is just a short drive into the countryside from Portland, suddenly you make a turn downhill through a scenic driveway, flanked by vineyard plots on either side. You might almost miss the tasting room if it weren't for the signage. Once parked, you walk around the building to the tasting area. Glasses, charcuterie spreads, and guests are peppered around the tables that sprawl across the outdoor patio. Grass and vegetation make the entire venue feel alive, and the homey setting creates a very comfortable and approachable feeling. The wine frankly speaks for itself, with critic scores which agree on that point (See their 2019 Symphony Pinot). Family animals include chickens, cats, and dogs, which will likely make themselves known to guests throughout their stay. The laid-back outdoor patio has white picket fence with opening to walk through the vineyard and look out as they descend into the thick Laurelwood forest. Benza hasa highly attentive quality to the wine, aesthetic, and tasting experience, that leaves you both relaxed and impressed.
About
Nestled in the rolling hills of Laurel, just 35 minutes from Portland, Benza Vineyards is a quintessential boutique winery embodying the spirit of Oregon's Willamette Valley. Established in 2017 by Ron Benza and Trish Damkroger, the vineyard spans 15 acres and specializes in Pinot Noir, Pinot Gris, Chardonnay, and sparkling wines. Ron Benza's passion for winemaking was ignited during his time in Paris and Brussels in the 1980s. After years in advertising and executive leadership, he and his wife Trish sought a place to cultivate their dream. Things aligned in favor of Oregon, and with the right job opportunity, it wasn't until 2017 that their journey led them to Hillsboro, Oregon, where they transformed a 22-year-old vineyard into Benza. Now, buying a vineyard was the easy part—what lay ahead were days and days of consistent work, marketing, farming, winemaking, hosting, and lots of miscellaneous tasks that suddenly make themselves known when starting a winery. Several years later, their work has resulted in a great deal of praise from loyal club members, rave Google reviews, and a local fanbase.
The Vineyard and Its Terroir
Situated at elevations between 400 and 450 feet, the vineyard benefits from the unique Laurelwood soils—volcanic rock beneath windblown silt—ideal for producing rich, spicy Pinot Noir. The vineyard's location within the Laurelwood District AVA contributes to the distinct character of its wines.
Wines & Winemaker
Paden West, a musician and a winemaker by trade, came on board as the full-time winemaker for Benza back in 2022, and he found a great home. Working with the gift of the already present old-growth vines, he has also innovated with the available space—notably the Syrah plot, which was recently planted.
Benza Vineyards offers a diverse portfolio despite a modest production volume of around 2,600 cases:
2022 Pinot Gris Reserve: Aged in oak barrels, this wine presents hints of vanilla and toasty caramel, offering a fresh take on a classic varietal.
2022 Touch of Gold Estate Chardonnay: Named after the owners' horse, this Chardonnay balances acidity with notes of stone fruit and green apple.
2021 Symphony Pinot Noir: Sourced from three vineyards across nested AVAs, this wine showcases red fruit flavors with a hint of pepper, earning a 93-point rating from James Suckling.
2018 Estate Pinot Noir: A richer, spicier expression with classic dark cherry and earthy notes.
2022 Borderlands Syrah: Sourced from the Rocks District in eastern Oregon, this Syrah offers depth with subtle funk characteristic of the region.
The Tasting Experience
Visitors can enjoy tastings in the cozy indoor space known as "The Stables" or on the outdoor porch and lawn overlooking the vineyard. The winery is family-friendly and welcomes dogs on leashes. Tastings are available Thursday through Sunday, 11 am to 4 pm, with a fee of $40 per person, waived with an $80 wine purchase or club sign-up.
A Community-Centric Approach
Beyond wine, Benza Vineyards fosters a sense of community. The owners and staff are known for their hospitality, treating visitors like family and sharing the stories behind each wine and the vineyard's history.
Visit and Wine Tour
I have a lot of gratitude for Ron, Trish, Paden and Alicia the tasting room manager. Benza is where I got my start in the wine industry, and I could not have had a better launching point, and a more inviting place to learn. The place taught me all about Oregon viticulture and what people enjoy most when visiting a vineyard. It's where I got my inspiration to start Hidden Vineyards Wine Tours (including the idea for the name)
If you would to visit Benza all their information can be found on their website, including the address, reservations and open hours. - https://www.benza.com/ And if you'd like to add Benza onto your Oregon wine tour, shoot me a message or request Benza in our online booking page.
Cheers and enjoy exploring the Willamette Valley!