Courtney Benham is founder and president of the vast CMB Family of Wines, including Martin Ray, Angeline, Synthesis, his own label, plus Vina Robles and Foppiano. His days bounce between vineyards, blending sessions, site visits and strategy meetings; never the same day twice. It’s why he says it is “probably why I still love it after more than 40 years.”
Amber Turpin: How did you get into this work?
Courtney Benham: I grew up on a farm in Bakersfield; it was a childhood filled with adventure—and almonds, pistachios and long hot summers. Agriculture was part of life. After college, I gave professional tennis a go, but it turns out I was more wired for soft dirt than hard courts. My family started Lost Hills Winery, and that was my entry point into wine. I learned all sides of the business, from hauling hoses to running numbers. A few years later, I started Blackstone which, luckily, ended up being a big success and helped catapult my wine career even further.
In 1990, while looking for warehouse space in San Jose and while still working on Blackstone, I stumbled upon 1,500 cases of library wine from pioneering winemaker Martin Ray. I was very impressed. I bought the wine and the name, and eventually the historic Martini & Prati winery in the Russian River Valley, ultimately turning it into what today is Martin Ray Vineyards & Winery.
Did you ever have an ‘aha’ moment with a certain beverage? If so, tell us about it.
That Martin Ray discovery was it. I opened those old bottles and realized how alive they still were—complex, expressive, totally unexpected. It hit me that wine could outlast all of us if made right. That moment changed my whole perspective on winemaking—I stopped thinking in terms of vintages and started thinking in terms of legacy.
What is your favorite thing to drink at home?
Depends on the day and what’s on the table. If I’m grilling or cooking something simple, I’ll reach for a pinot. I love the balance and earthiness, especially from the Russian River or Santa Cruz Mountains. If it’s a warm afternoon, a chardonnay with good acidity hits the spot.
Where do you like to go out for a drink?
I like places that feel personal and that have food and wine because you can’t have one without the other. Around Marin, there are a few tucked-away spots where the list is thoughtful without trying too hard, like Buckeye, Bungalow and Poggio.
If you were stuck on a desert island, what would you want to be drinking (besides fresh water)?
Aged pinot, no question. Something with history and a little mystery. But I’d take a dry rosé, too because it’s probably going to be hot…CMB Family of Wines, 2191 Laguna Rd., Santa Rosa. 707.823.2404. courtneybenhamwines.com.
