|
Ben joined Clos LaChance as assistant vineyard manager in June 2000, and was promoted to vineyard manager two years later. Ben has held several different positions within the agriculture industry, most recently as spray manager at a 135-acre nursery facility in Hollister and a 1200 acre wine grape operation in Napa. As a former auto mechanic, Ben is also extremely knowledgeable about the inner-workings of trucks, tractors, ATVs etc. Ben received a BS in Crop Science from Cal Poly, San Luis Obispo. As a member of the Dean’s List, Ben studied plant pathology, plant improvement, irrigation management, biological pest control, and weed science. Upon the completion of his studies, Ben was recognized as an "Outstanding Crop Science Graduate."When Ben is not out in the field communing with the vines, he enjoys motorcycles, hiking, watching auto racing (he used to drive in stock car races!), and spending time with his wife Jeannie and his son, Bennie. | 