José Benito Mendiola's favorite job in the vineyard is pruning. This work in January to April is quiet and focused with a meditative quality. Benito’s alert eyes are also a great help during harvest as the tractors, gondolas and mechanical harvester all work in close quarters to rush the grapes to the winery. He was also one of the loyal "dads" to the vineyard dog, Satanas, for many years. When not working, Benito is happy with a fishing pole in his hands, doing “catch and release” in Lake Sonoma. To learn more about Benito, read his "Meet the Team" blog.