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Derek Benham | Proprietor

A second generation Californian, Derek Benham grew up in an agricultural environment in the great San Joaquin Valley. While working summers on his Dad's farm, he began to dream of building his own wine company.

After graduating from UC Berkeley in 1982, Derek went to work in sales for a small winery near Lodi. Eventually, he assumed the role of General Manager and learned all aspects of running a wine company, culminating in the sale of the winery to La Crema Winery. In 1990, Derek founded the Codera Wine Group and created the Blackstone Merlot brand. After seven very successful years, he sold the brand in 2001.