Ben Pickering

Mayacamas Vineyards & Winery - Napa Valley, CA

Native to the Sonoma Valley, Ben Pickering brings a rich culinary and global perspective to his craft as the Assistant Winemaker at Mayacamas, where he has spent the past five and a half years. Ben began his professional journey in the kitchens of San Francisco and the North Bay before turning his focus to the vineyard and cellar. His winemaking education spans international harvests in Marlborough, New Zealand, and Australia’s Barossa Valley. Backed by three years in vineyard management with a strong emphasis on organic and biodynamic farming practices, Ben returned home to Northern California to hone his expertise across the Sonoma Coast, Napa Valley, and Sonoma Valley—blending hands-on viticulture with a commitment to sustainable, high-caliber winemaking.