Founded in 2003 by Gerry McConnell, a veteran gold-mining executive, with his late wife, Dara Gordon, Benjamin Bridge first released its flagship 2004 sparkling wines in 2013, quickly selling out all 1,400 bottles.
“For me, it wasn’t viewed as a business,” Mr. McConnell said. He set out to make "the very best that Mother Nature could give us and that would in the end be nationally and internationally recognized as fine.”
Under the expert guidance of winemakers Raphaël Brisbois (Piper-Heidsieck), Peter J. Gamble, and Jean-Benoit Deslauriers, Benjamin Bridge sparklings are made in the laborious and time-consuming Méthode Classique, using the classic Champagne grape varieties of Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, and Pinot Meunier. The precious berries are hand-picked in small baskets, delicately pressed, and finally aged on their lees for no less than five years.