Ben Banks, Winemaker
Ben Banks first began making wine in 2007 with the home winemaking kits. What started out as a hobby would soon turn into a career.
With a professional photography and graphic design degree, Ben brings the unique balance of art and science into the profession. In the early years of Sovereign Estate, Ben learned the commercial side of winemaking as an assistant until he took over as the head winemaker in 2012. In his first solo vintage, Ben’s wine received the Governor’s Cup at the international Cold Climate Wine Competition. This was only a sign of things to come as Ben has been producing world class wine that stand out at some of the most renowned and respected wine competitions in the country.
Since Ben took over in 2012, Sovereign Estate has received 3 Governor’s Cup, Several Best in Class, Best in show’s, Double Gold’s and Gold’s at numerous competitions. His work is considered the “Gold Standard” of what Minnesota wine should taste like.
Outside of winemaking, Ben enjoys cooking, spending time with his two girls as well as biking and kayaking.