Ben Mayo, Le Vigne Winery
Ben Mayo is the winemaker at Le Vigne Winery in Paso Robles, CA. He oversees every stage of production, from vineyard to bottle, balancing tradition with a thoughtful, modern approach.
A Paso Robles native, Ben began his career in 1990 as a harvest worker at Creston Manor, where mentor Vic Roberts sparked his fascination with fermentation and vineyard expression. Over three decades, he has worked with leading regional wineries, including JUSTIN, Meridian, Riboli, Eberle, Rotta, and San Antonio Winery, developing deep knowledge of Paso Robles’ diverse sites and varietals.
After studying science, Ben earned a degree in Wine Marketing from Cal Poly and gained international experience working in Australia. He later served as winemaker and general manager at Rotta Winery and spent 14 years as winemaker and partner at Eberle Winery.
At Le Vigne, Ben emphasizes precision, communication, and responsiveness to the fruit, guiding each wine to express its distinct character. Widely respected in the Paso Robles community, he is known for his patience, technical expertise, and collaborative leadership. Media Inquiries: Marlowe McEfee mmcefee@colangelopr.com | https://www.levignewinery.com/
What’s the ONE THING most unique, authentic, & memorable about your brand?
Le Vigne Winery is authentic and unique due to the history and family behind the brand. Founded in the early 1980s by an Austrian immigrant with a love for food, Le Vigne was built on the idea that wine and cuisine belong together. In the early 2000s, the winery was passed down to Sylvia & Walter Filippini. Walter is a professionally trained chef, ensuring that this legacy continued. A visit to Le Vigne immediately captures this, from the aroma of food cooking to the lively cheese bar that welcomes guests upon arrival. The winery is surrounded by Estate Vineyards that you can taste in every mouthful. Every guest—two-legged or four—is greeted with genuine warmth, making Le Vigne feel equally at home as a beloved local gathering place and a memorable destination.
Describe how and what you’d do with your winemaking career or winery business if you were not constrained.
If the gods smiled upon me with unlimited resources, I’d create a small, state-of-the-art vineyard and winery tucked in the hills of Santa Ynez, California. It would be a place where my love of winemaking, books, cooking, and music come together, shared with anyone curious enough to wander in. At its heart would be a fully equipped commercial kitchen, every bell and whistle included, as well as an outdoor grill and smoker. The tasting room would be lined with bookshelves, inviting guests to slow down, read for a while, and enjoy a snack alongside a glass of well-made wine. And, of course, there would be many dogs and cats roaming on the property. Dreaming is free.
What is the One Wine most emblematic of your brand and/or winemaking style? Tell us its story.
Le Vigne Winery’s Nikiara is the most emblematic wine in our portfolio, a true expression of our estate. Sourced entirely from our meticulously farmed estate vineyards, each component is thoughtfully grown and crafted with precision. The blend is inspired by a classic Bordeaux-style red, anchored by Cabernet Sauvignon and complemented by Cabernet Franc, Petit Verdot, and Merlot. Bold yet elegant, the Nikiara shows generous fruit in its youth while offering the structure and balance to age gracefully over time. Stay tuned, this wine review is coming soon!
Bonus Question: If you could create your own superpower, what would it be?
My superpower would be Mr. Fixit. — Jack of all trades, Master of all!
Ben Mayo