LEADERS of the Revolution
Alex Cose (a.k.a. The Winemaker)
Some men find themselves in the middle of revolutions not knowing exactly how they arrived there. They simply believed in something so strongly that somewhere along the line it evolved into a personal mission.
Alex Cose (a.k.a. The Winemaker) ventured into making Pinot after studying finance and accounting at California State University, Hayward. After six years of banking, Alex left behind the trappings of the FDIC, etc. and started on a path that he could put his heart into for years to come.
After being graduated in 1996 from California State University, Fresno with a degree in winemaking Alex began the search for his first position. He had also completed internships with Montevina Winery in Plymouth and Joseph Phelps Winery in St. Helena. Not only did he have the technical degree but he had real hands-on experience.
For six years, Alex worked at Peter Michael Winery in Calistoga. He was part of the very small winemaking team responsible for producing one of California’s premier Cabernet Sauvignons — Les Pavots, world-class Chardonnay, and the first vintages of Pinot at the winery.
Once again, though, Alex realized he had fallen victim to the trappings of the privileged and decided to hit the road. In the Spring of 2002, Alex was hired by Derek Benham as winemaker for Mark West. His talents in winemaking coupled with his business sense have pushed him to the forefront of this Pinot for the People Revolution.
Alex’s ease with people and easy conversation are critical to recruiting new Pinot suppliers and followers. In order to keep this wine for the people, he must negotiate and curry the favor of friends, acquaintances, colleagues and neighbors. For it is with the people that this revolution must begin.
Viva la Revolucion!
Owner Derek Benham (a.k.a. The Leader)
Every revolution needs a spark to start… Every revolution needs a leader… Every revolution needs a visionary…
Derek Benham was born in Bakersfield, CA. He was educated at the University of California, Berkeley, where he received degrees in English lit and philosophy.
As the second generation in the wine business, Derek grew up surrounded by grapes, wine and people who loved life. And yet something was missing.
After the very successful creation and subsequent sale of the Blackstone brand, Derek suddenly found himself in 2002 with the opportunity to find himself again. No longer trapped by preconceived notions he could start again. He would cast off the misconception that wine was only for the privileged. And to prove his point, he would bring the most elusive of grapes — Pinot — to the people.
Derek had acquired Mark West Winery and now knew that it had a purpose after all of these years. It was located in the heart of premium Pinot vineyards. Those vineyards could be used to produce fine Pinots at good values. But that was not enough. Derek searched the state of California and chose the Central Coast as the inspiration for a Pinot worthy of the grandest of occasions but priced for the greatest occasion - today.
He hired the Winemaker...
He hired the Documentarian...
He hired the Special Ops...
and He started on the Mission...
Pinot for the People!
Copyright © 2005 _ Mark West Winery