Born and raised in Amersfoort, Holland, Ben Pon inherited a European appreciation of wine. He and his wife, Ingrid, chose Carmel Valley because they believe in its potential to be the best viticultural appellation in America for traditional Bordeaux-style red wines. With the same pioneer spirit that created Bernardus Winery and Vineyards, they embarked upon the Bernardus Lodge...a natural extension of the distinctive Bernardus legacy of perfection.
A bon vivant in the Old World tradition with an enthusiastic perspective of life, Ben was a racecar driver for Porsche for many years, racing six times in Le Mans. He was also an athlete for Holland in skeet shooting during the 1972 Olympics. A man who divides his time between Holland, England and Carmel Valley, he travels year round as a citizen of the world.
Management Team
Ben Pon, Owner, Bernardus Lodge
Michael Oprish, General Manager, Bernardus Lodge
Sue Dreyer, Director of Sales & Marketing, Bernardus Lodge
Cal Stamenov, Executive Chef, Bernardus Lodge
Mark Jensen, Wine Director, Bernardus Lodge