In 1990, Derek founded the Codera Wine Group and created the Blackstone Merlot brand. Two years later, he purchased the old Hallberg apple cannery in Graton, California which had been converted to a winery in 1979. After seven successful years, Blackstone was sold in 2001, Codera was dissolved, and Derek started Purple Wine Company.

Derek’s intuitive understanding of consumer expectations fueled his interest in several exciting projects. To help cast off the misconception that wine was only to be enjoyed by the privileged, he launched Avalon, the go-to-brand for Cabernet Sauvignon. He also created Mark West and built it into a greatly successful brand, which earned the Impact Hot Brand Award from M. Shanken Communications twice. Derek later sold Mark West to Constellation Brands. In 2013, Derek introduced Raeburn, a Russian River Chardonnay retailing for just under $20. That same year he broke ground on a new distillery at the Graton winery where the company now produces Benham’s Gin & Vodka and Redwood Empire Bourbon, Rye and Blended Whiskey.

When not creating new wine and spirit offerings, Derek is on the slopes skiing or paddling out to catch his next wave. He enjoys traveling with his wife and three children and is especially passionate about Barcelona, Spain. The Benham’s often journey there to soak up the Catalan culture. Derek adores “gin tonics”, Catalonia’s famous cocktail, and loves to share his passion with friends and family.