Benjamin, a New York City-based sommelier, is the cofounder of Contento in East Harlem,
which opened in 2021. He is also a co-founder and director of development for Wine on
Wheels, an organization that helps recently disabled people. In 2003, a car accident left
Benjamin paralyzed, but he pursued his dreams to attend college and become a sommelier.
Having worked in his early years at Le Cirque, Jean-Georges, Felidia and Atelier at the Ritz
Carlton, Benjamin went back to wine service at Le Dû’s Wines for more than seven years and
also became an accomplished athlete. Benjamin and partners opened Contento with the
ethos and tagline “accessible for all.” It is a stunning example of quality hospitality designed
with a broadly inclusive approach.