Friends since Grade 6, Michael Benziger and Benjamin Flajnik always had a passion for wine. Benziger came from the winemaking family behind Benziger Family Winery in Sonoma, California. He traveled the world learning about all about wine and interned at his family's winery. Flajnik attended the University Of Arizona for music production, but his hobbies included microbrewing and winemaking.

Eventually they both ended back up in Sonoma and launched their winery. They started Evolve Winery with a focus on friendship and the enjoyment of wine. In 2012, the company brought in another childhood friend, Danny Fay, as its third partner and switched its name to Envolve Winery. Fay completed his executive Wine MBA in France at Bordeaux Ecole de Management. Their portfolio consists of two brands, Envolve and Epilogue.

The guys share a passion for wine and Fernet Branca, a bitter aromatic spirit that's popular in Argentina. When Flajnik appeared on The Bachelorette (on Season 7, when he made it to the final two) and The Bachelor (on Season 16, when he got down on one knee to propose to Courtney Robertson), he had his friends' full support. Up until recently, they all lived togther. Perhaps it was just time for these three childhood boys to evolve.

What's the key to balancing the friendship with the business?

"It took us a long time to figure out the keys to balancing a friendship and business and we still have a lot to learn," says Benziger. "But we are truly great friends and for the first few years we worked, lived, socialized and traveled together and never really had a disagreement or fight. Recently we have learned that it is good for us as friends and business partners to give each other some space every once and a while. We have all moved into our own places and don't spend every minute together."

What in particular drew you to Sonoma as a home base for your winery?

"We are all a product of Sonoma, California. It was the only logical place for us to get into the wine business. It is home and our mentors are all people from Sonoma, too," says Flajnik.

The Envolve brand is organic, biodynamic or sustainably farmed. Why was this decision an important one?

"First and foremost we believe that these growing methods produce wine that's a true expression of its vineyard and vintage. With that said, we feel like this creates a wine that is unique and with thousands of wine brands out there today it is very important to separate yourselves in some way. Not to mention that we feel this is the correct way to farm, you are building ecological capital and forming a healthier vineyard," says Benziger.

With Ben's appearance on the Bachelorette/Bachelor and Mike's family history with wine, do you feel any pressure to live up to expectations?

"Much of life is about perspectives and expectations, we try to stay humble. We're learning more every day from today's wine leaders, with our goals to become part of the next generation of wine leaders," says Fay.

"We strive every day to make sure we make the best wines possible. That's all we can really do," adds Flajnik.

What would you consider your 'house wine'?

"Our Envolve 2011 Sauvignon Blanc. Clean, crisp and refreshing," says Fay.

"I always have my Family's Sonoma County Cabernet on hand," says Benzinger. "It is a very soft and approachable red that's great to pair with a large range of food or sip as a cocktail wine. Oh, and I get it very cheap as well, that helps!"