Our Story

Wine on Wheels began with a simple yet powerful belief: that wine has the ability to bring people together, foster conversation, and create meaningful change. Founded by sommelier and disability advocate Yannick Benjamin, Wine on Wheels is a mission-driven nonprofit organization that unites the hospitality industry and wine lovers to support people living with disabilities.

Yannick, who became paralyzed from the waist down after a car accident in 2003, returned to the restaurant floor on his wheelchair and never looked back. His journey—marked by resilience, humility, and an unwavering sense of purpose — inspired the creation of Wine on Wheels as a way to give back and empower others facing similar challenges.

What started as a small wine tasting event has grown into one of the most impactful gatherings in the wine world, drawing some of the country’s top sommeliers, winemakers, and industry leaders to pour for a cause. Whether through educational seminars, community events, or our flagship annual Grand Tasting, Wine on Wheels brings awareness, raises funds, and creates opportunities for people with disabilities to lead active, engaged, and independent lives.

At Wine on Wheels, we believe that access is a right—not a privilege.

We champion inclusion, elevate marginalized voices, and create spaces where everyone can belong. Every bottle opened and every story shared fuels our mission: to build a world where no one is left behind.