Our Story
Graft was founded by University of Michigan students with a passion for technology, hospitality, and the craft behind the world’s greatest wines. What started as a conversation during a late-night student-run dinner became a mission: create an intelligent companion that empowers producers, enthusiasts, and professionals. Graft blends modern AI with centuries-old winemaking tradition—enhancing connection rather than replacing it.
Meet the Team
Benson Klein
Benson is a Junior at the University of Michigan from Los Angeles, California, majoring in Economics and minoring in Art History. This past summer, he worked for Les Belles Perdrix at Château Troplong-Mondot in Saint-Émilion, Nouvelle-Aquitaine, France. This upcoming summer, Benson will join Moelis & Co. in New York as an Investment Banking Summer Analyst. Benson also works with the Nantucket Wine Festival every May as a member of the Culinary Team. On Michigan’s Campus, Benson is involved with Alpha Kappa Psi Professional Business Fraternity, Michigan Stocks and Bonds Organization, Wolverine Capital Investments, and the Side Door Pop-up Restaurant.
Jacob Tkaczyk
Jacob (JT) is a Senior at the University of Michigan from Chesterfield Township, Michigan, majoring in Computer Engineering. He brings software development experience from two internships at General Dynamics Land Systems, where he contributed to production-grade software used in real defense applications. JT serves as Secretary for the Chesterfield Township Zoning Board of Appeals, gaining exposure to municipal decision-making and public-facing problem solving. On campus, he leads a development team at Michigan Build and Launch, where he has worked on projects ranging from an AI-powered lifestyle recommendation platform to a modular algorithmic trading system. He also volunteers as a lead developer for ROTC, building a large-scale Wargame simulation that supports real-time strategy and training scenarios.
Ben Chin
Ben is a Junior at the University of Michigan from Denver, Colorado, majoring in Business Administration. This past summer, he interned at ArrowMark Partners as an Equity Investments Analyst. Next summer, he will be interning at RBC San Francisco as a summer analyst in the Technology Group. On Michigan’s campus, Benjamin is also involved with the Club Golf Team, Wolverine Capital Investments, and Zelle Early Stage Fund.
Allen Zhang
Allen is a Junior at the University of Michigan from Saint Clair, Michigan, majoring in Computer Engineering. This past summer, he interned at Amazon as a Software Development Engineer Intern and will return next summer. He’s strongest in C++ and systems-style problem-solving, with experience ranging from backend development and algorithm optimization to building interactive graphics projects in three.js. He’s worked on projects like LifeSwitch, a lifestyle-change web platform, as well as research-driven engineering work through UROP at university. In his spare time, he has helped managing his family’s resturant.
Jordan Li
Jordan is a Junior at the University of Michigan from McComb, Michigan, majoring in Computer Science.
Where Did the Name Deni Come From?
Denis Toner (Deni) is the Founder of the Nantucket Wine & Food Festival and a legendary sage in the wine trade. He began this adventure while living on Nantucket and working in the wine industry as a sommelier for the Chanticleer Restaurant. Today, Denis and his wife, Susan, reside in Beaune, Burgundy, France. He remains an ambassador to the Nantucket Wine & Food Festival and has paved the way for greater recognition and love for many Burgundy Vignerons. His passion and knowledge for wine have affected countless individuals on their journeys in the industry, whether they are in the wine business, are collectors, or otherwise.