Sonoma County Vintners

We are incredibly sad to learn of the passing of our friend Joe Anderson, co-founder of Benovia Winery and a longtime champion of Sonoma County and its community.

Joe was a respected leader in our industry, but an equally important part of his legacy is the generosity and commitment to community he shared with his wife, Mary Dewane. Together, Joe and Mary have been extraordinary supporters of our community, giving generously of their time, leadership and resources to help others.

Their longtime support of the Sonoma County Wine Auction helped raise millions of dollars for local nonprofits and those they serve.

Our hearts are with Mary, the Anderson family and the entire Benovia Winery team.

If you would like to make a donation in Joe’s memory, these organizations were important to him:

Barrow Neurological Institute
https://giveto.supportbarrow.org/donate-r

Santa Rosa Memorial Hospital
https://givetomemorial.org/

The V Foundation
https://www.v.org/ways-to-give/

Thank you Sarah Doyle and Press Democrat for including our August 20 Pour & Explore!

Don’t miss these end-of-summer Sonoma County wine events While back to school is just around the corner, there are plenty of summer wine events in Sonoma County still on the docket. Here are some of our favorites.

Rosé. White wines. A summer evening in Sonoma County wine country.

Join us for Pour + Explore: Rosés & Aromatic White Wines on Thursday, August 20, from 5:30–7:30 PM at Banshee Wines in Alexander Valley.

Taste Rosés and aromatic white wines from 18+ Sonoma County wineries, enjoy light appetizers, and meet the people behind the wines—all in a relaxed setting made for sipping, discovering and enjoying a summer evening with friends. 🥂

🎟️ Tickets are limited. Reserve yours today!
$85 per person + tax and service fee

Reserve Your Tickets: https://bit.ly/4xoJgFX

Presented by Sonoma County Vintners in partnership with Christopher Sawyer Sommelier.

Just 100 Tickets. One Unforgettable Evening.

Some of Sonoma County's most refreshing wines are coming together for one special night.

Join us on Thursday, August 20, from 5:30–7:30 PM at Banshee Wines@ for an intimate edition of Pour + Explore, featuring Rosés & Aromatic White Wines from Sonoma County wineries. Meet the people behind the wines, discover new favorites, enjoy light appetizers, and take in the beauty of Alexander Valley in a relaxed vineyard setting.

With attendance limited to just 100 guests, this is a unique opportunity to experience Pour + Explore in a more intimate setting.

Reserve your tickets today: https://bit.ly/4xoJgFX

Produced by Sonoma County Vintners in partnership with Christopher Sawyer Sommelier.



Photo Credit: Hiro Sogi Media

Sonoma County Vintners joins the wine community in remembering David Hirsch, whose pioneering spirit and unwavering commitment helped shape Sonoma County's reputation as a world-class wine region.

We were honored to recognize David with the 2025 Sonoma County Barrel Auction Lifetime Achievement Award, celebrating his extraordinary contributions to our wine community.

We extend our heartfelt condolences to Jasmine, the Hirsch family, the team at Hirsch Vineyards, and all who had the privilege of knowing him. His legacy will continue to inspire generations to come.

Today we remember Michael Muscardini and celebrate the lasting impact he had on our wine community.

Michael's passion for Sonoma County, his generosity, and his dedication to crafting exceptional wines inspired so many. Through Muscardini Cellars, he shared not only beautiful wines, but also a deep appreciation for family, friendship, and Italian heritage.

Our heartfelt condolences go out to his family, the entire Muscardini team, and all who had the privilege of knowing him. He will be greatly missed.

We are deeply saddened by the passing of Leslie Hennessy, a dear friend of Sonoma County Vintners and a respected voice in our wine community.

Through his storytelling, journalism, and unwavering support of Sonoma County wine, Leslie helped shine a spotlight on the people and places that make our region so special. Our heartfelt condolences go out to his family, friends, colleagues, and all who were fortunate to know him. His contributions to Sonoma County wine will long be remembered.

Talking about the great @threestickswines and the exciting #PourAndExplore event happening next Friday evening, July 24th at @ramsgatewinery, which I'll be doing with my dear friend Prema (aka @premajustprema), the #threesticks staff, and over 25 other wineries from the sub-AVAs of Sonoma Valley will be doing together for the first time on a Friday night! For more information about the event, visit the @sonomacountyvintners website at #sonomawine .com and look for the list of #pourandexplore events. Hope to see you there next week!!! . #sawyersawyer #thevarietalshow @sonomacountywinegrowers @sonomavalleywine #threesticks #theadobe #durellvineyard #oneskyvineyard @headhighwines #letstastethis

There's just ONE WEEK until Pour + Explore: Sonoma Valley at the spectacular Ram's Gate Winery!

🍷 Taste exceptional wines from 25+ Sonoma Valley wineries
🧀 Enjoy delicious light bites from the Ram's Gate culinary team
🎶 Live music by Jacob Philip Benning
🌄 Take in breathtaking vineyard views as you sip and stroll one of California's most iconic wine regions.

📅 Friday, July 24
🕠 5:30–8:00 p.m.
📍 Ram's Gate Winery

Whether you're a longtime Sonoma Valley fan or discovering its wines for the first time, this is an evening you won't want to miss.

🎟️ Tickets are selling fast—reserve yours today! https://bit.ly/4w10its



Photo Credit: Hiro Sogi Media

Summer evenings are made for wine country! ☀️🍷

Join us for Pour + Explore: Sonoma Valley on Friday, July 24, 5:30-8:00pm at the stunning Ram's Gate Winery for an unforgettable evening celebrating one of California's most iconic wine regions.

Taste wines from 25+ exceptional Sonoma Valley wineries, enjoy light appetizers, take in sweeping vineyard views, and relax to live music from Jacob Philip Benning.

🎟️ Reserve your tickets today: https://bit.ly/4w10its

Produced by Sonoma County Vintners in partnership with Christopher Sawyer Sommelier.



Photo Credit: Hiro Sogi Media