08/08/2026
With heavy hearts we are sad to share that Benovia W**ery’s Founder & Chairman, Joe Anderson, passed away unexpectedly on the morning of August 4th, following complications after a fall. As Joe’s wife and Benovia’s Co-Founder, Mary Dewane, along with The Anderson Family have shared, “Joe’s Catholic faith was central to who he was, and it shaped a life of quiet generosity. Joe honored his humble beginnings by tirelessly supporting the under-served, the true meaning of a life well-lived.” 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/
Often when enjoying w**e with friends and family Joe embraced a toast inspired by his dear friend, Monsignor Ryle: “To our worthy selves.” His children have always found that toast touching and emblematic of Joe’s devotion to service: everyone is worthy. We join you in raising a glass to Joe this evening.
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1. Joe Anderson, Founder & Chairman of Benovia W**ery
2. Joe Anderson and Mary Dewane celebrating Benovia W**ery’s 10th anniversary in 2015
3. Burt Williams, the Godfather of Russian River Pinot Noir and founder of Williams-Selyem, encouraged Joe to purchase the legendary Cohn Vineyard in 2002.
4. Congressman Mike Thompson and Joe Anderson were great friends. Joe was keenly involved in politics.
5. Joe formed a deep friendship with WWII veteran Del Tiedeman throughout the 75th anniversary of D-Day celebrations in 2019. Del even flew the Spirit of Benovia on Veteran’s Day in 2020.
6. Mary & Joe co-chaired the Sonoma County W**e Auction with Jean-Charles Boisset in 2015 and raised a record-breaking $4.5 million.
7. Mary, Joe & Maddie in Cohn Vineyard.
8. Joe’s family meant everything to him.
