Santa Rosa, CA (July 12, 2024) – In the heart of wine country, a unique venture is pairing one of Sonoma County’s premier wineries with a non-profit news trust to support sustainable local journalism. The award-winning Benovia Winery, known for its sustainably farmed small-production Pinot Noir and Chardonnay, is producing a special release of “Good Press,” a 2022 Russian River Valley Pinot Noir, with a significant portion of the proceeds benefitting The Press Democrat Journalism Trust. The money will help provide journalism scholarships and reporting resources in Sonoma and Napa counties, and California’s North Bay.
“Benovia Winery is proud to support The Press Democrat Journalism Trust,” said Joe Anderson, Co-Founder & Chairman of Sonoma County’s Benovia Winery. “A healthy democracy depends on a free and fair press that shines a light on truth and holds those in power accountable. Long before I was a vintner, I spent two decades in government, often working with the media to help increase the public’s understanding of government business. The journalists’ work made us better. Unbiased journalism is a blessing for our country and our government, and The Press Democrat Journalism Trust will help train young journalists with traditional journalistic standards.”
This dynamic collaboration between The Press Democrat Journalism Trust and Benovia Winery underscores a shared commitment to fostering informed communities through the support of local journalism. A limited run of 100 cases of Good Press Pinot Noir is now available for purchase exclusively through Benovia Winery’s website or by visiting the winery.
Benovia Winery has established itself as a pillar in the Russian River Valley, embodying excellence in winemaking and sustainable practices. With a rich history of community involvement, Benovia’s latest venture into philanthropy through the medium of fine wine exemplifies their innovative approach to giving back. Benovia has previously demonstrated their commitment to the community through charitable initiatives like Liberation Pinot Noir which helps support war veterans through the Gary Sinise Foundation and the Navy Seal Foundation, and their Courageous Care Pinot Noir that helped support Feeding America, the Redwood Empire Food Bank, and Direct Relief during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic.
The Press Democrat Journalism Trust plays a crucial role in the preservation and advancement of local journalism through strategic scholarships, grant making and internships. This unique partnership aims to bolster these efforts, safeguarding North Bay communities’ access to vital information and ensuring a bright and sustainable future for local news.
“The generosity and passion of the entire Benovia team in this partnership has been overwhelming,” said Eric Johnston, CEO of Sonoma Media Investments, publisher of The Press Democrat and Secretary of the PDJT Board of Directors. “We deeply appreciate their unwavering support of community journalism and are proud to be associated with a premier Sonoma County winemaker.”
For those interested in supporting this vital cause, Good Press Pinot Noir is available for purchase nationwide for $49 per bottle. For every bottle sold, Benovia Winery will donate $20 to The Press Democrat Journalism Trust. The Anderson Family Foundation and the Green Foundation will each match the winery’s donation, with additional $20 donations. So, for each $49 bottle of wine, The Press Democrat Journalism Trust will actually receive $60.
Good Press Pinot Noir has aromas of vibrant fruit and exotic spice. Integrated acidity and fine tannins lend themselves to mid-term cellaring. The wine can be acquired by visiting Benovia Winery at 3339 Hartman Road in Santa Rosa or at www.BenoviaWinery.com.
About Benovia Winery
Distinguished as one of the Top 20 tasting rooms in Sonoma County by the San Francisco Chronicle, and set in the heart of Sonoma’s Russian River Valley, Benovia Winery is family-owned and dedicated to making exquisite, small-production Pinot Noir and Chardonnay. Committed to sustainable farming, Benovia’s vines are planted high-density to conserve natural resources and produce balanced, elegant wines. Benovia was founded in 2002 by husband & wife, Joe Anderson & Mary Dewane, and the winery’s distinctive name is a blend of their fathers’ names: Ben and Novian. With an innate ability to combine skill, experience and his own intuition, Benovia’s winemaker & co-owner Mike Sullivan grew up in Santa Rosa, and helped farm his parents’ Sonoma Mountain vineyard before earning a degree in enology. He is passionate about Russian River Valley terroir. Described as “unassumingly chic,” Benovia’s tasting room is in a renovated Ranch House, surrounded by the estate’s Martaella Vineyard, which was once a quarter horse ranch. Modernized while retaining much of its original feel, it’s among the best places in Sonoma County to enjoy a seated, by-appointment tasting on the deck overlooking the vineyard, or by the cozy fireplace. Tours of the winery and seasonal vineyard tours can also be booked. Reservations are required: www.benoviawinery.com. Benovia Winery is located at 3339 Hartman Lane in Santa Rosa, CA and can be found on social media @benoviawinery.
About The Press Democrat Journalism Trust
Committed to advancing journalism education and ensuring the vitality of local news, The Press Democrat Journalism Trust supports North Bay communities through strategic scholarship and grant programs. Its mission is to uphold the values enshrined in the First Amendment, fostering the next generation of journalists and news coverage. For more information, visit www.pdjt.org.
