Benovia Winery hosts rooftop wine tasting at The Heights Center | Auction raises nearly $50,000 to benefit Harlem Heights families
Wine lovers from across Southwest Florida gathered on the rooftop terrace of The Heights Center for An Evening at the Heights Foundation with Benovia Winery on Dec. 4. The intimate event was hosted by Benovia Winery owners Joe Anderson and Mary Dewane, who welcomed guests to enjoy world-class wines in a distinctive Southwest Florida setting.
The night featured a guided tasting of Benovia’s highly regarded Pinot Noir, Chardonnay, Cabernet, Zinfandel and a special 20th anniversary wine, paired with light bites b Crave Culinaire and sweeping views of the Harlem Heights neighborhood. The experience reflected the warmth and hospitality for which the independent Sonoma winery is known.
In a highlight of the evening, Anderson and Dewane donated an extraordinary wine country getaway for three couples — a six-day, five-night stay overlooking the Cohn Estate Vineyard in Healdsburg, California, including a VIP lunch and tasting with Benovia’s winemaker and dinners at two of Sonoma County’s most acclaimed restaurants. Auctioneer Scott Robertson led spirited bidding that delivered an impressive result, raising nearly $50,000 to support the mission of The Heights Foundation/The Heights Center: building strong, self-sufficient families in Harlem Heights.
“Joe and Mary brought the heart of Benovia to our rooftop,” said Kathryn Kelly, founder and CEO of The Heights Foundation/The Heights Center. “We are deeply grateful for the generosity they share — not only through exceptional wines, but through their commitment to making a difference for families right here in our community.”
For more information about The Heights Foundation/The Heights Center, visit heightsfoundation.org or call 239-482-7706.
About Benovia Winery
Benovia Winery is a family-owned, independent producer in Sonoma County, known for its exceptional estate-grown Pinot Noir and Chardonnay, as well as distinctive Zinfandel. Crafted with meticulous care and a deep respect for the land, Benovia wines embody a philosophy of place, people, and purpose. Owners Joe Anderson and Mary Dewane bring a passion for hospitality and community to every bottle they share.
About The Heights Foundation/The Heights Center
Harlem Heights is a low-income community in south Fort Myers. The Heights Foundation’s mission is to build strong, self-sufficient families in the Harlem Heights neighborhood. The Heights Center, supported by The Heights Foundation, promotes education and wellness, nurtures family and community development, and provides the benefits of enrichment and the arts.
Heights Early Learning serves more than 85 babies through 4 years old. The Heights Center serves 150 children in AfterSchool and more than 150 kids in Summer Camp. The Harlem Heights Community Charter School serves 200 children from kindergarten through fifth grade.
Harlem Heights was originally settled as a rural agricultural community. Approximately 780 children live in a mixture of single-family homes and multi-family apartments. Demographically, the population is approximately 70 percent Hispanic, 20 percent African-American, and 8 percent Caucasian. The poverty rate for children in Harlem Heights is more than twice the county average, with family income 40 percent below the county average. As a result, families cannot easily access family support services in downtown Fort Myers and benefit greatly from programs within the neighborhood.