JoAnn Cherry, renowned organic winemaker and foodie of the Paso Robles area and former board representative of CCOF’s San Luis Obispo Chapter, passed away earlier this month after a five-year battle with colorectal cancer.
JoAnn was co-owner/operator and creative director of Villa Creek Cellars and the MAHA Estate Vineyard in Paso Robles. JoAnn was a vocal community leader on the topic of organic grape-growing and was instrumental in getting more vineyards to certify and/or farm without chemicals. As she wrote in the winery’s 2023 holiday message, “the best wine is made in the vineyard, and the best grapes are grown without chemical inputs. Keeping the soil alive and vibrant directly affects the quality of the wine. We look forward to seeing more certified organic vineyards in the new year.”
She and her husband, Cris, winery co-owner and director of winemaking, were awarded the Paso Robles Wine Country Alliance Environmental Stewards Award by their industry peers in 2021.
Under JoAnn’s leadership, the MAHA Estate vineyard has been Demeter- and organic-certified since its first harvest in 2015, was certified by CCOF in 2017, and achieved the high bar of Regenerative Organic Certification™ in 2022. JoAnn worked with vineyard and winery staff to make sure Villa Creek and MAHA were always compliant and up to date. She was hands on in the vineyard and cellar, but, like most business owners, she spent much of her time on marketing, human resources, and administrative work.
“JoAnn brought boundless passion and vision to the CCOF Board,” said Kelly Damewood, CCOF CEO. “She volunteered her time on our audit committee, energized her local farming community, and provided strong guidance to our programs. She will be deeply missed and remembered for her many contributions to the organic community and beyond.”
In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorials in the form of donations to MUST! Charities in JoAnn’s name. A celebration of JoAnn’s life will be held at the MAHA Estate in Paso Robles on August 24; view details online and please RSVP by Aug. 17.