Ramona, California Wineries

What the heck is Ramona? A small town that is less than an hour from San Diego. This place has the best mom and pop wineries you will ever go to. Yes there's Temecula, but if you are trying to find an adventure to a new area without spending a ton of money, Ramona is a perfect option and here's why...

* These pictures do not go in order of wineries.

History about Ramona

According to The SD Union-Tribute, American settlers arrived in the mid-1800s. In 1900, this town that was once a stagecoach stop during the gold rush, which became home for agricultural ranches. This little hideaway's original name was Nuevo. Renamed to Ramona in 1886 after a 1884 novel about discrimination in the Mexican War. There are two still standing landmarks, the Ramona Pioneer Historical Society (1883) and the Ramona Town Hall (1894). This cute little town outside another small town, Julian, is now known for their small business wineries.

Ramona's unique terroir

Here is the definition of Terroir. If you want to refresh your wine knowledge, refer to my Wine About It.

Ramona offers a unique wine tasting experience in the front range of the Pacific coastal mountains of Southern California. Where it offers hot days and cool nights, influenced by the coastal layer and fog. The vineyards elevate to 1400 feet above sea level, soils made of granite and red clay, surrounded by hills and mountains with an annual rainfall of 16 inches.

What does that all mean? The grapes grown in this region are perfect for concentrated fruit. Less water equals vines putting more energy in production of fruit, rather than foliage. The overnight cooling slows the ripening process, creating them to develop complex flavors. This Valley is most known for their reds, keep reading for more wines to try in this region.

List of my favorite wineries

There are 60 Vineyards and 30 wineries in Ramona, California. Out of those 30 wineries there are 24 you can visit for wine tasting.

Here are 6 of my favorites: (Links take you to their Instagram, with latest updates)

1. Milagro (favorite property to explore)

2. Grant James (voted #2 Winery in US by Travel Leisure)

3. Ramona Ranch (award winning dry rose)

4. Turtle Rock Ridge (great for sunset)

5. Old Julian (known for ports and brandy)

6. Hatfield Creek (award winning Petite Sirah and Zinfandel)

What wine should you get?

This Region is most known for their reds like Cabernet Sauvignon, Petite Sirah, Tempranillo, Syrah, Barbara and Zinfandel. Ramona's unique terroir is similar to Bordeaux varietals. Though, this valley is primarily red wine country, they are also known for their Albarino, Viognier, and Sauvignon Blanc.

Since Ramona's wildfires in 2003 and 2007, the vineyards are better and stronger than before. Replanted with a fresh start, this limited water. This challenged wine makers, to have the designation on the bottles. With not enough water and grapes to put in bottles, some of the grapes had to come from outside Ramona. To have "Ramona" printed on the bottle, 75% of the grapes have to come from Ramona valley and only 25% from outside the AVA. Good question to ask the wine makers while you're there!

Why should you try it?

This is not a popular spot like Napa or Paso Robles (row-bulls). That is exactly it! This experience is about venturing out to something new and different. Finding out what you like and new people to come into your existence. What better way than to check out a new place near by. Perfect place to go on a date or celebrate with friends, making new memories.

Great places to stay

We have stayed in a cute little retro camper called Rosie, right on the vineyard of Hatfield Creek. Great glamping option for two, in a secluded spot. Where you can easily walk to the tasting room or drive around to see the other ones near by. (Beware, there are no Ubers in Ramona) The owners of Rosie, also own Ramona Family Naturals. Victoria was the sweetest and most helpful host!

You can also find cabins on Airbnb or Hipcamp spots all over the valley. It is a great get away from the busy city life of San Diego or Orange County.

All these wineries have one thing in common, small businesses. They are all family owned, small town businesses where you will most likely to talk to the owner there. Getting to meet new people and talk about their way of life, is a satisfying way to put your own life into perspective. Learn from other peoples success and failures. The more we learn, the more we experience. Support your local business, and create your own life.

Photos by Kailynn