San Diego wineries

COUNTY EASES RULES FOR WINERIES AFTER ECM REPORT, BUT IMPOSES CURFEW FOR RESTAURANTS AND BARS

By Miriam Raftery

Photo, left: Woof N' Rose Winery in Ramona wil now be able to remain open, serving wine on an outdoor patio, under the county rule change allowed today.

June 30, 2020 (San Diego) – One day after ordering bars, breweries and wineries to shut down, county health officials today revised that order to allow most to stay open. That’s a big relief to East County wineries, which can now continue to offer winetasting outdoors without food. Wineries, breweries, distilleries and bars with indoor seating can also stay open, provided they serve alcohol with food. Those without food service licenses can team up with a restaurant or food truck.

The changes came after East County Magazine published an article quoting prominent wine owners voicing concern over the future of our region’s wine industry and hours after ECM's editor reached out to Supervisor Dianne Jacob to inform her staff of the winery owners' concerns. ECM's editor also posed a question on this issue during a virtual press conference with county health officials.

Today, the County also imposed a 10 p.m. to 5 a.m. curfew on all restaurants, bars and other eating/drinking establishments that serve alcohol. Patrons in the door by 10 p.m. may stay until 11 p.m. nightly.  Violators are subject to a $1,000 fine.


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WINERY OWNERS SAY SHUTDOWN OF BARS UNFAIR TO RURAL WINERIES, THREATENS TO CRUSH BURGEONING WINE INDUSTRY

Story and photos by Miriam Raftery

Photo, left: Outdoor patio at Vineyard Grant James in Ramona provides ample social distancing for wine-tasting guests

June 29, 2020 (San Diego’s East County) – East County’s once-thriving wine industry is struggling under COVID-19 restrictions – and some local wineries may die on the vine now that the county has once again shut down all bars effect July 1, including wineries and breweries.

Now, some winery owners are criticizing the shutdown as overly broad and unfair,  since many rural wineries have outdoor patios or spacious tasting rooms and have been providing ample social distancing – unlike urban bars and crowded venues such as the Gaslamp District.


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COUNTY ORDERS SHUTDOWN OF BARS, WINERIES AND BREWERIES, HALTS REOPENING OTHER BUSINESSES

By Miriam Raftery

June 29, 2020 (San Diego) – San Diego County’s Health and Human Services Agency today ordered  bars, wineries and breweries to shut down starting July 1 to slow the spread of COVID-19.

The county also halted reopening of any additional businesses until at least August 1, due to a spike in cases locally.

Although Governor Gavin Newsom earlier this week ordered bars in six counties to close and recommended closures in eight other counties, San Diego was not on those lists. However local officials made the decision to shut down the alcohol establishments after nearly 500 new cases were reported yesterday, the highest number since the start of the pandemic. Also, 7% of test results reported yesterday were positive, up sharply from the 4.1% rate over the prior two weeks.

Concerns are also rising over hospital capacity, since San Diego has taken some patients from neighboring Imperial County, where 23% of tests have come back positive in recent days prompting the state to order a return to a full lockdown there.

Today, Riverside County’s hospital ICU units hit 99% capacity, forcing hospitals to resort to surge mode, converting other hospital bed areas into ICU units to accommodate COVID-19 patients. San Diego could be asked to accept yet more patients from its neighbor to the north if Riverside's surge in cases continues.


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CHEERS! WINERIES REOPEN ACROSS EAST COUNTY

By Miriam Raftery

Photo, left: Ramona Ranch Winery's winemaker is cheered by news that wineries and vineyards can now reopen to visitors.

June 26, 2020 (San Diego’s East County) – Wineries are reopening across our region, after three months of curbside-only services due to COVID-19. Some owners have been hard-hit by the economic loss, but now welcome the opportunity to welcome back visitors.

Now you can once again enjoy sipping wine on a mountain patio  overlooking vineyards or in an urban tasting room. Some are offering food pairings, special sales and other incentives to welcome back visitors – with social distancing and other changes per state health rules.


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RAMONA HOLIDAY WINE TRAIL EACH WEEKEND BEFORE CHRISTMAS INCLUDES HOLIDAY SHOPPING, MUSIC, AND WINE TASTING

East County News Service

December 4, 2019 (Ramona) -- This year’s Ramona Holiday Wine Trail runs four weekends to make sure you have time to cover all 18 participating wine-tasting venues and take advantage of all that the Holiday Wine Trail has to offer. The event includes holiday shopping at wineries as well as live music, special events and promotions plus of course, wine tasting.  This year, the wine trail runs each Saturday and Sunday between Thanksgiving and Christmas:


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GUESTS KICKED UP THEIR HEELS AT CAMPO CREEK VINEYARDS' PICKNG AND STOMPING PARTY

 

By Miriam Raftery

 

September 20, 2019 (Campo) – Guests kicked up their heels in more ways than one at the Campo Creek Vineyards first-ever Grape Picking and Stomping Party on September 7th

Wine club members and other visitors first got a taste of what it’s like to pick grapes, getting tips on harvesting ripe Pinot Noir grapes on the vines. 

Located on a cattle ranch that dates back to 1888,  the vineyard now has 10,000 vines and the winery produces hand-crafted wines, many with labels featuring cattle, cowboys and ranching themes.


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JAMUL WINE FESTIVAL BRINGS CHEERS THIS SATURDAY SUMMER'S EVE

By Miriam Raftery

July 26, 2019 (Jamul) – Beside a babbling brook under shady oak trees at D&S Farms, home to Granite Lion Cellars, the 2019 Jamul's Premier Wine Festival  is set to be the best yet this Saturday, July 27 from 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. In addition to speakers ranging from sommeliers to winemakers, guests can savor tastings from 10 area wineries plus beer and hard cider. Dining tastes will including offerings from the award-winning Crafted Greens restaurant, Valentine’s Bar and Grill, and chefs Desmond Fonesco and Joe Coppola serving up everything from linguini to luscious desserts.

“People love the ambience—the coolness of the place in a relaxed atmosphere, the sound, the music, the talks in the Grotto,” says Gary Gorton, marketing director at St. Pius X Church.  All funds benefit the 50-year-old church’s building fund to add solar and fund classrooms to support youth programs and a retreat for young people coming up at the University of San Diego in August.

New this year, two golf carts with drivers donated by Imperial Beach Golf Club will ferry guests from the parking lot to the party under the oaks, illuminated by twinkling lights. A DJ from Brandon Watts Entertainment will provide music for guests to enjoy or dance beneath the stars.


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RAMONA’S HOLIDAY WINE TRAIL CONTINUES NEXT TWO WEEKENDS





By Miriam Raftery



December 6, 2018 (Ramona) – Savor the season along the Holiday Wine Trail in Ramona, which this year features 18 different wineries.

The event continues the next two Saturdays and Sundays, December 8-9 and 15-16.   Some wineries are offering “extras” including live music, arts and crafts for sale, spiced mulled wine and even an appearance by Santa –in a wine cave!

I hit the trail last weekend, stopping by several locations along the tour, each offering a unique and special experience.


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LA MESA WINE WORKS CELEBRATES FRUITFUL TWO YEARS AT ANNIVERSARY PARTY SATURDAY

 

From Maine lobsters to wine slushies, games to rock ‘n’ roll music, urban winery is pulling out all the stops for anniversary bash Oct. 13 from  12 noon to 10 p.m.

 

 

 

 

 

 

By Miriam Raftery

 

 

October 11, 2018 (La Mesa) – With a motto of “when all else fails, wine works!” La Mesa Wine Works opened its doors two years ago as a cooperative urban winery tasting room serving up award-winning vintages from San Pasqual Winery and Wyatt Oaks.  Now the space has become a hub of activities ranging from live music on weekends to trivia nights, classes, fundraisers for charities and the ever-popular $5 wine night complete with wine slushies and frozen sangrias.

“Business has been good,” says Mike McWilliams of San Pasqual Winery.  On Saturday, October 13th from 12 noon to 10 p.m., Wine Works is celebrating its two-year anniversary with festivities that start with Cousins Maine Lobster truck from noon to 3 p.m. and Quick Stop Grill from 4:30 to 8:30 p.m.  Live music wil include the Sock Monkeys from 3 to5  pm. and the Phoenix Band from 6:30 to 9:30 p.m.  Guests can also enjoy games and in the afternoon, $5 specials on all glasses of wine, wine slushiness and frozen sangrias. The party will go on rain or shine.


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YOU'RE INVITED! WITCHES WINE & DINE FOR WILDFIRE ALERTS OCT. 27

CANCELLED:

Due to most invitees having conflicts on this date, this event is cancelled. The good news is we're changing the date and location- but we will still be having our annual Halloween party. The new event will be Sunday evening, October 28 at a private residence on Mt. Helix with great music and prizes--just $10 and bring a dish to share! Watch for details soon.

October 5, 2018 (Jamul) -- You're invited to our "Witches Wine  & Dine" haunting Halloween party on Saturday, Oct. 27 from 4-8 p.m. at Granite Lion Cellars Winery in Jamul!

The fun begins in the wine tasting room at 4 p.m., followed by a catered dinner in the haunted oak grove with music by DJ Doug on Sax, catering by Freshly Prepped, a costume contest and a treasure-trove of prizes!  

RSVP and pre-pay before Oct. 20 ($45 per person)

Checks: Mail to East County Magazine, 4438 Hideaway Place, La Mesa, CA 91941

Credit cards or Paypal:  Tickets at www.EastCountyMedia.org/events

Special thanks to California Coast Credit Union for sponsoring entertainment for this very special event.

Scroll down for the devilishly delicious details!


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EAST COUNTY FEST AUGUST 25: THE PARTY OF THE DECADE FOR OUR 10TH ANNIVERSARY!

 

 

TICKETS NOW ON SALE!

Saturday, August 25th 

6-10 p.m. (VIP reception at 5:30 p.m.)

Mission Trails Regional Park Visitor Center

One Father Junipero Serra Trail, San Diego

It’s the party of a decade!

East County Magazine invites you to join us at East County Fest, our 10th anniversary celebration!  Proceeds benefit our East County Wildfire & Emergency Alerts and our award-winning community news reporting.

Festivities include: Foods, wines, cider and beer from top restaurants, wineries and breweries in East County, wonderful artists, artisans, authors, athletes, communitiy leaders, live music and entertainment, raffle, auction, stargazing, guest speakers, a look back at the last 10 years and forward to the future!

Tables and individual tickets are available, plus there’s a VIP reception.  Buy a table or a VIP reception ticket and get our free “Best of East County” cookbook on a souvenir thumb drive as thanks, plus preferred parking, auction preview, gourmet goodies and more.

Our VIP party is catered by Bekker's Catering, known for their fabulous food for weddings and other special occasions, and sponsored by California Coast Credit Union. Our thanks to Bekker's for generously donating most of the delicious foods for the VIP reception.

Individual tickets: $65 ($60 for sustaining donors and dining club members) or for $20 extra add VIP reception ($85 total).

Tables: $480 ($60 a person) or $680  ($80 a person) with the VIP reception. 

This event is for age 21 and up.

CLICK ARROWS BELOW TO VIEW AND CHOOSE ALL PRICE OPTIONS.

Individual tickets : You can select number of tickets on next screen

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EAST COUNTY FEST TABLES of 8 : Click Dropdown arrow for options.

  For all the delicious details, click "read more" and scroll down.


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VINEYARD HACIENDA: A SECLUDED RETREAT ALONG HISTORIC HIGHWAY 94

 

 

Our guide to unique lodging and adventures in San Diego’s beautiful backcountry

By Miriam Raftery

June 30, 2018 (Spring Valley) – Vineyard Hacienda, a 13,000 square-foot adobe estate home built in the 1930s in old-style Spanish tradition on a nine-acre property, is secluded retreat that also serves as an idyllic base for guests seeking to explore historic Highway 94.

“As soon as you drive down our driveway, you escape into a little paradise,” says Joseph Harmes III, proprietor.


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AT VINTAGE ALPINE, GUESTS SIPPED, SAVORED, AND RAISED $23,000 FOR CHILDREN’S CHARITIES

 

 

By Miriam Raftery

May 23, 2018 (Alpine) – Amid the beautiful garden settings at Summers Past Farms in Flinn Springs, hundreds of guests at Vintage Alpine savored the flavors of foods from around25 local restaurants, over 40 regional wineries and breweries – all to support Alpine Kiwanis Club’s charitable efforts for local children’s causes.


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YOU'RE INVITED TO OUR MARDI GRAS DINNER PARTY FEB. 28!

 

 

February 17, 2018 (La Mesa) – You’re invited to our Mardi Gras dinner party benefit for East County Magazine!

Join us Wednesday, February 28 at 6 p.m. at the award-winning San Pasqual Winery Tasting Room (8364 La Mesa Blvd.) in La Mesa for a catered New Orleans Cajun/Creole dinner and festivities -- all for just $28 (leap year pricing on leap day!).  

$28 price includes tax, tip, Mardi Gras mask, beads, New Orelans dinner and a glass of wine

RSVP required by Feb. 21 as we must guarantee a number and prepay the caterer.

There will also be opportunity drawings, a silent auction, games and prizes galore! Scroll down or click “read more” for the delicious details.


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“HOLIDAY IN THE COUNTRY…FOLLOW THE RAMONA WINE TRAIL” 3 WEEKENDS IN DECEMBER

 

Source: Ramona Valley Vineyard Association

 

December 2, 2017 (Ramona) -- Participating wineries from the Ramona Valley Vineyard Association (RVVA) are featuring a  “Holiday in the Country” when you “Follow the Ramona Wine Trail” in the heart of San Diego Wine Country during the first three weekends of December: 2/3, 9/10, and 16/17.

Wine fans can visit 14 wineries decked out for the holidays. In addition to discounted tastings, individual wineries are presenting their own selected special holiday happenings to accompany tasting, such as tree lighting ceremony, tree trimming, holiday music, crafters’ goods for a little shopping, signed magnum bottles, and the introduction of white wines for a White Christmas theme. Santa is also expected to hover.


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A JUICY STORY: RAMONA'S FIRST GRAPE STOMP IS A SUCCESS

 

Video: Teams compete at the 2017 Ramona Grape Stomp Competition

 

By Miriam Raftery

September 10, 2017 (Ramona) – To the strains of songs like “Mountain Dew”,  teams of competitors vied to see who could crush the most grapes in two minutes and emerge champion at the first-ever Ramona Grape Stomp this weekend.

Teams chose names such as the “Juicy Lucys” or the “Toe Jammers.”  One team member stomped the ripe purple grapes, the other filled a cup with juice spurting out of a spigot on a wine barrel.

A Grape Stomp princess was also on hand to help officiate as contestants hopped in feet first, demonstrating their stomping skills on stage as the audience cheered them on with gusto.


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SUPERVISORS APPROVE NEW RULES FOR FOOD SAFETY AT WINERIES AND BREWERIES

 

East County News Service

November 18, 2016 (San Diego)-- County Supervisors adopted new rules Wednesday aimed at making sure people are safe when they visit the region’s hopping number of breweries and wineries and decide to have a burger with their brew or more than just a little cheese with their wine.

Supervisors voted 4-0 to adopt an ordinance and two new permits that will apply food-safety rules found in restaurants to caterers hired to serve food at breweries, wineries and other businesses.


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TASTING ROOM NOW OPEN AT CASI CIELO WINERY, MANESS VINEYARDS IN JAMUL


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CASI CIELO WINERY AT MANESS VINEYARD OPENS TASTING ROOM

 

 

 

 

 

By Miriam Raftery

March 7, 2016 (Jamul)—60 guests hoisted glasses last month to toast the grand opening of East County’s newest wine tasting room: Casi Cielo Winery, located at their historical adobe ranch house at Maness Vineyards atop a sunny hilltop in Jamul just off highway 94.  It’s a dream that has been a long-time coming to fruition –a dream that began with two Italian immigrants back in the last century. As the afternoon sun bathes the adobe bricks and vineyards beyond in golden rays, it's not hard to see how Casi Cielo (Almost Heaven) got its name.

The winery offers a selection of  hand-crafted wines made with 25% grapes grown at the estate and 75% grapes grown in San Diego County.  With a motto “from juice to jelly,” Casi Cielo Farm & Vineyard also has a charming gift shop licensed under GregoArt.com featuring  a new line of delicious vineyard jellies (served up over chocolate cheesecake—pure bliss) as well as colorful hand-crafted quilts by Kathy, vineyard lifestyle attire and more.


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VINEYARD GRANT JAMES IN RAMONA DRAWS RAVE REVIEWS

 

 

By Miriam Raftery

February 11, 2016 (Ramona) -- Savoring an afternoon of superb wine tasting at Vineyard Grant James in Ramona, it’s not hard to realize  why this family-owned winery has been drawing rave reviews on Yelp.  The place has ranked five stars—the top rating, with 64 reviews. 

The wines are complex and satisfying.  Owners/hosts Jacques and Susanne Sapier are warm and welcoming.  A stone patio with views of the sun setting over nearby mountains provides an idyllic setting.  Live music by a Dave Billock and his local band, plus delicious locally-made cheeses, round out a palette-pleasing experience.


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PLENTY TO SAVOR AT “TOAST TO EAST COUNTY”

 

 

By Miriam Raftery  

Photo, left: Dulzura Winery owners

November 15, 2015 (San Diego's East County)--At the inaugural Toast to East County event hosted by the San Diego East County Chamber of Commerce and San Diego Vintners  Association at Cottonwood Golf in Rancho San Diego on November 8th, guests savored a wide array of wines from local vintners as well as foods ranging from artisan cheeses to barbecued meats, Mexican food, olive oil, raw honey and more.

Speaking of honey, Pearson Brothers Winery of Dehesa served up Honey Saccharo wine made without grapes.  Other vintners offered up samples of more traditional vintages, from cabernet to chardonnay.  Rock Canyon poured its latest offering, a dessert port-like wine, while others showed off new varieties for the region such as a Malbec. Plus awards were presented for trailblazers in our region's fast-growing winemaking industry.


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WINERY ORDINANCE AMENDMENT: PUBLIC REVIEW ENDS NOVEMBER 23

East County News Service

November 7, 2015 (San Diego’s East County) – The 45-day review period for public comments on proposed changes to the County’s Tiered Winery Ordinance ends November 23rd

In 2010, Supervisors established a Tiered Winery Ordinance. A key component of it was creation of a Boutique Winery tier, which allowed for tasting rooms in conjunction with ongoing agricultural vineyard operations. Since its adoption, a number of issues have arisen that affect implementation of the ordinance. Planning & Development Services (PDS) held workshops on January 17, 2014 and July 1, 2015  to gather information and comments to utilize in formulating the proposed amendments to the Tiered Winery Ordinance. See our prior coverage of the July hearing here, when some wineries voiced alarm over proposals they feared could put some wineries out of business, while others voiced support for suggestions such as limiting food offerings and sharply restricting entertaining at smaller wineries. 

One set of stakeholders whose voices have been largely ignored thus far have been consumers--the wine tasting public who may want to weigh in on whether they want to hear music at weekend wine tastings or be able to savor food along with wine when visiting local wineries. 


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READY, SET, STOMP! HACIENDA DE LAS ROSAS WINERY CELEBRATES REOPENING

 

By Miriam Raftery

Photos by Miriam Raftery and Kristin Kjaero

September 7, 2015 (Ramona) -- Members of the Hacienda de las Rosas Winery's wine club kicked up their heels on Labor Day at the winery's 8th annual grape stomp.  The occasion also marked the grand reopening of the winery, which was closed over the summer following the death last winter of winemaker William Holzhaur.

Today, however, was a day of festivities as guests stomped grapes, sipped wine, savored tacos and enjoyed horse-drawn carriage rides.  The event also included a silent auction and donations to benefit the Ramona Humane Society.


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WINERY OWNERS VOICE ALARM OVER PROPOSED ORDINANCE CHANGES

Update:  Hear our interview on KNSJ radio with Micole Moore, Ramona Valley Vineyards Association, and Elaine Lytleton, Hatfield Creek Vineyards and Winery, here:

http://k003.kiwi6.com/hotlink/fmpwoizmfi/Newsmakers-Wineries-ElaineLytle....

 

Are the County's proposed changes rooted in 'sour grapes' complaints filed by competitors of successful new wineries?

By Miriam Raftery

July 12, 2015 (San Diego’s East County) – Several years ago, the County adopted a tiered winery ordinance designed to promote agriculture and help small “boutique” winery owners.  But now the County is proposing drastic changes.  At a packed hearing last week, numerous winery owners and heads of vintners’ associations turned out, most warning of dire harm to the region’s wine industry if the proposal is adopted.

“Should the changes proceed as written, many fear for the death of our budding wineries, eliminating our potential growth, impact and long-term commitment to our communities,” a letter to County program manager Joseph Farace signed by Teri Kerns and Micole Moore states. Moore is president of Ramona Valley Vineyard Association, which has over 100 members. Kerns is Editor in Chief of the Ramona Valley Wine Region Magazine. Together, the couple also owns Ramona Ranch Vineyard and Winery.


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OLÉ! A SPANISH FIESTA APRIL 26 WITH EAST COUNTY MAGAZINE: FABULOUS PRIZES ADDED!

 

 

 

April 19, 2015 (Ramona) – You’re invited to East County Magazine’s Spanish Fiesta celebration on Sunday, April 26th from 12-2 p.m. at the beautiful Hacienda de las Rosas Winery in Ramona!

Your ticket includes wonderful wine-tasting, live flamenco guitar music by Myles Moynier, Peruvian Paso equestrian demonstration by Jorge Valenzuela, fabulous lunch by Jeremy’s on the Hill, delightful desserts from Grove Pastry Shop,  plus a silent auction and fabulous opportunity drawing prizes!

This event is limited to our subscribers--subscribe free at http://www.eastcountymagazine.org/wild-fire-alerts for our weekly newsletter, wildfire alerts or both.  Proceeds benefit our wildfire reporting for fire season. 

RSVP by Wednesday to enter a drawing for a Spanish guitar CD by the famous Romeros family. 

SDG&E will also be on hand with free gifts and energy saving tips.

For detail on the event, our fabulous line-up of prizes and more, click "read more" and scroll down.

Fabulous prizes! Olaf Wieghorst signed Western print, barbecue grill and accessories, Hacienda de las Rosas wine basket, happy hour at Hatfield Creek Vineyard, Ramona Ranch Vineyard wine, vintage jewelry from Antiques in the Village, arrowhead jewelry from Mountain Gypsy, earrings from Warm Hearth, Hand-wove scarves from Weaving Works in Santa Ysabel, gift certificate from Kathy’s Dress Shop, Array Mbira music lessons, guitar or vocal lessons from Ed Barrena, craft items, gift baskets, tickets to Julian Wild & Scenic Film Festival, tickets to Sage & Songbirds garden tour and festival, Circle Players "Cafe Murder" theater tickets, wine and tastings from Woof 'n' Rose Winery, and more!

 


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CHEERS! RAMONA ART AND WINE FESTIVAL IS NOV. 1 AT THE AMY STRONG CASTLE

 

 

October 31, 2014 (Ramona)-- The second annual Ramona Art and Wine Festivals iwll be held at the historic Amy Strong Castle on November 1st.

Guests will enjoy tasting handcrafted wine from area wineries and food prepared by area chefs. Artists will display and sell their work. Highlighting the event is a live auction of wine barrels painted by local artists.

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OPERA AND A SCULPTURE GARDEN: GROWING CULTURE ALONG WITH VINEYARDS AT SALERNO WINERY IN RAMONA

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

By Miriam Raftery

 

Hear audio clip of Jorge D'Soria, a resident artist at Salerno (photo, right), performing his Pavarotti-style operatic rendition:  http://k007.kiwi6.com/hotlink/36dl3ft21v/opera-jorge_D_soria.mp3

September 21, 2014 (Ramona) - Opera and fine art in East County? Bravo! Salerno Winery in Ramona has forged a partnership that’s music to the ears of  those who love opera, sculptures and Italian-style wine.

Herman Salerno, an opera singer from Italy, and his wife, Rose, founded the winery and began displaying sculptures from a friend’s collection. Now, they have now teamed up with Jaime Chaljon, a Mexican businessman, to unveil an expanded sculpture garden featuring works by over 20 world-renowned artists including Jorge and Javier Martin, Tan Da WU, Julian Bravo, and Pedro Cervantes.

The winery is open on Fridays,  Saturdays and Sundays, when guests can enjoy not only wine and pizza cooked up in an outdoor oven, but also performances by Salerno and well known Mexican operatic stars.


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Support community news in the public interest! As nonprofit news, we rely on donations from the public to fund our reporting -- not special interests. Please donate to sustain East County Magazine's local reporting and/or wildfire alerts at https://www.eastcountymedia.org/donate to help us keep people safe and informed across our region.

VIDEO OF THE MONTH: GRAPE STOMP AT HACIENDA DE LAS ROSAS

 

 

 

September 18, 2014 (Ramona)—It’s harvest time at our local wineries, and many now host grape stomps to encourage community members to join in crushing those ripe grapes.  Health rules prohibit drinking wine made from the stomps in California, but that didn’t stop patrons at Hacienda de Las Rosas Winery in Ramona from diving in and savoring the experience!  Our editor, Miriam Raftery,  caught the action with this video.


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VINES AND WINES: INTRODUCING A NEW COLUMN FOR WINE LOVERS

 

 

 

 

 

By Donn Rutkoff

"Man About Wine"

 

July 19, 2014 (San Diego’s East County) -- Hello to all wine lovers in the East County and all wine lovers anywhere who are reading East County Magazine.  This is my first column and we hope there will be many more.  I will be bringing you news of what is happening here in the county, news of interest to the local growers and fermenters, and some educational "fluff" to help you enjoy wines.

Here is a preview of this week's wine-worthy topics.  (Hit "read more" and scroll down for the full stories.) 

  • Sparkling wines in an hour?
  • Warm-weather red grapes
  • New tasting rooms - thanks to rezoning underway
  • Wine columnist shares his roots


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Support community news in the public interest! As nonprofit news, we rely on donations from the public to fund our reporting -- not special interests. Please donate to sustain East County Magazine's local reporting and/or wildfire alerts at https://www.eastcountymedia.org/donate to help us keep people safe and informed across our region.

A LAVENDER AND WINE EXPERIENCE: JULY 23 AT RAMONA RANCH WINERY

 

 

 

July 1, 2014 (Ramona) – What could be finer than to savor a “Lavender and Wine Experience” plus catered delicacies?   Ramona Ranch Winery, Trezette’s Catering and Volcan Vista Farm invites you to “evoke your sensations” and meet the farmer, wine maker and chef on Wednesday evening, July 23 from 5:30 to 7:00 p.m. 

Learn about growing Lavender and Ramona’s exploding wine-region while creating your own custom sachet over a Lavender-themed buffet style dinner paired with a glass of Ramona Ranch Wine as the sun sets on the outdoor tasting terrace at Ramona Ranch Winery in Ramona.


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Support community news in the public interest! As nonprofit news, we rely on donations from the public to fund our reporting -- not special interests. Please donate to sustain East County Magazine's local reporting and/or wildfire alerts at https://www.eastcountymedia.org/donate to help us keep people safe and informed across our region.

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