Meet the Winemaker: The Passion Behind Three Hills Winery
Three Hills Winery, nestled in the heart of Ramona's wine country, offers wine enthusiasts a serene and inviting atmosphere. Owned and operated by Tobias and Carrie Panek, this family-run vineyard spans nine acres, including three acres of vineyards and a picturesque one-acre lake surrounded by shade trees.
San Vicente Resort featured Three Hills Winery on Wednesday, April 30, at the Meet the Winemaker event at the Par Lounge. The four wines they served at the event included World Peace, Cabernet Sauvignon, Pinot Grigio, and Merlot. The San Vicente Resort currently serves two of Three Hills Winery wines—Pinot Grigio and Cabernet Sauvignon—on their regular menu. Guests also enjoyed live music performed by Ashley E Norton at the event.
Three Hills Winery boasts a diverse selection of handcrafted wines. Their 13 different labels of wine include reds, whites, rosés, sparkling wines, port-style, and dessert wines. Notable offerings include their award-winning Super Tuscan, Merlot, Zinfandel, and a unique white peach sparkling wine. Guests can enjoy wine tastings for five wines, with premium options that include additional tastings of port or limoncello and a souvenir glass.
Visitors are encouraged to explore the beautifully maintained property, which features walking trails, secluded seating areas, and the tranquil lake, which houses white ducks, egrets, and fish. The winery is dog and child-friendly, and guests are welcome to bring their own picnics to enjoy by the lake or in the tasting areas. They host various events throughout the year, including wine club parties with live music and food. Their wine club offers members quarterly selections of handpicked wines, complimentary tastings, discounts on purchases, and exclusive access to events.
Owners Tobias and Carrie Panek are high school sweethearts and have been married for 33 years. Both native to San Diego, they went to Valhalla High School in El Cajon and got engaged at their high school prom.
The couple were inspired to become winemakers years ago when they ran a bike tour business in Italy and took cyclists to events and tours. Part of the tours were wine tastings at different wineries. The two developed a huge affection for the knowledge and art of winemaking. When they moved to Ramona and saw people making wine, they decided to jump in and make their own. After a few years, they bought the established vineyard and opened Three Hills Winery four years ago during the pandemic.
Winemaking starts at the vine and requires a lot of steps and hands-on work. Tobias and Carrie take care of the vines and the property: weeding, watering, and pruning. Grapes are tested for sugar (Brix), acidity, and flavor. They pick a date for harvest depending on the weather. When it's time to harvest, they invite friends and family to join in on the crushing.
The couple is also passionate about giving back, specifically supporting San Diego foster youth. The couple has fostered youth in the past. "We are advocates for foster kids," says Carrie. Foodies 4 Foster Kids is an annual fundraising initiative organized by Promises2Kids during National Foster Care Month each May. The campaign partners with local San Diego Country restaurants, cafes, breweries, wineries, and dessert shops to support over 2,000 current and former foster youth in the region. Part of Three Hills Winery's total sales for May will go toward this organization.
Three Hills Winery is located at 16805 Highland Valley Road in Ramona and is open 11:30 am – 5 pm on Saturdays and Sundays. Reservations are recommended for groups of six or more. For more information or to plan your visit, contact them at 619-507-7920 or visit their website at https://www.threehillswinery.com.
Whether you're a local resident or visiting the Ramona Valley, Three Hills Winery offers a delightful experience combining quality wines, beautiful scenery, and warm hospitality.
Photos by Tiffany Pressler.
