Meet the Winemaker: Turtle Rock Ridge Brings a Taste of San Diego to the Par Lounge
From a wildfire-scarred property to two tasting rooms, Turtle Rock Ridge Winery celebrates San Diego County wine while bringing people together one glass at a time.
Wine lovers will have an opportunity to meet the person behind the bottle when Turtle Rock Ridge Winery visits the San Diego Country Estates for a special Meet the Winemaker event on Wednesday, November 25, at 5:30 p.m. at the Par Lounge and Deck. The evening will feature winemaker Laurie Wagner and Ian Vaux, who will share the story behind the Ramona winery while guests enjoy tastings and live music by Travis Billy Ross.
Wagner and her life partner, Ian Vaux, started Turtle Rock Ridge Winery 14 years ago, turning an unexpected opportunity following the 2007 Witch Creek Fire into a passion for winemaking.
The couple had built their home in 2006, and although their house survived the devastating wildfire, much of the surrounding land was burned. Looking at the property afterward, they saw an opportunity to start something new.
"We thought we should plant grapes, and we did," Wagner said.
Today, Turtle Rock Ridge has approximately 1,700 grapevines and has grown into a winery with a presence in both Ramona and La Jolla. The couple opened their Ramona tasting room in 2012 and expanded to La Jolla in 2015.
After spending years introducing visitors to San Diego County wines in Ramona, Wagner and Vaux wanted to bring those wines closer to the city. While meeting customers at their La Jolla location, Wagner discovered that many people were unfamiliar with the wineries located throughout Ramona and the surrounding wine region.
"We thought, 'Let's bring San Diego wine to San Diego,'" Wagner said.
The La Jolla location gives the winery an opportunity to reach a different audience while introducing more people to the wines being produced in their own county.
"Our wine is what we make. 100-percent San Diego County local. If you want local, you get local," Wagner said.
She believes that just as travelers seek out regional wines when visiting other destinations, people should have the opportunity to experience the flavors produced right here in San Diego County.
The Ramona climate also plays an important role in the winery's selection of grapes. According to Wagner, red varieties tend to do particularly well in the area's warmer temperatures, while white grapes generally prefer cooler growing conditions.
Turtle Rock Ridge currently offers nine different red wines and one white, giving visitors a variety of options to enjoy.
The winery has also developed a following for its sangria, which Wagner describes as one of its specialties. The idea came about during a Ramona heat wave in 2015, when the couple wanted to offer guests something refreshing.
They began freezing their sangria, creating a fun alternative that can be enjoyed frozen or poured over ice, much like a margarita.
Wagner said the winery focuses on handcrafted beverages and uses a lower-sulfite approach. Because they produce and self-distribute their wines, they have greater control over the winemaking process.
At the upcoming Meet the Winemaker event, guests will have the opportunity to sample one white wine, three reds and the winery's popular sangria while learning more about the people and passion behind Turtle Rock Ridge.
For Wagner, however, winemaking is about much more than what is poured into a glass. It is about bringing people together and creating experiences worth celebrating.
"We love what we do. Wine tasting brings you together," she said.
Whether sharing a glass with friends, enjoying wine around the Thanksgiving table, celebrating a wedding or marking a special occasion, Wagner hopes Turtle Rock Ridge provides a welcoming place for people to connect.
"We want people to have a wonderful experience and the best one they can have," she said.
Her outlook on life is summed up in one of her favorite sentiments: "The more you celebrate being alive, the more you have to celebrate."
For Wagner and Vaux, every day is another opportunity to find joy, share a glass and celebrate life.
Meet the Winemaker Event
Wednesday, November 25, at 5:30 p.m.
Par Lounge, San Diego Country Estates
Featuring Laurie Wagner of Turtle Rock Ridge Winery
Wine tastings and live music by Travis Billy Ross.
About Turtle Rock Ridge Winery
The Ramona tasting room is located at 18351 Woods Hill Lane and is open Saturdays and Sundays from noon to 6 p.m. The La Jolla tasting room is located at 1261 Prospect St., Suite 2, and is open seven days a week. Contact the winery for current hours and additional information.
Ramona: (760) 789-5555
La Jolla: (760) 533-4397
Website:
Turtle Rock Ridge Winery
