Meet the Winemakers Event: The Succulent Cellar Brings Art, Science, and Flavor to Ramona Valley
An unforgettable evening at Par Lounge celebrated the artistry of The Succulent Cellar winemakers Michelle and Josh, whose wines are now proudly served at the Par Lounge and The Oaks Grille.
On Wednesday, Aug. 27, the Par Lounge hosted an unforgettable Meet the Winemaker evening featuring The Succulent Cellar wines and their owners, Michelle and Josh Mann. Guests enjoyed their small-batch, organically grown wines, paired beautifully with a choice of Chef’s Bucatini Pomodoro and Porcini Tortellini. The night was elevated even further with live music by Ashley E Norton and her fabulous friends, creating a warm, lively atmosphere that captured the spirit of Ramona Valley.
Josh and Michelle Mann, owners of The Succulent Cellar Vineyard & Winery, have built a boutique, artisanal winery in the heart of Ramona Valley. Their winery focuses on small-batch wines made from certified organic estate grapes, something rare in San Diego County.
The Manns arrived in Ramona in 2001, both with engineering degrees from Harvey Mudd College and a shared love of science, art, and nature. While Josh continued his engineering career, Michelle became a full-time mom. In 2014, her curiosity led her to Curds and Wine, a San Diego shop offering winemaking supplies and classes. What began as a hobby with wine kits quickly grew into a passion for winemaking that the couple soon pursued together.
By 2015, they had purchased an agricultural preserve property in disrepair, and two years later, they planted their first vines. Today, they cultivate four grape varietals—Viognier and Grenache Noir from France, Vermentino from Italy, and Syrah, a classic red. Their dedication to the land earned them the distinction of becoming one of the only wineries in San Diego County growing certified organic grapes.
Like many vintners, they discovered the business side of winemaking comes with its challenges. In 2020, the Manns navigated the highly regulated process of securing Alcohol Beverage Control (ABC) and Alcohol and Tobacco Tax and Trade Bureau (TTB) licenses. With permits in hand, Josh took the lead as winemaker while Michelle focused on tastings, sales, and the entrepreneurial side of the business.
Their motto, “Nourishing nature and savoring our time,” reflects both their organic farming philosophy and their belief that wine is about more than what’s in the glass—it’s about slowing down, connecting with others, and celebrating life’s moments. “We care deeply for our vines and the environment around us,” Michelle shared. “Turning these grapes into award-winning, small-batch wines is a gratifying process that brings people together.”
For the Manns, wine connects all the pieces of a happy life, delighting in nature, being helpful to the environment and customers, and making memories around the table. Though the winery is not yet open to the public, Josh and Michelle hope The Succulent Cellar will someday be mentioned alongside Temecula and Sonoma as a must-visit destination as Ramona Valley’s reputation for producing high-quality wines continues to grow.
