Pamo Valley Winery Wine, Pasta, Music, and a Birthday Celebration
Guests enjoyed an inviting Meet the Winemakers evening, featuring Jennifer Lane and wines from popular local Ramona winery Pamo Valley, pasta specials including Winter Ragu al Penne and Gamberi Squash e Pesto, live music by Ashley E. Norton, and a surprise birthday sing-along for Front of House Manager Chuck Kast last week on Wednesday, Jan. 28.
Meet the Winemakers January event offered guests a chance to learn the story, inspiration, and craftsmanship that goes into each bottle of wine from Pamo Valley Winery. Known for its approachable yet thoughtfully produced wines, winemaker Jennifer Lane brings a personal touch to the tasting experience, making the night as much about conversation as it is about flavor.
Lane, owner of Pamo Valley Winery, poured wine with winemaker Jim Hart from Volcan Mountain Winery in Julian. The five wines featured for the evening included 2024 Chardonnay, 2025 Viognier, 2024 Sangiovese, 2023 Malbec, and 2023 Cabernet Sauvignon. All of the wines were chosen specifically to pair with the evening's menu.
Food played an equally important role in the experience. The chef prepared winter pasta specials designed to complement the wines, including Ragu al Penne and Gamberi Squash e Pesto. Rich, comforting, and elevated, the dishes highlighted fresh ingredients and careful preparation, offering pairings that enhanced both the food and the wine. Together, they created a satisfying and seasonal menu that anchored the evening.
Pamo Valley Winery is the first woman-owned winery in San Diego County. The vineyards were established in 2000, with Lane taking over full ownership in 2009. Wine making began for Lane when she lived in Melbourne, Australia. She moved to Ramona and where she was taught to make wine, and began consulting at different locations.
Adding to the atmosphere, musician Ashley E. Norton provided live entertainment throughout the evening, setting the tone with music that complimented the relaxed, welcoming setting of the resort. Norton’s performance provided an intimate and lively element that turned the event into a full sensory experience.
Norton prepares her music for the wine-focused setting by starting off the night with a song called "Wine, Wine, Wine." She explains the song is about drinking wine with friends and really kicks off the night. “I dedicate this song to all wineries at Meet the Winemaker,” says Norton. She plays country, folk, and rock, and reads the room to see what type of music resonates the best for the evening and caters the music to the general vibe. She often gets a lot of audience requests for songs.
The Meet the Winemaker event is perfect for longtime wine enthusiasts, curious newcomers, or anyone looking for a mid-week evening out that blends great wine, delicious food, and live music in one setting.
Photos by Heather McGhee
