Sip, Taste, and Socialize: Ramona Ranch Winery Highlighted at the Meet the Winemaker Night
The Par Lounge was brimming with local flavor and friendly conversation during the Meet the Winemaker evening on Wednesday, Oct. 29, featuring Ramona Ranch Winery, Johnathan Martinez and his wine barrel for the Ramona Art, Music & Wine Festival, as well as Ashley E Norton.
Ramona Ranch Winery owners Micole Moore and Teri Kerns are a married couple who moved to Ramona in 2004, started making wine in 2005, and opened commercially in 2012. In 2022, they opened their custom-designed tasting and production facility. Theirs is San Diego County’s only certified sustainable vineyard and winery. They don’t use pesticides or wine additives. They also use a drip irrigation system to minimize water waste.
The couple is originally from the Oregon Coast, and Moore is a Navy veteran. Moore is the winemaker, and Kerns manages business, marketing, community, and tasting operations. They poured their award-winning wines at the Meet the Winemaker Event. The Estate Sangiovese won a gold medal, and the Montepulciano won a silver medal. The other wines served included Albarino and Cowgirl Kiss. Guests enjoyed an evening of wine tasting, stories behind each pour, and insights into Ramona’s growing reputation as a premier wine destination.
The exquisite wines were paired with the Chef’s pasta specials. Dinner for the evening consisted of Short Rib Tortellini and Spaghetti Alle Vongole, prepared by Executive Chef Ben Peterson, Sous Chef Chris Ostermann, and Sous Chef Jessica Nelson.
Johnathan Martinez added an artist’s twist to the evening, showcasing how Ramona’s wine scene blends creativity, collaboration, and community spirit. He painted a wine barrel for the 13th annual Ramona Art, Wine & Music Festival, held on November 1 at Begent Ranch. His wine barrel featured at the Par Lounge is artistically designed with plumeria flowers and hummingbirds.
Ashley E Norton sang the night away, her music adding a heartfelt soundtrack to an evening with local wine and community. She hosts live music at the Par Lounge on Wednesday nights, featuring a setlist that includes a mix of country, rock, folk, and other genres. She engages the audience and was proud to discuss the featured Ramona Ranch Winery and Johnathan Martinez’s artwork on display with the crowd.
The Par Lounge’s cozy ambiance provided the perfect setting for residents and visitors to mingle, taste, and celebrate Ramona’s rich winemaking culture, all without leaving the Estates.
From the vineyard to the tasting room, Ramona Ranch Winery showcases the art of winemaking while honoring the land that nurtures it. The Meet the Winemaker event provided a rare opportunity to savor, learn, and appreciate the commitment to sustainability that makes this San Diego gem one-of-a-kind.
Photo by Tiffany Pressler.
