Tuesday, February 1, 2011

WINE TOURING IN RAMONA

Here's a fairly compact route to help you discover the Ramona AVA. It ends at Salerno, where you can relax and order a handmade pizza. Assuming that you're coming from San Diego, you'll start tasting at the furthest point from home.

Begin at Edwards Vineyard and Cellars (A - Sat. & Sun. 11-5), then proceed to Pyramid (B - Sat. & Sun. 12-5), Lenora (C - Sat. & Sun. 10-6), the Pamo Tasting Room (D - Fri. 2-6, Sat. & Sun. 11-6), and Salerno (E - Wed. - Sun. 11-dusk).


Please note that the opening hours listed here are valid as of the date of this post. It's never a bad idea to check the wineries' websites or give them a call. New Ramona tasting rooms are opening on an almost monthly basis, so stay tuned for more options!

Outside the Pamo Tasting Room in Ramona

A new publication featuring Ramona wineries

MORE TOURING IN RAMONA

This route features three of Ramona's newest tasting rooms as well as its oldest. Start at Schawesdall (A - Sat. & Sun. 10-6), then detour a bit to Mahogany Mountain (B - Sat. & Sun. 1-4). Next stop by Eagles Nest (C - Fri. - Sun. 11-dusk). If you can arrange an appointment, by all means visit Woof 'n Rose, which is practically next door to Eagles Nest (D - call 760-788-4828 or email steve@woofnrose.com). Finish the day at Salerno (E - Wed. - Sun. 11-dusk). Alternately, you could head into the center of Ramona and enjoy the ambience of the Pamo tasting room (603 Main St.)

WINE TOURING AROUND ESCONDIDO

This route begins at Belle Marie Winery (A - daily 11-5) and proceeds to Orfila - our favorite picnic spot (B - daily 10-6), Cordiano (C - Wed.-Sun. 11-dusk), and Bernardo (D - Mon.-Fri. 9-5, Sat. & Sun. 9-6). If you're headed back to San Diego and feel like one more stop, try the Hacienda de las Rosas Tasting Room in Old Town (E - daily 11:30-9).