New Tasting Room to Open Downtown

Last December, in my column on Pamo Valley Winery, owner Jennifer Jenkin said she had her sights set on opening a tasting room in June 2011.

She’s true to her word. Pamo Valley’s tasting room will have its grand opening on Friday, June 17 at 603 Main St. in downtown Ramona.

A ribbon-cutting ceremony was held June 9, organized by the Ramona Chamber of Commerce, of which Jenkin is a member.

Helping to cut the ribbon was San Diego County Supervisor Dianne Jacob, a backer of the tiered winery ordinance and strong supporter of the county’s wine community.

How strong a supporter, you ask? She became the tasting room’s first customer.

“As soon as she walked in she hollered out, ‘I want to buy a bottle!’ ” said Jenkin.

For those who may be curious, Jacob purchased a bottle of Pamo Valley’s 2008 Indian Princess, a blend of 55 percent Syrah, 25 percent Cabernet Sauvignon, and 20 percent Petit Syrah, according to Jenkin.

Over the last few weeks Jenkin has been speaking of the “quaint little tasting room” she would be opening downtown.

“It’s tiny, 360 square feet,” Jenkin said of the building, which previously held a chiropractor’s office. The tasting room occupies the front section with a gift shop behind.

“It’s small, homey and comfortable. Sort of cellary, like a wine cellar,” Jenkin said.

The new tasting room is right at the intersection of Sixth and Main, across the street from the Ramona Mainstage Theater.

A lot of people had been asking about when she’d be opening for tastings, Jenkins said, especially after the County Superior Court upheld the Tiered Winery Ordinance in April. She’s hoping the grand opening will lead to more word of mouth. Her location will undoubtedly help that.

“I like that we’re kind of in the middle of things,” said Jenkin.

Neighboring businesses in addition to the theater across the street include a bike shop, a frame store and a couple of small shopping centers. Jenkin said the owner of the Mainstage, which serves beer but not wine, told her he’d be happy to send people over.

Tasting room hours will be Friday, Saturday and Sunday, 10-6.

— — —

They did it for the moms in May so naturally it’s dad’s turn in June. On Sunday, June 19, in honor of Father’s Day, will offer a free wine tasting to all dads from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. at their tasting patio.

Edwards opened the  patio in March of this year. Cabs and syrahs are their specialty, and the “softer” side of big, full-bodied reds is their aim, as co-owner Beth Edwards explained to me in an earlier interview.

Edwards Vineyard & Cellars is located at 26502 Highway 78, toward Julian. For further info call 760-788-6800 or visit www.edwardsvineyardandcellars.com.