Ramona Growers Granted Federal Distinction

By Ruth Lepper

A new wine label is on the market that means a feather in the caps of local vineyards. The winemakers, members of the Ramona Valley Vineyards Association, will now be labeling their wines “Ramona Valley.” Ramona vineyards have been designated an American Viticultural Area by the Federal Taxation and Trade Bureau. The designation first came under federal law in 1980.

What this means for Ramona growers is that wines bottled locally can carry the label provided 85 percent of the grapes are grown within the local region.

Ramona growers are the second group in San Diego County to hold the distinction. The other is San Pasqual Winery in Escondido, bringing the total to 94 for the state. California has the largest number of viticultural areas in the county. The total number is 162 nationwide, according to information provided by Ramona Valley Vineyards Association. There are more than 20 commercial vineyards covering more than 60 acres in the Ramona area. There also are nine bonded wineries that can sell directly to the public and two tasting rooms open to the public.

John Schwaesdall, who has owned and operated Schwaesdall Winery on the south end of town for 15 years, is looking forward to Ramona becoming its own destination for people who may have previously traveled to Napa Valley.

Being designated an American Viticultural Area brings more prestige to the local winemakers, according to Schwaesdall. With his 4.5 acres planted to capacity, Schwaesdall limits his bottling to 500 cases annually, saying he prefers “quality, not quantity.”