The annual Cheers to the Valley Wine Festival is changing from a weeknight soiree at the Ramona fairgrounds during the summer to a weekend gathering at Begent Ranch in the spring.
This year’s event will be held from noon to 4 p.m. on Saturday, April 5.
Co-hosted by the Ramona Chamber of Commerce and the Ramona Valley Vineyard Association (RVVA), Cheers to the Valley will feature unlimited tastings from 10 local wineries. Wineries lined up so far are Castelli & Pizzaro Winery, Correcaminos Vineyard, Lathom Farm and Vineyard, Mermaid Valley Vineyard, Milagro Winery, Old Julian Vineyards & Winery, Pamo Valley Winery, Rancho San Martin Winery, Scenic Valley Vineyard and ZXQ Vineyard.
Karen Domnitz, the event’s co-chair with RVVA President Sue Robinson, said Cheers to the Valley originated as a Sunday night event. After a few years it was rescheduled as the kickoff to the Ramona Country Fair on Thursdays nights in late July.
But having an outdoor wine-drinking affair in the summer heat was not enjoyable, Domnitz said.
“Wine heats you up a little bit if it’s already hot outside,” she said. “We decided the weather this time of year is more conducive to relaxing, sipping some wine and talking to the winemakers.”
At $50 per person, Domnitz said Cheers to the Valley is an affordable way to sample wines with tastings from multiple wineries. Individual wineries might charge $12 to $14 for wine tastings but Cheers to the Valley will offer unlimited tastings from a selection of three wines per venue, she said.
“If you find a wine you like, you might want to go visit that winery in person,” she said. “That’s always good for businesses up here.”
Complementing the wines will be separate food vendors offering bites of baked goods and other food. Scheduled caterers include Ramona Cafe, Ramona Country Bakery, Lilac Heights Bakery and Something Delicious Catering.
Other artists and vendors expected to participate are Aromatherapy Creations, Earth Gems Art, Love Sunset Scents and True North Jewelry. Hat designer HolsApple Design Co. will be selling creative hats.
Any funds raised through the event after expenses will be divided between the Chamber and RVVA, with the Chamber’s portion being spent on student scholarships, educational grants and promoting businesses in the community, Domnitz said.
“We’re hoping for a nice turnout,” she said, adding that musician Sam Powell will create a relaxing ambiance. “You can sip your wine as you talk to the winemakers. You need to take some time out and just enjoy.”
Begent Ranch is at 18528 Highland Valley Road in Ramona.
Tickets for the all-inclusive experience are available online at RamonaChamber.com/CheerstotheValley or can be purchased in person at the Chamber’s office, 1306 Main St., Suite 103 in Ramona. For more information, call 760-789-1311.
Note that names are placed on a master list and there will be no physical tickets issued; just have your ID at check-in at the event.
