Ramona, Calif., January 25, 2017 – The Board of Directors of the Ramona Valley Vineyard Association (RVVA) selected Bill Schweitzer as their new president for the next three-year term.
Schweitzer, whose Paccielo Vineyard supplies grapes to several Ramona wineries, was a founder and past-president of the RVVA and led the effort to create the Ramona Valley American Viticulture Area (AVA), awarded to the area in 2006. He is also co-founder and VP of Operations of the Ramona Olive Oil Corp. and founder and president of Sky Valley Networks, supplying wireless internet service to the Ramona area.
Schweitzer succeeds outgoing president Micole Moore, co-owner of Ramona Ranch Vineyard and Winery, who served from 2014 to 2017. Moore will remain on the board as past president and chair the Grape Symposium Committee.
Schweitzer said, “We all thank outgoing president Micole Moore for his accomplishments.” Under his leadership, RVVA membership has grown to more than 100. We strengthened our education programs, a key objective of the RVVA, with monthly meetings featuring expert speakers along with an annual one-day Grape Symposium chaired by member Denise Clark, Winemaker, Altipiano Vineyards. Michael spearheaded and worked closely with the Ramona Community Planning Group and other leaders of local wine organizations to help improve San Diego County’s tiered winery ordinance.
“In addition, we enhanced Ramona wine region’s visibility through participation at various regional functions and four RVVA events during 2016 that drew visitors for tasting at local wineries.” By reinstating the Lum Eisenman Wine Competition, we not only provided our wineries with quality feedback but we also alerted the greater community of the quality of RVVA member wines. We ended the year with a new Winery Guide containing detailed information on each RVVA member winery to encourage growth and exploration by visitors.
“I look forward to building on Micole’s successes. It is now time for the experienced first generation of local vineyard owners and winemakers to Pay-Forward the legacy of Lum Eisenmann. There are many things we have all learned that can facilitate Ramona’s growth to a respected and well-known winemaking region.”
The Ramona Valley Vineyard Association (RVVA) was founded in 2001 and is dedicated “to promote, protect and enhance the Ramona Valley American Viticulture Area (AVA), our wines, vintners and community.” The RVVA continues to focus on community, education, sustainable operation of vineyards and wineries, and taking a leadership role within the San Diego County wine grape industry. The organization has a total membership of 109, including 29 wineries, 65 vineyards, and 15 business associates. For more information on the RVVA, go to www.ramonavalleyvineyards.com
Contact: Joyce Strand 408-210-2422
