RVVA Wines Receive Top Awards at The Toast of the Coast Wine Competition

Ramona, Calif. – March 29, 2017

The Ramona Valley Vineyard Association (RVVA) announced that a total of thirteen wines from six of its winery members received top awards from the sixth annual The Toast of the Coast Wine Competition. The competition is produced by the 22nd District Agricultural Association in conjunction with the San Diego County Fair. 775 wines from 252 wineries were professionally judged on February 18-20, 2017 at the Del Mar Fairgrounds.

Four RVVA members’ wines received gold medals, and nine wines received silver.

Bill Schweitzer, president of the RVVA, said, “We are proud that our members’ wines are recognized as superior in a competitive group of wines from recognized national and international brands. As we continue to grow our region, we expect to see even more.”

About the Ramona Valley American Viticulture Area (AVA)

The Ramona Valley American Viticulture Area (AVA) was approved in January 2006 based on its unique microclimate, terroir, and history for grape production. AVA designations, or “appellations,” were first created under federal law in 1980, and the Ramona Valley is the country’s 162nd area to be granted a designation and the second in San Diego County. With 89,000 acres, the area covers 139 square miles. It is one of the fastest growing AVAs in the country and features approximately 40 wineries and more than 100 vineyards.

About The Toast of the Coast

2017 marks the sixth year of The Toast of the Coast, a joint project of the 22nd District Agricultural Association and the San Diego County Fair. The competition is open to bonded wineries throughout the United States and Mexico. The Toast of the Coast Festival on June 10 is open to the public and features award-winning wines during the annual San Diego County Fair, presented by Albertsons|Vons. The San Diego County Fair is the largest county fair in the United States, drawing more than 1.6 million visitors annually. For more information, visit www.thetoastofthecoast.com.

About the Ramona Valley Vineyard Association (RVVA)

The Ramona Valley Vineyard Association (RVVA) was founded in 2001 and dedicated “to promote, protect and enhance the Ramona Valley American Viticulture Area (AVA), our wines, vintners and community.” Largely responsible for securing the Ramona Valley AVA in 2006, 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. There are more than 100 wineries, vineyards, and business associate members in the RVVA.

About the Wineries

Castelli Family Vineyards
17872 Oak Grove Road
Ramona, CA 92065
619-997-5141
www.castellifamilyvineyards.com
Contact: info@castellifamilyvineyards.com
Tasting: Invite only Saturday, Sunday 11:30 a.m. to Sunset

Hatfield Creek Vineyards & Winery
1625 Highway 78
Ramona, CA 92065
760-787-1102
www.hatfieldcreekvineyards.com
Tasting Room Open: Friday, Saturday, Sunday 11:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.

Highland Valley Vineyards
15412 Bandy Canyon Rd
Escondido, CA 92025
858-531-6589
Tasting Room Open: see www.highlandvalleyvineyards.com for tasting hours

Mahogany Mountain Vineyard & Winery
14905 Mussey Grade Road
Ramona, CA 92065
(actually on Mahogany Ranch Road)
760-788-7048
www.mahoganymountain.com
Tasting Room Open: Saturday, Sunday 1:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m.

Ramona Ranch Vineyard & Winery
23578 California 78
Ramona, CA 92065
760-789-1622
www.ramonaranchwines.com
Tasting Room Open: Friday, Saturday, Sunday 11:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.

Woof ‘n Rose Winery & Vineyard
17073 Garjan Lane
Ramona, CA 92065
760-788-4818
www.woofnrose.com
Tasting Room Open: Saturday and Sunday, from 11:00 a.m. until 5 p.m. – call ahead.

CONTACT:
Joyce Strand
408-210-2422 cell
JoyceTStrand50@gmail.com