Family-owned boutique vineyard and winery located in Ramona, California

HISTORY
In 2009, John Saunders, his wife Marion, along with their son Ben, embarked on the journey to revive a wildfire-affected property on the outskirts of the Ramona Valley wine region. Their vision was to plant several acres of Italian red wine grape varietals, inspired from several trips to Italy – imbibing in some of the world’s best wines. They understood the similarities between Ramona Valley’s terroir and many of the regions they visited in Italy. Convinced they could produce wines of similar caliber, they planted their first 2,500 vines.

WINEMAKING
John’s extensive background in pharmaceutical chemistry greatly influences his winemaking approach. He is dedicated to the scientific method – continuously experimenting with new techniques in the wine cellar, whilst still retaining ‘old world’ Italian winemaking traditions.

VITICULTURE
The first plantings of grape vines at Poppaea took place in 2010. The family selected 6 Italian red varietals to work with: Sangiovese, Montepulciano, Nebbiolo, Barbera, Primitivo and Sagrantino.
In an effort to achieve balance in a tasting menu of predominantly red wine offerings, the decision to increase the allocation of red grapes dedicated to the production of Rosé wine, along with the first plantings of Vermentino in 2021, proved a major success. This prompted the expansion of Vermentino plantings in 2023.
The vineyard totals about 4 1/2 planted acres of wine grapes, surrounded by native and introduced plant species designed to encourage pollinators and beneficial fauna.

TASTE OUR WINE
Please join us for a 5-pour tasting paddle featuring our current wine offerings of Italian varietals. All of our wines are crafted from estate-grown fruit.

OUR SPACE
We provide both indoor and outdoor seating, the latter featuring a stunning view overlooking Ramona Valley and Mt. Woodson peak. We also offer a more private, shaded tasting area, which we call “The Island”. In addition, we have a picnic table located in our experimental vineyard block, which you are welcome to use.
You are encouraged to bring your own food to compliment your wine tasting experience.
We are a dog-friendly establishment.
HOURS
We are open Fridays 2-5pm and Saturdays-Sundays 12-6pm.