Ramona Valley wines bring home the Gold from Finger Lakes International competition

...and some Silver and Bronze, too

Ramona Valley wines made news when three local wineries earned gold, silver and bronze awards at the Finger Lakes International Wine Competition, considered one of the most prestigious wine arenas.

Gold medals went to Cactus Star Vineyard for its 2009 Scaredy Cat Ranch Estate Cabernet Sauvignon and to Woof ‘n Rose Winery for its 2009 Eglantine.

Salerno Winery earned Silver medals for its 2007 Elegante and its 2007 Lagrein

Capturing bronze medals were Woof ‘n Rose Winery for its 2008 Cabernet Franc Estate Reserve and its 2009 Ramona Valley Merlot and to Salerno Winery for its 2007 Syrah.

Vintners entered 3,200 wines in this year’s Finger Lakes competition. Wines from all 50 states in the United States and wines from all over the world were judged.

The emerging Ramona Valley wine industry is becoming a wine tasting destination.

“The Ramona Valley wineries would like to invite you to come out and taste what the buzz is all about,” states an announcement about the local awards. “Wonderful tasting rooms and patios are open throughout Ramona, some on weekends only. Maybe you can even get to enjoy some international award-winning wines right here in your own backyard.”

Joe and Becky Cullen own Cactus Star Vineyard at Scaredy Cat Ranch, 17029 Handlebar Road off Highland Valley Road. Their tasting room is open by appointment, and they may be contacted at 760-787-0779, with more information at cactusstarvineyard.com.

Steve and Marilyn Kahle own Woof ‘n Rose Winery, which also is open by appointment only. They may be contacted at 760-788-4818, with more information at woofnrose.com.

The owners of Salerno Winery at 17948 State Route 67 are Herman and Rose Salerno. Their tasting room is open Wednesdays through Sundays from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. For more information, call 760-788-7160 or see salernowinery.com.