RAMONA H.E.A.R.T. Mural Project June benefit rescheduled to Aug. 4

By S. Elaine Lyttleton

After reading an article in the Sentinel, a concerned individual reported to County Code Enforcement that the planned benefit to raise funds for the Ramona H.E.A.R.T. Mural Project would violate the Boutique Winery Ordinance.

After consulting with county officials, organizers have determined that this is not the case.

Although the examination of various ordinances affecting such events and performing due diligence to be sure everything is in compliance has caused a slight delay in the benefit planning, it has not brought it to an end. The benefit the board of the Ramona H.E.A.R.T. Mural Project planned at Altipiano Winery on June 23 is merely postponed until August.

The benefit, based on the sell-out format of the one held in February at a local winery, will still be held at Altipiano Winery and will feature food pairings by the same caterer and a local pianist playing the concert grand piano.

The community is invited to the wine and food pairing on Saturday, Aug. 4, from 2 to 6 p.m. at Altipiano Vineyard & Winery, 20365 Camino Del Aguila, off Highland Valley Road just before Bandy Canyon Road in Escondido. While not technically located in the Ramona Valley American Viticultural Area (A.V.A.), Altipiano owners Peter and Denise Clarke are members of the Ramona Valley Vineyard Association and supporters of the Ramona community.

The H.E.A.R.T. Mural pairing will be held in the exclusive Great Room and the private patios surrounding Altipiano’s Tuscan Style villa, venues not open to the public but only made available by special arrangement for nonprofits such as this H.E.A.R.T. Mural benefit.

“Attendees need not be concerned with the summer heat here,” said Peter Clarke. “The Great Room and wine tasting areas are air conditioned, and the patios shaded and subject to gentle breezes.”

The line-up of wines includes: Chardonnay, Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, Zinfandel and Cabernet Franc. Each wine will be paired an appropriate food pairing “small bite” from Trezette’s Catering. The tasty morsels will include Spicy Shrimp Chutney Cups, Bite Size Kebabs, Southwestern Mini Corn Cakes, and Hand-dipped Chocolate Strawberries — the last with the Cabernet Sauvignon.

The elegant ambiance will be enhanced by Ramona pianist Jenny Peckham playing the concert grand piano in the Great Room.

The price is $45 per person, with the venue limiting attendance to 100 people. Reservation deadline is July 20 with advance payment; credit cards are accepted.

An invitation with registration form can be emailed to you by contacting Lyttleton@sv-mail.com, or calling 760-787-1102.

Guests will have the opportunity to watch the summer sun as it sinks behind the Altipiano vineyards while enjoying culinary fare and helping Ramona’s community mural project at the same time.

Anyone wishing to donate items or services to the Silent Auction baskets may contact Stephanie Norvell at 760-789-9995 by July 20.

The Ramona H.E.A.R.T. Mural Project’s mission is “To encourage economic vitality by increasing tourism, promoting community pride, and celebrating our rich cultural heritage through an outstanding outdoor visual arts program.”

The acronym, H.E.A.R.T. reflects Ramona as the geographic center of San Diego County as well as the character of the community. “H” for Historic and Hiking, “E” for Equine, “A” for Arts, Antiques and Agriculture, “R” for scenic rural vistas and drives, and “T” for Tasting of fine wines.

The first mural of the 30 planned over the next five years is at the corner of 10th and Main streets, and four murals are being planned concurrently for potential installation before the end of 2012.