Congressman honors vintners

On behalf of Congressman Duncan Hunter, Michael Harrison presented three Ramona winemakers with certificates of Special Congressional Recognition during a recent meeting of the Ramona Valley Vineyards Association.

“First, I want to congratulate the three wineries we are recognizing today. Your hard work, investment and skill paid off in your outstanding wines,” said Harrison, Hunter’s deputy chief of staff and a Ramona resident. “As important, you represent the value and quality of the growing Ramona Valley grape growers and winemakers who have revitalized the local economy and grown the agricultural region. I expect to see many more wines from the Ramona Valley AVA receive recognition and with that recognition will come continued growth.”

Harrison presented the certificates during the association’s monthly meeting on Tuesday, Jan. 26.

Hunter, a member of the U.S. House of Representatives representing the 50th District for seven years, is co-chair of the Congressional Wine Caucus.

The wineries receiving the recognition included Ramona Ranch Winery, Altipiano Vineyard and Winery, and Lenora Winery. The three won top honors at the Santa Rosa-based Vineyard & Winery Management’s 25th Annual Grand Harvest Awards from a pool of nearly 1,500 entries submitted from throughout the United States and as far away as New Zealand. These awards join a growing list of more than 200 medals received by members of the RVVA at competitions throughout the country.

Ramona Ranch Winery’s Tannat received best-in-class and double-gold, its Sangiovese Reserve received gold, and its Merlot a silver.

Altipiano Vineyard and Winery received silvers for two Sangiovese wines and a bronze for Merlot.

Lenora Winery received silvers for Dessert Wine and Sauvignon Blanc Blend, and bronze for Cabernet Sauvignon.

The three wineries are RVVA members.