As early as the 1880s Ramona supported at least six wine grape growers, including M. C. Woodson, William Warnock, and Bernard Etcheverry, names that are familiar from the streets and other landmarks in the area named for them. In his History of the Wineries of San Diego County, local historian, anthropologist and wine maker Richard Carrico relates that prohibition and then World War II spelled disaster for the grape and wine industry here.
Carrico is also quick to point out that Ramona is poised to take its place in the surging wine craze, and while this valley may never be in the same league as northern California wine areas, we can certainly make our own positive mark in the industry and in San Diego County.