Poppaea Vineyard and Winery

Poppaea Vineyard and Winery is a family-run boutique winery off Old Julian Highway in Ramona, in the Ramona Valley AVA. The Saunders family, John, Marion and their son Ben, began replanting a wildfire-damaged property in 2009 with Italian red varieties, after trips to Italy convinced them the Ramona Valley's climate and soils could produce similar wines. Every wine is made from estate-grown fruit, and John's background in pharmaceutical chemistry shows in a careful, measured approach to winemaking.

What to expect: a five-pour "Tour of Italy" tasting paddle of current Italian varietals, poured Friday afternoons and weekends. There is indoor and outdoor seating, including a patio with a wide view over the Ramona Valley to Mt. Woodson, a shaded private tasting spot the family calls "The Island," and a picnic table out in the experimental vineyard block. You are welcome to bring your own food, and the winery is dog-friendly.

Nearby: Poppaea is on the east side of Ramona along Old Julian Highway, close to Old Julian Vineyards and Hatfield Creek, and on the way toward Julian. Plan it with our Ramona Valley wine trail guide or the Wine Tasting Day Trip Builder.

Frequently asked questions

Is Poppaea Vineyard dog-friendly?
Yes, dogs are welcome.

Can I bring food to Poppaea?
Yes. The winery encourages guests to bring their own food to go with the tasting.

What wines does Poppaea make?
Italian red varietals grown on the estate, offered as a five-pour tasting flight.

When is Poppaea open?
Fridays 2 to 5 pm and Saturdays and Sundays 12 to 5 pm, per the winery. Confirm at 858-357-1741 before visiting.

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