Principe di Tricase Winery brings Southern Italian winemaking heritage to the Ramona Valley, producing estate wines from Highland Valley Road with a dog-friendly, food-forward philosophy. The name references Tricase, a town in Puglia at the heel of Italy's boot, and the parallels between Puglia's warm climate and Ramona's high-elevation growing conditions are genuine — both produce bold, food-friendly reds with real character.

What to Expect

Principe di Tricase is a rustic, family-run Italian winery on Highland Valley Road in Ramona, and the experience is as much about the atmosphere as the wine. Tastings are typically offered Saturday and Sunday afternoons; the setting is laid-back and unfussy, with tables tucked under pomegranate trees overlooking the vineyard. Expect natural, sulfite-free wines made in an old-world style — Italian varietals like Aglianico, Nebbiolo, and Fiano that you won’t find at most local rooms. The owners are generous and welcoming, often pouring extra tastes and sharing the story behind each bottle; the tasting fee is usually waived with a bottle purchase. House-made single-size pizzas with dough imported from Naples are a highlight, and there’s bocce on the property. The grounds double as a Christmas tree farm, making the holidays an especially festive time to visit. It’s a casual, country setting, so come relaxed; free parking is on-site.