Ramona Ranch Winery earned several prestigious awards at the 2026 Sunset International Wine Competition, held June 16-18 in Sonoma County.
The winery’s 2022 Estate Tannat earned Double Gold with a 98-point score as well as Best of Class at the event, while its 2022 Estate Montepulciano earned a silver medal and the 2022 Estate Grenache a bronze.
Winners were announced June 30.
“Receiving 98 points from Sunset Magazine is an incredible honor, but what makes it especially meaningful is that it recognizes what’s possible right here in the Ramona Valley American Viticultural Area,” said Micole Moore, who co-owns Ramona Ranch with his wife, Teri Kerns.
The Ramona Valley American Viticultural Area celebrates its 20th anniversary this year.
Micole Moore and Teri Kerns, co-owners of Ramona Ranch Winery, recently received Double Gold and Best of Class for their 2022 Estate Tannat from Sunset Magazine’s 2026 International Wine Competition. (Courtesy of Teri Kerns)
“The awards are a testament to our vineyard, our region and everyone who has believed in Ramona’s potential over the past 20 years. We’re proud to be part of proving that great wines begin in the vineyard and Ramona deserves its place among California’s finest wine growing regions,” Moore said.
Since 2010, Ramona Ranch Winery has earned more than 100 medals in regional, national and international wine competitions. Kerns and Moore have grown grapes since 2005 and Ramona Ranch became a bonded winery in 2012.
“Earlier this year, our 2020 Estate Tannat was named Best of Class at the 2026 San Diego County Fair Wine Competition,” said Kerns, adding their 2019 Estate Sangiovese earned Double Gold at a previous Sunset competition.
The couple said they hope the award honors will motivate more visitors to experience what Ramona wineries have to offer.
“We hope this award encourages more people to discover the exceptional wines, beautiful vineyards and warm hospitality that make the Ramona Valley such a special place,” Kerns said.
Ramona Ranch Winery, 23578 Highway 78, is the only Certified Sustainable Vineyard and Winery in San Diego County. For more information, visit ramonaranchwines.com or call 760-789-1622.