Jennifer Lane’s love affair with wine began far from California, deep in the vineyards of Australia’s Yarra Valley. In the late 1990s, while living in Melbourne, she spent weekends wandering those rolling hills, drawn to the quiet elegance of vineyard walks and long wine dinners. But for Lane, it wasn’t just the wine—it was the culture, the feeling of belonging to something timeless and true.

Years later, that same feeling found her again—this time in Ramona, California. A place still waking up to its potential as a wine region, Ramona was raw, authentic, and full of promise. Lane was ready to plant roots.

In 2004, she married Bill Jenkin, who’d planted 500 Syrah vines four years earlier, founding what would become Pamo Valley Winery. Bill made the wine—even though he didn’t drink it—and Lane took on marketing and promotions. But soon, her role deepened. “I found a passion within myself I didn’t know existed,” she says.

When the marriage ended, Jenkin left for Washington to start a new winery, leaving Lane with what she calls “a partial winery.” Most would have walked away. But Lane stayed. She rebuilt, fought through setbacks, and kept the faith. “I knew I had an opportunity to make something of what was left,” she recalls. “And I did.”

Running a winery, Lane says, is a labor of love mixed with stubborn grit. Since taking the reins at Pamo, she has faced every challenge head-on, holding tight to values of quality, integrity, and community. From 500 Syrah vines, Pamo has grown to over 2,000—proof that persistence pays off when you believe in the land beneath your feet.

In Ramona’s early days, selling local wine was like pushing a boulder uphill. Lane remembers cold-calling restaurants, knocking on doors, explaining Ramona wines to skeptical buyers. The region was a mystery to most. Now, Pamo has a tasting room in Ramona’s Old Town District—the only winery open seven days a week among 47 in the area—with a passionate all-women staff welcoming locals and visitors alike.

Lane holds the distinction of being the first woman-owned and woman-led winery in San Diego County. Her drive and passion have carried her through tough times—like 2009, when she ruined barrels and questioned her future, and again in 2019, when she lost her husband suddenly. Still, she never wavered. She leaned into learning, rolled up her sleeves, and kept growing Pamo.

Ramona Valley itself is a rugged, beautiful place northeast of San Diego. Officially an American Viticultural Area (AVA) since 2006, it’s a patchwork of coastal mountains, warm days, and cool foggy nights. That mix helps grapes develop an even balance of ripeness and acidity. Vineyards perch around 1,400 feet on soils like Ramona, Visalia, and Los Posas loams, giving each wine a distinct sense of place.

Back in 2006, Ramona Valley had just five pioneering wineries—some of the early association meetings were even held at Lane’s home. Today, the Ramona Valley Vineyard Association has grown to over 180 members. Monthly gatherings keep the spirit of collaboration alive, as growers and winemakers push the region forward.

The 2011 Boutique Winery Ordinance helped open tasting rooms but came with its own limits. Lane explains, “Consumers expect restaurants, live music, shops, and more. Boutique wineries can’t offer that, so it’s up to us to find our own way.” 

Ramona surprises many with its diverse grapes. Whites like Viognier thrive thanks to morning fog and cool nights. Reds like Sangiovese, Tempranillo, and Primitivo also find a home here. The vineyard’s canyon location offers natural cold air drainage, so frost-prone lower sites grow late-budding grapes, while higher ground suits early budders like Viognier.

One wine is especially close to Lane’s heart—Granny’s Syrah. In 2007, her grandmother helped fund the Syrah planting, encouraging Lane to keep the family’s winemaking dream alive. Her grandmother walked the vineyard with pride, confident Lane would carry it forward. Though she passed in 2012, her legacy remains—her daughter now tends the vines, and Lane’s own daughter calls her “Granny,” carrying on the tradition.

Looking ahead, Lane is excited about a Barbera vineyard planted last June. The vines are vigorous, promising a fresh chapter for Pamo’s estate portfolio.

Lane believes every Ramona winemaker should keep raising the bar. “High-quality wines will build our AVA’s reputation,” she says. While most winemakers are humble and eager to learn, a few bad bottles could hold the region back.  She’s hopeful more visitors from San Diego and around the country will discover Ramona’s wines and spirit. Ten years down the road, Lane imagines locals and tourists sharing stories over Pamo wines, proud of how far this scrappy mountain town has come.

The wines featured in the Wine Recommendations section were provided by the winery for the purpose of review. The selection and tasting of these wines were independently conducted. No compensation or incentives were provided for inclusion in the story. As always, the top priority is to provide readers with informative reporting.

Wine Recommendations

2021 Malbec – captivates with a bouquet of blackberries, offering a palate rich in red and black fruit, subtle spice, and velvety tannins. This opulent wine delivers a smooth, lingering finish that highlights both its expressive terroir and sophisticated structure.

2023 Carignan- delivers a lively palate layered with black plum, pomegranate, and licorice, all wrapped in velvety tannins. Subtle notes of cinnamon and anise add spice to its lingering finish, while cherries and a touch of black licorice bring both freshness and depth to this complex, satisfying wine.

2024 Sauvignon Blanc- bursts with lively aromas of white peach, honeydew, and passionfruit, leading to a palate brimming with lemon, green apple and kiwi. Crisp acidity lifts the mid-palate, while hints of tangerine and grapefruit round out the clean, refreshing finish for a bright and balanced white wine.