Just a 10-15 minute drive beyond the central cluster of Temecula Valley wineries lies Raúl Ramirez Bodegas y Viñedos, a 32-acre ranch growing primarily Spanish-style varieties. With its seated tastings and intimate clubhouse, this winery offers a peaceful escape from the crowds often found at the larger wineries, and the expertly made Tempranillo tops my list of wines to try in the region.
Raúl Ramirez was born in Querétaro, a Mexican state steeped in Spanish culture and colonial architecture. Even after moving to California as a child, the Spanish influence stayed with him, leading to a lifelong love of Andalusian horses and Spanish wine. His father worked as a laborer and earned his whole family citizenship, so young Raúl was cared for by his grandfather Don Porfirio, to whom he attributes his work ethic and “old-world wisdom.” As an adult, Mr. Ramirez built a successful concrete business, enabling him to pursue his dream of living on a ranch of his own.
Visiting the Raúl Ramirez Bodegas y Viñedos, these influences are immediately evident. A circular enclosure greets guests at the top of the palm tree-lined driveway. It’s a spot reserved for semi-annual performances by his collection of magnificent Andalusian horses that live just below the winery. The light-filled tasting room, originally a private clubhouse, has a friendly, modern feel with several seating areas arranged like a living room with large rugs softening the poured concrete flooring. TV screens looping video of the horses and wagon wheels adorn the walls, and antler chandeliers hang from the light wood-paneled ceilings. But perhaps the most touching family influence is the Gran Reserva line of Tempranillo, named in honor of Raúl Ramirez’s grandfather, who helped raise him, Don Porfirio.
Mr. Ramirez’s winemaker, Dionisio Aparicio, has developed an excellent catalog of wines, including noteworthy whites, which are often a challenge in Temecula’s hot climate. The light and citrusy Estate Albariño and the fuller-bodied Estate Xarello are both lovely, as is the Cava-style sparkling wine offered at the start of the tasting. It’s made from traditional cava grapes, Macabeo, Xarello, and Parellada grown on the estate and made using the Metodo Tradicional (or Méthode Champenoise). But the star estate grape is the Tempranillo, from which Mr. Aparicio has created some smooth stunners over the years. The aforementioned Gran Reserva Don Porfirio, the Estate Tempranillo Reserva, and a couple of blends or “Mezcla” feature Tempranillo as the prominent grape. You might have noticed that I haven’t listed the years to try. This is because, in the past, the tasting room has had bottles dating back almost every year to 2010 due in part to a Covid-related delayed opening of the winery to the public. At the time of this writing, they are offering library wine tastings on Wednesdays, but if you’re there another day, it’s worth asking if any are open and available to try. If not, try the 2020 Estate Reserva Tempranillo, which earned 93 points from Wine Enthusiast.
Not everything on the menu was a winner for me. The Monastrell I tried on my first visit was so tannic that my mouth felt gritty. Still, the 2021 Estate Garnacha Reserva Especial was delightful and named one of Wine Enthusiast’s Top 100 Best Buys of 2024 if you prefer something a little lighter than the bold Tempranillo.
The winery is open Wednesday through Sunday, and walk-ins are welcome, but reservations are recommended. The tastings are seated—indoors or outdoors—and guided by a server. Each guest chooses the wines they’d like to try. For an additional fee, guests can also try a horizontal of the Don Porfirio Tempranillo with a light food pairing. Check the event schedule before you visit to find out if there is an upcoming horse show. It’s an extraordinary sight to see. All reservations can be made online. www.raulramirezwinery.com | 32950 Marius Way Winchester, CA, 92596
