A Journey to Winemaking: From Many Paths to the Vine
Doug and Sue Robinson, co-owners of Correcaminos Winery (translates to roadrunner) in Ramona have had many careers. “We have the attitude of embracing change and opportunities. Doug gets bored and likes change,” Winemaker Sue Robinson said.
“Doug and I have had many different careers over the years. I have been a veterinary technician at various times. I started as a vet tech in 1972 and have worked for various practices if possible. I enjoy the animals and their owners,” Sue Robinson said. “I have also run a group sales office at a small ski area in Colorado and run a racing program for the Sports Car Club of America in Topeka. We do what we need or want depending on where we are.”
From Kansas to Colorado to Valle de Guadalupe in Baja Mexico to Ramona California
“We had been living in Kansas and working for the Sports Car Club of America. When our jobs finished we wanted to return to the West Coast but it was 2006 and California real estate was astronomical. We had friends in the Valle. We found a piece of land with a well and fruit trees. We bought it and moved there. We lived there full-time for 3 years. Then part-time for another 5 years. When we purchased our property in Ramona where we live presently. After I moved my horses up to Ramona, Doug and our helper Jesus planted Cabernet Sauvignon grapes in our empty pasture. Santo Tomas Winery was kind enough to let us use their equipment to process and produce our first vintages,” Sue said.
“We moved to Ramona where we had friends and family, when real estate took the big dive in 2009 and we found our property. We bought it in foreclosure. There was an old 1920s house, a garage, and a barn. We have made all the improvements and planted the vineyard beginning in 2011. At that point, we thought we would just sell grapes but after considering the economics of labor and costs vs income we decided making wine and opening a tasting room were the way to go. The new wine ordinance had just passed (2010) so it was perfect timing. Our first vintage was in 2014. We opened the tasting patio on March 10, 2018,” Sue said.
The vineyard is planted
We purchased our first 50 Sangiovese vines from Gary and Ginny Boney of Rancho San Martin Winery. We oriented our vineyard with the rows running east to west, which allows the breezes to run down the aisles and keep the vines dry. We have added grape varietals as we decided what wine we wanted to make: Malbec, Barbera, Viognier, and Symphony.
Winemaking classes
We took the classes at CSU San Marcos. They brought in professors from UC Davis and Fresno. That was the start of our formal education. Then we attended seminars and of course the RVVA meeting speakers. Sue took over duties as the winemaker and Doug runs and maintains all of the winery equipment. He also suggests wine blends from our varietals.
We named our winery after our roadrunners who live in the area and visit us on occasion. Plus it was an easy logo to create. People seem to remember it even if they can’t pronounce Correcaminos.
Today Correcaminos Winery has a lovely tasting patio with large canvas tents to protect patrons from the elements. Their wines change all the time, but they have a lovely First Note wine, a sweet wine that features Symphony grapes. This popular wine is perfect for hot summer days. Another white wine is Viognier.
This year Sue made a Rose of Tannat, which is a strong rose. It is intriguing in that it is a bolder rose than we might be used to.
The red wines include Spaghetti Strap, a blend of Sangiovese, Cabernet Sauvignon, and Merlot. Fiesta, which is estate Malbec and Arriba, which is a Sangiovese and Malbec blend.
The Robinsons love to have fun and have many fun events at their property. Lately, Comedy Night has been a hit with their patrons. They already regularly have a weekend market featuring local artisans.
Today in 2024, Sue is the President of the Ramona Valley Vineyard Association and has been a strong proponent of moving Ramona wines to the forefront of San Diegans’ minds.
Visit Correcaminos any weekend Friday through Sunday at 1941 Lilac Rd, Ramona.
For current hours, events and happenings go to: https://correcaminosvineyard.com/