We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Teri Kerns. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Teri below.

Teri, thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. What do you think matters most in terms of achieving success?

I think it takes courage and commitment to be successful. Success comes from a lot of hard work, and stepping outside of your comfort zone to learn new things. Success is showing up when it’s challenging or difficult, which takes courage and a committment to keeping your word, even when it’s hard.

Great, appreciate you sharing that with us. Before we ask you to share more of your insights, can you take a moment to introduce yourself and how you got to where you are today to our readers

We are originally from the Oregon Coast, landing in San Diego that’s to my service in the US Navy, followed by a career in Healthcare. After moving to the community of Ramona about 20 years ago, the same time the area was began experimenting with growing grapes, we decided to try growing grapes and making wine as a hobby…..a passion was born for the life-style, the vineyards and the wine, resulting in our business, Ramona Ranch Winery.

Ramona Ranch Winery has focused on sustainability since it’s inception in 2004 and is San Diego County’s only Certified Sustainable Vineyard and Winery. We specialize in offering vineyard specific, single varietal wines, as well as interesting blends, and consistently brings home gold medals.

Our differentiator is our sustainablity, not only do we practice it, but we are monitored, tested and certified sustainable. Guests on-site enjoy our insectary, which invites beneficial bugs and birds to improve the bio-diversity of the farm, recognized by the National Wildlife Federation as a Certified Wildlife Habitat. With a natural riparian area, the quail covey’s are thriving in the vineyards, along with a family of California Greater Roadrunners, red-tail and cooper hawks, and you may glimpse the occasional golden eagle or snowy egret flying by as you enjoy the mountain views.

Let’s talk about resilience next – do you have a story you can share with us?

When we started our family winery, San Diego County did not allow small wineries to open by-right, like the breweries. We worked with the County, the Board of Supervisors, and our fellow winemakers/vineyard owners to help craft an ordinance that has paved the way for future wineries to open. This involved many meetings, public speaking, political influencers, and was not an easy process, taking multiple years.

How about pivoting – can you share the story of a time you’ve had to pivot?

At one point in our journey to open our winery, we were buried in the bureaucracy and nearly called it quits – but a chance meeting with a supportive local supervisor gave us the encouragement to keep moving forward, breaking down barriers, and establishing credibility. The lesson is to keep pushing forward on your dream, and ask for help.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://ramonaranchwines.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ramonaranchwines/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/RamonaRanchWinery
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCRmCi1E6kksrBLsqhj9Ahfg
• Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/biz/ramona-ranch-vineyard-and-winery-ramona

Image Credits
Credit – Teri Kerns