Ramona Art, Wine and Music Festival returns for 13th year

The 2025 Ramona Art, Wine and Music Festival is just around the corner, with actives set to kick off at 11 a.m. on Saturday, Nov. 1 at Begent Ranch.

This year will mark the festival’s 13th annual run, hosting art, wine and music from Ramona and beyond. 

“This year, it will be hosted at a private family ranch in Ramona. They are artists, so there is very cool art throughout. There are a couple houses and art studios on the property that you can peek in,” said Robin Dohrn-Simpson, a spokesperson for the Ramona Valley Vineyard Association, a founder of the event with the Ramona H.E.A.R.T. Mural Project.

“They have opened their space up to us the past several years, and it is such a cool property.”

There festival will have an artist showcase, featuring fine art and hand-crafted wares, with over 50 local businesses and artists displaying their work for purchase. Everything from jewelry to paintings will be available. 

Fifteen local wineries will have wines to sip, in addition to hand-crafted beer, cider and mead. 

As a backdrop for art and wine, local bands and solo artists will play music throughout the day, across the festival’s three stages.

The Bunkhouse stage will kick off with Dana Duplan playing American roots-based music, starting at 11 a.m.  At the Hawkwatch Stage, the band Riptide will perform a medley of country, rock, musical theater, classical and pop, beginning at 11:35 a.m.

Other artists include Sun Valley String Band, Kaylee Daugherty, Cathryn Beeks and Laura Burdette, Elizabeth Bowersox, Thea the Band and Sam Powell.

Winding down the afternoon, Ramona-based five-piece band, Dirty Confetti will take the stage at the Hawkwatch Stage playing country classics. 

“There is so much dancing and this year we are lucky to have three stages,” Dohrn-Simpson said. 

This year’s sponsors include Bonham Bros & Stewart Mortuary and Cremation Service, Riviera Oaks Resort & Racquet Club and FM Frye Mechanical.  

In addition to music, wine and art, the festival hosts several food stalls and both a live and silent auction. The auctions serve as the festival’s primary fundraiser, with items like hand-painted wine barrels and cabinets, hand-painted decorations and more. The live auction will begin at 2 p.m. 

“They will auction off work from about six or so different local artists’ commissioned pieces — everything from barrels to furniture, Dohrn-Simpson said of the auction, to be hosted by comedian Josh Lawson.

Live auction sponsors include San Vicente Resort, Ramona Family Naturals Market, Krysak & Associates, Hatfield Creek Vinyard & Winery, Ramona Real Estate Association and Paul and Dottie Pakus. 

Each year the festival holds an artist’s contest. This year’s winner is Ramona resident Terry Truett. 

“Her style is bright and colorful,” Dohrn-Simpson said. 

Truett’s painting shows a glass being poured with red wine, vibrant colors and bold musical notes, a reflection and embodiment of the festival itself.

“Wine and music are two of my greatest pleasures in life,” Truett said. “As I painted, I felt the warmth of red wine swirling around and could hear great music and happiness around me.”

Truett said she is thrilled to be back at the festival and surrounded by those who lend her artistic inspiration. 

“I enjoy the festival so much, especially being with people having so much fun listening to music, enjoying the arts, being transported to happy times,” she said.

Truett’s winning piece will also be for sale during the live auction. 

This year’s art contest sponsors include Ramona Valley Inn and Karen Domnitz Realty.

Tickets can be purchased prior to the festival at https://ramonaartandwinefest.net/tickets/. General admission is $70 and includes food for purchase, beverage tasting, music, a souvenir wine glass, complimentary water and admissions to the auctions. There is a reduced entry for designated drivers of $50 per person, with all the benefits of the general admissions included aside from the beverage tastings. 

All proceeds from the event support the Ramona H.E.A.R.T. Mural Project.

Begent Ranch is at 18528 Highland Valley Road in Ramona. 

“It is a great way to meet different people, winery owners, and locals. You can be out in the fresh air, listening to music and be out and about,” Dohrn-Simpson said.