The Team at Pamo Valley Winery

Jennifer J. Jenkin, Owner & Winemaker

As head of the business, Jennifer Jenkin manages the adminstration of licenses and permits, and all interactions with the Federal TTB and State ABC. She maintains the company's accounting books and administrative details.  Jennifer also acts as the primary resource in Marketing and Sales. In years past she has assisted in the wine making and processing operations. She also assumed the responsibility as website administrator for the Ramona Valley Vineyard Association's new website www.ramonavalleyvineyards.org. In 2009 Jennifer took over full responsibilty of winemaker.  Former winemaker John York has focused his attention towards growing his own winery and helping future Ramona winemakers and to increase awareness of the need to make good wine.   

John R. York, Consultant, Winemaker

Former winemaker yet still recognized, John York assumed full time responsibilities as winemaker for Pamo Valley Winery in 2007. John is a Ramona resident and operates Hellanback Ranch Vineyard with his wife Paula Payne.  John and Paula, as well as several of their family members, have been helping with Pamo Valley's harvests since 2004.  In 2007 Pamo Valley had an ownership transition at which time John was asked to share his passion of wine with us, and become our new winemaker.  John's knowledge, perspective, focus on quality and incredible palate brought a unique and sophisticated wine making style to Pamo Valley. We have been extremely pleased with the achievements of our 2007 and 2008 vintages, and look forward to an enjoyable and rewarding future of making the best quality, local wines you'll find in all of San Diego County!  For more information on John York and Paula Payne and Hellanback Ranch Vineyard visit www.hellanbackranch.com.  John was responsible for most winemaking operations.  He managed all crush, fermentation, wine movement, blending, and was the person who conducted all laboratory analysis and tracking.  He assisted the business owner with Marketing and Sales initiatives, produced winemaker notes, and prescribed all cellar management procedures. John has been a great teacher and leaves the wine making tasks in very capable hands of Owner & Winemaker, Jennifer J. Jenkin.

Mike A. Celaya, Cellar Manager

Mike Celaya is our Cellar Manager at Pamo Valley Winery.  Mike is extremely hard working and motivated.  He is the backbone and the muscles of the business.  Mike is always suggestive of new ideas to ways of doing existing winery practices that make logical sense and greatly improve our winery operations.  Mike is responsible for all cellar operations.  He oversees cellar related activities including barrel management, equipment preparation, bottling operations, sanitation, environment control and storage. Mike is responsible for managing the control of harvest and custom crush.

Dawna R.Ertel, Tasting Specialist

Dawna Ertel is the newest member of the Pamo Valley team.  Dawna is focused on providing tasting notes and recommendations for optimal enjoyment of our wines, for all wine lovers from novice to expert.  A longtime wine enthusiast, Dawna has developed her palate through her studies and pursuit of a Wine Technology certification.  In addition to tasting and reviewing, Dawna also assists with winery operations where an extra hand is needed, from crush to bottling.  Dawna lives in Cardiff by the Sea, and plans to open a wine bar in Encinitas with her husband Adam.  As strong supporters of local business, they will feature a section focused on Ramona wineries. 

Born and raised in Sonoma County, Dawna was destined to love and appreciate viniculture.  Her career history ranges outside the wine industry: she has worked for major specialty retailers in merchandising and planning roles, and is currently co-owner of a sales and marketing organization that partners with select manufacturers to drive business in retail stores nationwide.