Bravo show Real Housewives of New York features a cast of loud, brash women lunching, arguing, and drinking heavily. We love every second of their antics, especially Ramona Singer, the eye-popping, hyper blonde who acts as if she's had one too many Red Bulls at all times.
Singer is best known for her relationship with Pinot Grigio. Singer and the wine are rarely seen apart from each other. But, unlike most people who would maybe install a wine cellar or take a few wine appreciation classes, Singer has turned her passion into a business.
Ramona Singer Pinot Grigio, distributed by Opici Wines, is made from 100 percent Pinot Grigio grapes grown in the Veneto area of northern Italy. The wine has fruity notes, with hints of pear and hazelnut. Ramona Singer Pinot Grigio wine is priced around $14 a bottle and is available at Florida Target stores, Total Wine & More and other wine shops in Miami.
Ramona is coming to Miami this Saturday, February 18 for a meet and greet at Total Wine & More in Pinecrest. From 5 to 6:30 p.m., the RHONY star will sign bottles of her beloved Pinot Grigio and chat with fans.
We caught up with Ramona as she was about to pick her daughter Avery up from school, where we learned just how much she loves her wine (hint: very much).
New Times: A lot of people love wine, but don't make a career out of it. How did you turn your love of wine into a business?
Ramona Singer: I launched my Pinot Grigio last summer.
I've always been very entrepreneurial. I opened my first business at 29, so I was the only housewife that was self-made and had a business when I started the show. In fact, I'm celebrating the third year anniversary of my jewelry line with HSN on March 14. People would ask me, "What's your favorite Pinot Grigio?" and I didn't have a favorite. I would change my brand every three four months.
So my husband said, "Why don't you develop one?" and I said, "I'm busy I have the jewelry line, I have the skincare line, I have my daughter, I have you." He said, "Come on you're smart, you can do it." And you know what? I did.
I reached out to different people and I developed a wine.
Tell us about Ramona singer Pinot Grigio. What makes it unique?
The most important thing about the Pinot Grigio I developed is that the last note is smooth. You can drink Pinot Grigio anytime, anywhere, with anything. I love wine, but my Pinot Grigio is the first one to always have. You can just drink it with the ladies with lunch, you can have another glass after lunch instead of dessert, and there's no bite. There's no bite at the end. It's very smooth, the last note. And it's priced well. I think it's around $14 in Florida.
What role did you play in developing the wine? Did you spend time in Italy?
One of the best areas for Pinot Grigio in Italy, and that's where my wine is from, is the Veneto area It's all about the grapes. The flavors come from the soil. So I wish I were there, but they would send me samples. I would tell the winemakers what I liked and didn't like about different wines, so they could develop my special blend. My wine has pear notes. It's really good. When you taste it, you're gonna love it.
What plans do you have when you're in Miami? Any favorite restaurants?
I'm coming down with my family. We're going to stay at the Fontainebleau, we're going to have dinner at Joe's Stone Crab, and Prime One Twelve. The wine business is fun. I get to travel to great places and drink great wine.
Can you tell us about Season Five of RHONY?
From the bottom of my heart, this is going to be the best season ever. You're going to see laughing, crying, and screaming. Sonja [Morgan] and I are like Frick and Frack. We just crack each other up. We're closer than ever.
You're a successful business woman, but the show really shows a lot of crazy behavior. How do you feel about that?
The show is designed to entertain thousands of people and the way they edit it, it makes us look like crazy rich bitches in a way, I think. And you know what? Its entertainment. I'm a woman who has it all, I'm like a diamond with a lot of facets and they like to highlight the more dramatic moments. Do I own everything? Absolutely. I'm definitely unedited and unfiltered. I'm trying to get better at that, but I am who I am. And I'm proud of that. At least you know where you stand with me. I don't talk behind your back. If I don't like the dress you're wearing, I'll tell you I don't like that dress. There's nothing fake about be.
Does being on RHONY help or hinder your businesses?
Being on Real Housewives has been the best thing ever for me, and as long as I'm having fun I'll continue doing it.
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