Weekend At A Winery: Where The Old-World, Grape Stomp Lives On

JULIAN, CA — While the historic mining town of Julian routinely garners acclaim for its apple orchards and tasty pies, there is another local gem worth a stop-and-sip — the family-owned Menghini Winery.

And for those possibly cruising through the region Labor Day weekend, do not miss — we repeat, DO NOT MISS — the Grape Stomp Festa Saturday, Sept. 4 at the winery site, hosted by the Julian Chamber of Commerce.

(Tap your inner "I Love Lucy," as it's not too far off!)

The second oldest winery in San Diego County and the oldest in Julian, Menghini Winery produces 4,000 cases of wine per year. Run by husband-and-wife duo, Michael and Toni Menghini, who bought the property in 1980, the property boasts a wine-tasting space, expansive, 360-degree-view picnic grounds, plus a 6-acre vineyard setting with nearby apple orchards.

Michael's wine-maker background includes a start with San Pasqual Winery (now known as Orfila Winery) in the 1970s, and as assistant winemaker at Callaway Winery and wine-maker at Filsinger Winery (now Danza del Sol Winery).

With such an expanse of stellar land, Menghini Winery often plays host to community events — but the upcoming, Grape Stomp Festa is legendary, as attendees kick off shoes, roll up pant legs and squish their way through tons of grapes in stomping barrels.

"Every year people come from all over to join the fun, and visit the historic town of Julian," said Robin Boland, Julian Chamber of Commerce executive director. " For many, it has become an annual family tradition.”

In addition to the thrill of the stomp, the Festa offers wine tastings from local wineries, as well as Julian Hard Cider, food and shopping experiences. Beer lovers also can find a beer wagon featuring local beers on tap. Two corn holes sets will be set up, too.

Grape Stomp general admission tickets are $20, with a limited number of $30 tickets available for space under a large, shade structure.

Note to 2021 visitors:

• Bring cash (small bills), as internet is spotty and connecting to pay with cards can be time-consuming.
• Bring IDs: Licensing for event requires all IDs be checked in order to get “21+” wrist band, required for tastings.
• Bring your own lawn chairs.

For tickets or more information on the Grape Stomp, visit here.

For normal operating hours, the tasting room at Menghini, at 1150 Julian Orchards Drive, is open daily. See website here or like the winery here on Facebook.

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