This week I had the pleasure of visiting Menghini Winery in the beautiful historic mining town of Julian, California. The winery was once was an old apple-packing shed and sits in the middle of an old apple orchard.
Menghini Winery was established in 1982.
On my visit this week, I was greeted with a touch of snow on the ground. (Ice really, but with no less beauty)
I drove down the country road leading me to the local winery where I got to sample a few of their wines and take in the cool fresh air.It has a quaint rustic like atmosphere, down to earth with a historic scent in the air.
I went with their wine tasting deal. You sample five to six of their wines and keep your Menghini wine glass. If you bring your glass with you each visit, it will be filled free each time. I found a wonderful dessert wine that is now my new favorite.
You can sample a variety of locally produced wines and try a few of their local snack favorites, a variety of cheeses, salamis, olives, preserves, and crackers.
At Menghini, they produce many fine wines including a '98 Chardonnay, a dry light wine, no oak, with a crisp, clean finish; a '98 Sauvignon Blanc, a soft, dry, easy to drink wine good with numerous dishes, a '98 Trinity, a meritage, a blend of Carignane, Grenache & Mourvedre, a excellent light style red and a '97 Cabernet Sauvignon, a heavy-bodied wine with a great berry-like character. (Something for everyone)
Menghini Winery
1150 Julian Orchards Drive, Julian, CA 92036
(760) 765-2072
For a Virtual Tour of Julian, Ca click the link below
http://www.theblendmagazine.com/Julian/virtual/Historic_Julian.swf
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Comments: 8
Donna,
Try to go while its still nice and cold. I really enjoyed myself. The main street in Julian is really cute & I am going to go back to check out some other points of interest.
I went into many little shops on Main Street. They have a wonderful candy store. The market there had a small deli inside, they made a mean roast beef.
It was huge for around 5.00. I did not even get an apple pie, although I did get some free apples from the winery. They were very sweet too.
If you go stop at King Leo's on the way up.
Of course, a trip to Julian is not complete without buying an apple pie.
I have heard of the wineries there, but never visited. I know the Menghini Winery just about wins awards yearly at the SD Fair. So I am going to check it out for sure.
I would to suggest a trip to the Eagle Mine next time you go to Julian. Julian was once the second largest town in the county during the gold-boom of 1869. You can relive the gold-mining days of the Old West through tours of the abandoned mines. So far it is my favorite place to go when I am in the area.
Eagle & High Peak Mine
PO Box 624
Julian, CA 92036
760/765-0036
& only 12.00 a bottle.
:-P