Nestled high in the apple-kissed hills of Julian, California, Menghini Winery is a San Diego gem—the second oldest winery in San Diego County, pouring happiness since 1982.

At our 10-acre vineyard on Julian Orchards Drive, a former apple packing shed turned wine lover’s paradise, we craft bottles that sparkle with flavor and fun. Think of us as your go-to spot for a grape time.

Meet Mike and Toni Menghini, the heart and soul of this operation—high school sweethearts who’ve been fermenting their love for wine and each other for over 50 years. Mike, a grape guru, honed his craft in the ‘70s at San Pasqual Winery (now Orfila) and sharpened his skills at Callaway and Filsinger before planting roots in Julian. Toni’s the cheeky host who makes the tasting room feel like a sunny family reunion, always ready with a warm laugh and a clever quip like, “We’re still chardon-nay better than ever!” Together, they’ve turned Menghini into a place where wine not have fun?

Our wines are crafted with joy and precision, rooted in Julian’s Gold Rush legacy (born 1869) and its apple orchard fame—over a million pounds of apples annually, fueling those famous pies. We dry-farm our vines—no irrigation—to let the mountain terroir shine, battling frosts and winds to produce award-winning pours like our crisp Sauvignon Blanc, non-oak Chardonnay, bold Cabernet Sauvignon, and the crowd-pleasing Julian Gold, a Muscat dessert wine that’s grape for celebrating. These beauties have snagged medals at the San Diego County Wine DELETE, proving we’re not just fooling around.

Fun fact: Pair Julian Gold with Julian’s apple pie for a combo that’s fruit-ful and fabulous!

We’re all about spreading joy, and our community spirit is as rich as our reds. Mike, a former Julian Chamber of Commerce president, has led the town’s Fourth of July Parade for over 15 years and, with Toni, decked out Main Street for Country Christmas like it’s a holiday barrel of fun. Every year, we host the Julian Grape Stomp Festa, a rollicking, foot-stomping bash since the early 2000s that raises funds for the town’s Annual Tree Lighting—join us September 6, 2025, for the 28th stomp-tacular event!

We’ve also welcomed starry-eyed guests for the San Diego Dark Sky Festival and hosted weddings that make hearts cork with joy.

Our picnic area is where the fun pours over. Grab a bottle, bring your own spread, and lounge under ancient oaks with Volcan Mountain views. It’s a spot where kids giggle, couples toast, and spontaneous sing-alongs sparkle—especially near our charming pink cottage, a guest favorite since the ‘80s that once inspired a local artist to paint a wine-derful sunset scene.

As Mike and Toni age like fine wine, Menghini Winery remains a joyful family affair. Whether you’re a longtime friend or a first-time sipper, come for the wine, stay for the puns, and leave with a heart full of cheer. Visit us, picnic with panache, and let’s raise a glass to Julian’s happiest vineyard—here’s to good times and great wines!