Julian Grape Stompa
Darinel Martinez
Staff Writer
Prepare to bare your toes and dive into a barrel of plump, juicy fruits of the vine—not to mention savoring some delectable vintages.
If you thought East County seems like an unlikely setting for a wine tasting, grape stomping festival, think again. Julian’s Menghini
Winery hosts just that kind of a celebration each year on September 1st. For its 11th year, as has become a local tradition, the focus
of the Grape Stomp Festa is not merely wines but preparation – the privilege of stomping grapes in a barrel yourself.
“The main attraction is the grape stomping; people like the idea of stomping the grapes with their bare feet,” noted Krissie Morgan.
She’s one of the event organizers working with the Julian Chamber of Commerce.
With a warm afternoon breeze wafting the smell of sweet crushed grapes, fresh baked pizza and other choice foods, visitors will be
able to enjoy a nearly genuine environment in the sunny Mediterranean climate San Diego shares with Italy.
The festival starts at 11a.m. A live band from Little Italy will begin performing live (what time?) and continue throughout the day to 7p.
m. A local Catholic Priest will bless the grapes at around noon, after which people will be able to jump in and get their feet wet.
“It’s meant to be a family event, we like it to be family friendly... That’s why there are things for everyone to do. There’s an inflatable
jumper, even a separate barrel for kids,” said Toni Menghini, who has run the winery with her husband Mike Menghini since 1982.
The wooden tank for adults to crush grapes in can hold about 1,000 gallons. A smaller tank for children can still hold 300 gallons--
and both have enough room to fit many people at a time.
While the hosting winery grows several varieties of grapes in its own vineyards, the three tons of grapes that will be used for the
event are bought from local Southern California growers. It helps lower costs, as the aim is not quality—but rather atmosphere and
fun.
People can take home a five dollar souvenir wine bottle from grapes stomped last year, Menghini said.
However it’s not meant to be more than just a souvenir, as the label on the bottle will remind people. Some names from past bottles
of wine have been named “Cha-Toe La Feet,” “Fee to Grigio,” and “Chard-Toenail,” and labeled with a disclaimer, warning “No
drinka dis stuff.”
The event is held to bring in funding for maintenance of public streets, restrooms, and the town’s historic site preservation. It
typically draws a crowd of around 1,500 to 1,800 people. Though Temecula Wine Country is just to the north, Julian is unique in
offering such a festival. As a result, the Grape Stompa attracts visitors from all over San Diego, Los Angeles, Orange County, and
desert communities.
Local businesses will have vending stands. Food vendors such as the Candied Apple Pastry Company, The Miner’s Diner, Mexicali
Catering, and Kiwanis of Ramona will be offering Italian, American, and Mexican foods. Several wineries will also have stands out for
visitors, and there will be many other merchandise vendors.
Admission is $10 for adults, including a complementary wine glass. Children aged five and under are admitted for free and those 6-
12 for $5.
The Menghini Winery has high capacity parking – but not high capacity seating so it’s recommended you bring your own chairs if
you plan on spending a leisurely day at the event. Other suggestions are that you don’t bring your own coolers and to dress
comfortably and practically, i.e. wear shorts if you plan on getting in the barrel of grapes.
“It’s a really fun day. Come, take your shoes off and get your feet purple,” invites Morgan.
Information on the event can be obtained from the Julian Chamber of Commerce, the organizers of the event, at (760) 765-1857 on
weekdays from 10a.m. to 4p.m. Email can be sent to chamber@julianca.com.
Darinel Martinez
Staff Writer
Prepare to bare your toes and dive into a barrel of plump, juicy fruits of the vine—not to mention savoring some delectable vintages.
If you thought East County seems like an unlikely setting for a wine tasting, grape stomping festival, think again. Julian’s Menghini
Winery hosts just that kind of a celebration each year on September 1st. For its 11th year, as has become a local tradition, the focus
of the Grape Stomp Festa is not merely wines but preparation – the privilege of stomping grapes in a barrel yourself.
“The main attraction is the grape stomping; people like the idea of stomping the grapes with their bare feet,” noted Krissie Morgan.
She’s one of the event organizers working with the Julian Chamber of Commerce.
With a warm afternoon breeze wafting the smell of sweet crushed grapes, fresh baked pizza and other choice foods, visitors will be
able to enjoy a nearly genuine environment in the sunny Mediterranean climate San Diego shares with Italy.
The festival starts at 11a.m. A live band from Little Italy will begin performing live (what time?) and continue throughout the day to 7p.
m. A local Catholic Priest will bless the grapes at around noon, after which people will be able to jump in and get their feet wet.
“It’s meant to be a family event, we like it to be family friendly... That’s why there are things for everyone to do. There’s an inflatable
jumper, even a separate barrel for kids,” said Toni Menghini, who has run the winery with her husband Mike Menghini since 1982.
The wooden tank for adults to crush grapes in can hold about 1,000 gallons. A smaller tank for children can still hold 300 gallons--
and both have enough room to fit many people at a time.
While the hosting winery grows several varieties of grapes in its own vineyards, the three tons of grapes that will be used for the
event are bought from local Southern California growers. It helps lower costs, as the aim is not quality—but rather atmosphere and
fun.
People can take home a five dollar souvenir wine bottle from grapes stomped last year, Menghini said.
However it’s not meant to be more than just a souvenir, as the label on the bottle will remind people. Some names from past bottles
of wine have been named “Cha-Toe La Feet,” “Fee to Grigio,” and “Chard-Toenail,” and labeled with a disclaimer, warning “No
drinka dis stuff.”
The event is held to bring in funding for maintenance of public streets, restrooms, and the town’s historic site preservation. It
typically draws a crowd of around 1,500 to 1,800 people. Though Temecula Wine Country is just to the north, Julian is unique in
offering such a festival. As a result, the Grape Stompa attracts visitors from all over San Diego, Los Angeles, Orange County, and
desert communities.
Local businesses will have vending stands. Food vendors such as the Candied Apple Pastry Company, The Miner’s Diner, Mexicali
Catering, and Kiwanis of Ramona will be offering Italian, American, and Mexican foods. Several wineries will also have stands out for
visitors, and there will be many other merchandise vendors.
Admission is $10 for adults, including a complementary wine glass. Children aged five and under are admitted for free and those 6-
12 for $5.
The Menghini Winery has high capacity parking – but not high capacity seating so it’s recommended you bring your own chairs if
you plan on spending a leisurely day at the event. Other suggestions are that you don’t bring your own coolers and to dress
comfortably and practically, i.e. wear shorts if you plan on getting in the barrel of grapes.
“It’s a really fun day. Come, take your shoes off and get your feet purple,” invites Morgan.
Information on the event can be obtained from the Julian Chamber of Commerce, the organizers of the event, at (760) 765-1857 on
weekdays from 10a.m. to 4p.m. Email can be sent to chamber@julianca.com.
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