Have you ever wanted to stomp grapes? The first Saturday in September, it’s a “must” (translated young wine) an earthy tradition at the beginning of the grape harvest, and cause for celebration. Wine making is in my peasant’s blood. My great-grandfather filled two 50 gallon barrels (allowable annual amount per family use) to accompany great- grandmother’s homemade pasta and tomato sauce. His best kept secret recipes from the hilly countryside of their ancestral home of Naples was passed onto my grandfather, who was first to be born in America. He proudly offered me a sip of Italian Vino from the big jug. What a disappointment; not at all like Welch’s. I have since acquired a taste for dry, just a hint of fruity red and whites. Harford Wineries, not far from the MA & PA trail, has earned awards, despite Maryland’s cold. All across America, every state, even Alaska bottles their own wine, but the California sun and dry climate produces some of the best grapes that go into the new and world’s best wines, stem from an ancient Roman tradition
Come sample wines grown near the historic town of Julian-also known for another American temptation-appie pie. The first Apple Day celebrates one hundred years, but in order to satisfy San Diego's appetite for fresh pies apples are shipped to Julian and pies are shipped out to bakeries-some sell 1,000 pies daily. Over the next few months the apples are ripe for the self-picking. The fresh autumn harvest makes for La Dolce Vita.
The event is hosted at the Menghini Winery
to benefit the Julian Chamber of Commerce, Main Street, Julian CA 92036 (760)765-207
