Menghini-IV Wine Tour, it was this good.

[By Gene Bellegarde]

The day started out rather sparse at the Denny's in Kearny Mesa. By the time we had finished eating, it was departure time and we had a small collection of participants. As we did our usual ritual of pretending to get collected and started on the journey, while secretly stalling in the hopes of greater attendance, a great thing happened. About 3 or more cars pulled in, including our own chapter leader, which made the trek to Via Rancho Parkway much more enjoyable. A similar occurrence was in store for us at the 2nd gas station on the right. Just after we should have departed, who should pull in but Greg Blake from Anaheim, a great guy with a great set of wheels, running sag for Dave Hunt, driving his 1956 Volvo P1900. A little procrastination resulted in one of the most fun mini-tours I have had. We were out cruising with a fiberglass bodied Volvo Sports car. One of the 6 known examples left in the U.S. Not only had I never expected to touch one, we were now racing down the back roads of San Diego County together .

On with the tour, and what a memorable one it was. We got out on a little twisty leg that took us out to 78 headed into Ramona. It started as a dirt road wash-out that had all 1800 owners cringing in despair. The twisties were a blast to drive, but occupants of my vehicle for example, got uncomfortable right away. Luckily the twister bypass was the short one, not the long one I had ordered, so the discomfort was minimized as much as possible.

The last traditional stop was at Dudley's Bakery in Santa Ysabel, it always takes too long here, and it did, but we bought warm bread for the cool autumn morning that it was. Eventually, we got packed and ready to take it on in to Julian for the Main Event. We now had about 13 cars, 1800's all except for the lone P1900 relic. 

When we arrived the bonfire was in full blaze with several members gathered around in the attempt to get warmer than the sun provided. Mike was ready for this as he had a large stack of hardwood pallets available nearby.

With the group assembled we started the barbecue and began to work on lunch. It was an interesting sidenote that Vince Noto was present, and those that remember Menghini-I requested that he open a bottle of wine with nothing more than a towel and a tree - AGAIN ! Alas, someone had a corkscrew and the need did not override the nostalgic tendencies of our somewhat eccentric, if not eclectic group.

There were folks spotted doing Autumn thing like collecting apples from the trees out back, climbing hillsides for a better views, and in general enjoying the quiet beauty of the setting created and provided by Mike. After an interesting tour given by Mike, a most entertaining and gracious Host, not to mention expert Vintner, we gathered out back to conclude with our version of a horseshoe tournament on a brisk Autumn day. I think it's safe to conclude that the only rivalry was between those that couldn't wait for someone to score so the match could end. It was getting cool and most players were a little rusty. Clear evidence that none of us had been back to Maine playing with George (Bush). Another great time for us, and it only would have been better if every member was there. Next time put this on the 'Must Do' list. You betcha!!