MENGHINI WINE TOUR

November 19, 1995

By Scott Harrison

     It was a postcard perfect day in San Diego's North County when the enthusiastic members of the San Diego Chapter gathered together early in the morning for our annual wine tasting road trip. We were excited to get away from the freeways and hustle bustle of the cities and head up to the mountains near Julian, California. It was time to relax and enjoy the beautiful scenery and sample the cool fresh air. Best of all we got to enjoy the pleasant trip in our favorite mode of transportation, a Volvo. And for those lucky and ambitious few, it would be in an 1800 or 1800ES of one "vintage" or another.

     Several of us approached our destination from the north or the south via tree lined mountain roads due to the easier access from our homes. But the main group met across from the North County Fair Center in Escondido and followed my white Lumina Van (Shamu) up the winding route to the Menghini winery. The only reason they stayed behind me I think is because I had all the food, charcoal and BEER and they wanted to make sure that I got there! I know everyone had to overcome the temptation to pass that slow van and wind through those tight turns at a more rapid pace, but after all, what was the hurry? There was so much to see and enjoy on the way up.

     We settled into a nice pace, passing under big hawks drifting overhead looking for breakfast. To the side of us large Ostriches grazed in their open field pens off in the distance. Fruit stands tempted us to stop for fresh produce while we cruised by the Wild Animal Park and headed out through the historic San Pasqual Valley famous for a Spanish American War battle many years ago. The sweet smell of freshly turned soil and orange groves on the adjacent farms told us that we had definetly left the freeways. The sounds of the early Beatles played on the radio as we were teased with the upcoming release of their Anthology Album. Our memories drifted back to those special moments when we first heard those songs.

     What a view it was to look in my rear view mirrors and see a line of gorgeous 1800's winding through the smooth, mountain roads. A quick turn in Ramona pointed us closer to our goal as we buzzed up the hills toward Santa Ysabel and our first stop at Dudley's Bakery. Ramona is a quaint old town with a western flair, great antique stores, unique little restaurants, and maybe a cowboy or two on horseback. My wife Dawn and I agreed to stop there on our way back.

     As we traveled further up into the mountains, the trees get closer to the road and in some cases overhang the perfect Volvo road course. The colors of the landscape slowly shift from greens to reds, yellows and purples as the cool fall weather has started to paint the hillsides.

     We reaped our usual reward when we made our stop at Dudley's Bakery. It couldn't have been more perfect. There were no lines, the ovens had just released their bounty and it was just 5 days before Thanksgiving. We all stocked up on goodies as well as sampling a few.

     We were almost there, so with our appetites satisfied for the moment, we continued on past the Farmer's Market stand that's been in business since 1916, past Manzinita Farmer's Market which is almost as old and we turn up Wynola road into some orchards toward Menghini winery. We can almost smell the grapes being foot stomped in the distance. The sycamore, oak, pine and apple trees add to the fragrance and the changing colors. Again, I have to repeat how beautiful the roads are all the way up to the winery. The asphalt is new and wide and as smooth as velvet. It was a sports car lover's dream. If you didn't share this trip, you really missed a very special ride.

     The caravan was greeted by our gracious host Michael Menghini and his associates and directed to park in the middle of a beautiful old orchard surrounded by picnic tables and a new barbeque. The horse shoe pit was only a shoe's throw away.

     We were given the cook's tour of all the facilities and educated on the more traditional ways of wine making. We were all given the chance to not only to bottle but also cork and label our own bottles of wine! Then we took advantage of our newly acquired knowledge and sampled the many blends of wine they offered for tasting. We received the royal treatment and were really made to feel special and welcome. After spending our remaining Thanksgiving food money on a great selection of wines, we walked back down to our picnic area.

      With our beautiful Volvos all lined up nearby and twinkling in the warm afternoon sun, we barbequed up a storm and shared special treats that each of us brought. Some of the gals headed up into the hills with Shamu and collected fresh, natural decorations for Thanksgiving and Christmas. When they returned with their unique flora and such, everyone wanted a little for themselves too.

     A game of horse shoes was definitely in order, so a few energetic people tried their luck and found out that the person that brings a set of shoes to a picnic, usually knows how to use them. Our honorable chapter leader Russ Orrell brought the shoes and one by one eliminated the competition. It was great fun though! Then he redeemed himself by holding a raffle drawing and giving away hats, tee shirts and cooler cups.

     When we wrapped things up, a few [of] us ended the day by going to nearby Julian and doing a little Christmas shopping in the antique stores. And of course we couldn't leave without getting the obligatory hot apple pie, ice cream and a nice hot coffee.

     The day was filled of course with tire kicking, hood popping and stories of cars long gone and of those coming to life in someone's garage. The information shared was priceless as it always is. The cars are all basically the same but the people and the special times we share never are.  That's what makes Volvo Sports America so unique and fun. There's alot of you out there, but you can't enjoy these events if you don't share it with us. We hope to see you at our next together.  The people make the club!

#   #   #