Great Vibe... The Wine, Not So Much…read more After escaping the Grape Stomp Festa , we stopped at Volcan Mountain Winery, and honestly, the tasting room was a much better experience. The atmosphere is really nice--very chill and relaxing, with friendly and welcoming staff. It's the kind of place where you can sit back, enjoy the scenery, and hang out for a while. One of the coolest things is the location right next to the Volcan apple farm. There are apple trees everywhere, which really gives you that Julian fall experience. We were even able to pick a few apples, which ended up being one of the highlights of the day. Now... let's talk about the wine. Maybe Temecula Valley has spoiled me, but these wines just weren't doing it for me. We tried several, and unfortunately, they tasted pretty cheap compared to what I'm used to drinking in Temecula. Nothing really stood out enough to make me want to take a bottle home. Basically, I liked the winery more than I liked the wine. Would I come back for the chill atmosphere, friendly staff, apple-country scenery and overall vibe? Absolutely. Would I make the drive specifically for the wine? Probably not. Vibe: 9/10 Staff: 10/10 Location: 10/10 Wine: 4/10 Overall, it's a cool stop when you're in Julian--especially during apple season. Come for the vibe and the scenery... just don't expect Temecula Valley-level wine.

Volcan Mountain Winery is such a nice little Julian winery with plenty of options to explore. The…read moreladies working there were amazing -- super friendly, welcoming, and really intentional about helping you find something that fits your taste. They make the whole experience feel easy and relaxed. There's a small indoor tasting area and a shaded outdoor picnic‑table setup right in the vineyard. It's a great spot to hang out, listen to the music they have playing, and take in some really pretty views (perfect for snapping a few photos). It's kid‑friendly and dog‑friendly, which makes it an easy stop for groups or families. They also offer apple wine, which was really fun to try for the first time -- something different and very Julian. A simple, friendly, scenic winery that's perfect for a laid‑back tasting day.

Fun fact: this is the second‑oldest winery in San Diego, and you can feel that history the moment…read moreyou arrive. It has this warm, rustic, family‑owned charm -- the kind of place that feels like you're hanging out in someone's backyard rather than at a commercial winery. The owners were incredibly friendly and made us feel like longtime friends. The wine selection is on the smaller side, but that actually fits the vibe -- simple, honest, very them, and totally down‑to‑earth. I love that you can grab a glass and sit wherever you like. The back patio is beautiful: breezy, shaded, and surrounded by nature. Prices were great too. It was a warm day, and the owner recommended the rosé -- great choice. Light, refreshing, and perfect for the weather. Nothing overly fancy or grand here, and honestly that's what makes it special. A sweet, relaxed Julian spot with heart, history, and genuinely kind people.

We visited Menghini Winery during the hot weather hoping to taste some refreshing wine. We were not…read moredisappointed. The Rose and the Sauvignon Blanc were very refreshing despite the hot weather. Bring your picnic and sit out in the backyard where the breeze is always nice.The owners, Tony and Mike are very friendly and fun to talk to. We will be going back this weekend for the Julian Grape Stomp at their winery. We can't wait!!!

This place is so cute and has the BEST sangria! It was the…read moreperfect little hidden gem to escape the heat. The owner is so nice and friendly and welcoming. It was the best part of Julian for us and Ollie is such a sweetheart. We always come back here.

Don't skip this place it's off the beaten path so it's easy to overlook. Great refreshing Sangria…read moreon a warm day, atmosphere and vibe is really chill and service is top notch.

Came here on the first day of Apple picking season on a Sunday of Labor Day weekend. It rained…read morebecause of the tropical storm in the Pacific Ocean. People were very welcoming and friendly and explained the white signs with numbers and labels as to which apples were which. One bag is good enough for your entire group (there were just two of us and it was still too much). The apples were small and you get a decent amount for $20. Some of them were low to the ground so it's very family friendly. You could also ask them for apple wood. It's $10 for a box and you go pick your own wood off in a corner. I'm going to use these to smoke some chicken and pork. Great overall experience.

Such a beautiful farm! Tons of variety and very friendly staff! We were so pleased with our…read moreexperience! This will be an annual tradition from here on out! Also is stroller friendly with wide aisles !

We went to Julian for a quick getaway and we wanted to do a cider tasting. We went to Julian…read morestation and walked past Julian Wine and chocolate, so we ended up stopping in after our cider tasting. They had tastings for local wines, all out of the surrounding vicinity, including San Diego. We just had to do the chocolate pairing as well, and the chocolate is also out of Carlsbad and had so many amazing unique flavors. My favorite being the one with the potato chips. Though I still feel the southern California wines aren't as good as the northern California wines, I'm glad that it's becoming more and more common and I do have to admit that it's improved greatly over the last 10 years. The person who was at the counter of Julian wine and chocolates was super friendly and knowledgeable. The little shop was very inviting and the tasting prices were very reasonable. I highly recommend you stop in and check out some of the Southern California wines.

Lovely hangout, I imagine this place is the place to be in the summer! We shared a burger, which…read morewas yummy and the kitchen was quick on service. We ate outside on a beautiful day. There is a bottle shop inside, so plan on taking some obscure beers home with you. Look forward to next time!

The lady who poured for us was nice, and I really like that there is a selection of local beers AND…read morelocal small production wines to taste. However, it's really awkward! It feels like you are tasting in the corner of someone's garage. It's small- very close quarters. And the lady just stands there and looks at you while you taste, like less than 4 feet in front of you because it's so small in there. I can't imagine there being other guests in there at the same time. The wines were an interesting selection, but nothing to knock anyone's socks off. I believe she's open every day, which is really nice considering it gets so busy on the weekends up in Julian.

I consider myself an experienced wine taster and this place was intriguing to me due to the fact…read moreyou could taste beers and ciders as well. This awkward little space wasn't the problem for me. I was served my first flat hard cider serving in a filthy glass. I kindly asked for a clean glass which I was given with an apology. There was food reminents on the tasting counter, so I had to try to avoid putting my arms down. The place was just not clean. I didn't enjoy anything I tasted until I tried their passion fruit sangria. It was quite tasty and refreshing. If you bought the bottle of passion fruit wine, the recipe came with. The pourer was so kind and lovely to talk to, she was the best part of the experience. Unfortunately, I would not revisit this "cellar".

Visited this place on our way back to the hotel. Good stop for some wine and cider tastings,…read morecrafted beers, food, small arcade, and beautiful mountains views. Very relaxing environment to enjoy with your friends and family. My kids and I visited on a slow day which made it nice because wasn't crowded. We brought our own lunches and drinks. Sat outside on the patio with scenery of the mountains. So calm and quiet at the same time listening to the birds chirping. They had corn hole as an entertainment while you eat, drink, and play. My kids really enjoyed the arcade area as I enjoyed a can of harvest apple cider which I purchased at the Julian Hard Cider. A pool table is also available in the arcade area for a small price. Totally recommend this place when you are in Julian.

Very cool spot to stop on your way to Julian or on your way back home! Good beers and wines and…read morelive music on a nice sunny day! You won't be sorry to check it out! Vic Moraga plays here on occasion!!

This year was the first year we did our apple picking at Apple Starr and I think I may have found…read moremy new apple orchard. A bit further passed another popular orchard and a winery, Apple Starr Orchards offers a variety of apples and even pears! All organic! Easy to find, pay and get loaded up on your fruit. Lovely orchard, the staff were absolutely amazing and we all definitely look forward to this as it's our annual family tradition. If you plan to get 2 or more bags, I would highly recommend bringing a radio flyer or some sort of cart to hold the apples in. The bags get heavy and after so many apples, the handle may give.

We've come here for the last 10 years and can say become friends with the owners. This year we came…read moreand found out there's new owners and the place was sold three months ago. We were bummed that they were not open for picking and the trees were full of fruits this year. Congratulations to the new owners and good luck. The apples and pears in this orchard are by far the best. We've brought so many at this place and we hope the new owners continue on the legacy. Apple Starr Orchard will always have a special place in our hearts.

I checked this place out for the first time yesterday. It was a nice little spot. It kind of felt…read morethat we had the place all to ourselves as we were the only ones there when we first arrived. I believe he was the owner; but he was very hospitable. They have unique wines infused in whiskey barrels. I had their Chardonnay which had a slight taste of whiskey in it but I thought it was pretty good. I also tried their pepperoni and sausage flat bread which also was pretty tasty. We were greeted by "Whiskey" the cat and as we were told apparently he was a stray and greets everyone as they arrive which was cute. They have misters which helped a lot with the heat.

Planning for birthday is stressful, imagine its your wife's birthday and now imagine it's a…read moremilestone birthday, it was indeed a big choice. Called 20+ Vineyard and put my requirements and was chose Crystal hill as my choice, I am so glad I made that decision. Best wine, amazing scenery, very private, kid friendly, pet friendly most of all sweetest Staff you will ever find. This is the best winery of Ramona by far and exactly what we were looking for. The view is stunning and beautiful view, atmosphere is very relaxing. Wine choices we were excellent, Excellent wine, especially the whiskey barrel wines! Wine Choices: We initially ordered wine flights, double and singles an we choose the below bottles from there. 1. 2016 Stone Lake Merlot 2. 2016 Whiskey Stone Lake Merlot 3. 2019 Malbec Rose 4. 2017 Whiskey Rose They even have food; their flatbread is amazing too. The Staff and owners were very nice, as we were having good time Scott the owner took the kids, around 10 of them to a short hike and showed them around the property and vineyard, kids had good time while adults were drinking up. Meanwhile Kristy engaged the smaller kids. It was all fun and everyone had fun. Special kudos to the lovely bartenders. If you are looking for great wines, amazing views, comfortable atmosphere, great staff, kid friendly, pet friendly, this is the place. We are going back soon

This was my second time visiting Julian and I was determined to check this place out from the last…read moretime I drove past it. Super cute and quaint cidery. The bartender was extremely friendly and made my experience worth the stop. I had a flight of ciders which consisted of three small glasses. Don't remember which flavors I got, but it didn't disappoint me. It is a family friendly spot so it was nice to bring my kids with me. In the back there were apple trees and beautiful scenery of the mountains. Great place to take pictures. I do recommend this spot when you are in Julian.

This place is very family friendly and welcoming. You can sit in the orchard and it is so nice to…read morecome with your dog. I played catch with mine and tired him out while sipping on some cider! I just wish there were more cider options, the ones they have are a very strong and distinct flavor.