Julian Jont

We took a spontaneous little excursion to Julian a few days ago. It's where we go around here when we need a taste of Fall. The leaves weren't very colorful yet, but a "taste" we got.

We stumbled into ( ahem... ) some lovely uncharted territory ( for us anyhow ). Just a couple of miles from the main street of town turns into beautiful, quirky, and very low key orchards and vineyards. Fantastic!

The whole area was very cat and dog friendly. We were wishing we would've brought our Buckley, and intend to return with him.

This was the first of three wineries we stopped at. The Menghini Winery. It was my favorite.

Annabelle was intrigued.

This place was fun. The J. Jenkins Winery. Sort of a warehouse type setting. We made friends there with the other tasters, and very much enjoyed their Apple Port.

The Blue Door was very charming and well appointed.

The house mascot was a hit.

This place was right up my... orchard. The Raven Hill Orchard also serves as a funky, found objects, sculpture garden where you can pick your own fruit. Many fruits and nuts found there on the grounds. I wanted to be one of them.

I was very taken with this lady specifically.

I don't think this doggie was nearly as intimidated as this raven had hoped.

Highly enjoyable!

After all of the goodness on the outskirts of town, we decided to find a nice place to lunch in town...

and this was it.

It was full of Fall splendor...

and tasty treats.

Then we walked around town for a bit.

This little garden boutique called my name.

Make your own potpourri, handmade soaps...

and just...PRETTY!

This is a stop we always make when in Julian. The Cider Mill is full of jams, honey, candy, and well...cider.

Julian is famous for pie, so we decided not to resist.

Our time in town allowed us time to think about which bottle of wine to buy.

It was unanimous to go back to the Menghini Winery for the Cabernet that tasted like cherries.

The winner!

What a fun day.