Mike Menghini Honored by Julian Merchants Association
By Ruth Lepper

The new Julian Merchants Board was announced at the Merchants meeting held at Menghini Winery in July. Front row, from left: Bobbi Zane, Julie Cauzza, Alan Marvin, Michele Harvey and Elke Mussen. Back row, from left: Ruth Lepper, Patty Strong, Tracy Turner, Melinda Booth, and Melony Vance. Photos by Carol Kinney

Mike Menghini, a name that has become synonymous with the Julian community over the past two decades, was selected as Merchant of the Year 2006 by Julian Merchants Association. He was chosen for his ongoing support of the community, both in his business and with his volunteerism.

Menghini was the founding president of Julian Merchants Association and currently serves as a director for Julian Chamber of Commerce. He also is president of Julian Fourth of July Parade.

Menghini, who owns and operates Menghini Winery with his wife Toni, was presented with a plaque at the association's annual dinner meeting that has traditionally been held at the winery. He also was given a year's membership to the association, a floral arrangement and a skeleton key hanging from an apple-decorated, wooden "Julian" sign, representing the "Key to the City."

Mike Menghini receives his Merchant of the Year award from Director Ruth Lepper.

Whenever a group is looking for a place to hold an event, Menghini makes his spacious winery grounds available. The Menghini Arts & Music Festival, held the fourth weekend in September, moved to the winery many years ago when a fire temporarily closed the town hall, the festival's former location.

Menghini hosts an annual Grape Stomp Festa, sponsored by the chamber, on the first weekend in September. For the past several years, the winery has been the site of the Blues Bash, sponsored by Julian Merchants Association. He also hosts an annual classic car show in May.

Menghini, along with Ed Glass, received a certificate of appreciation for their work as the "Boom Boys" in decorating the town for the holidays. Menghini and Glass have continually volunteered their services in going up on the high boom to reach the top of high buildings and the town's Christmas tree in Pioneer Park when it came time for the decorations to go up or down.

Toni Menghini was presented with a certificate of appreciation for her work over the years with Country Christmas. Rich Richardson also received a certificate for his design of the new JMA logo.