Lee Montgomery

Owner

Lee Montgomery is the Owner and Head Winemaker at Old Julian Vineyards, a boutique  vineyard and distillery nestled in the hills of Ramona, California. With a deep respect for the land and a passion for traditional craft, Lee oversees every aspect of production — from cultivating estate-grown grapes to handcrafting award-winning wines and small-batch brandies. 

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Combining hands-on farming with an artisan's approach to winemaking and distillation, Lee has built Old Julian Vineyards into a destination known for its authenticity, sustainability, and bold, expressive flavors. As both a steward of the soil and a master of the cellar, Lee is dedicated to creating wines and spirits that reflect the unique terroir of the region and the story of each season. Rooted in a lifelong passion for the land, Lee attributes his love of the land to the many years he spent farming in his youth. Today, he brings that same dedication and hands-on care to every aspect of his vineyard and winery.

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Under Lee’s leadership, Old Julian Vineyards continues to grow as a respected name in California's craft wine and spirits scene — a place where community, craftsmanship, and nature converge.

 

In his spare time, he can be found on the trails of the Ramona Backcountry, enjoying the scenic views and wildlife. 

Shelli Montgomery

Tasting Room Manager, Events Coordinator & Marketing Lead

Shelli Montgomery joined Old Julian Vineyards in 2019, starting out in the tasting room one day a week. After being laid off in 2022, she embraced the opportunity to pursue her passion full time, helping grow the business and expand the wine club membership.

Now serving as Tasting Room Manager, Events Coordinator, and Marketing Lead, Shelli brings energy, warmth, and deep product knowledge to every guest experience. She loves sharing the story behind Old Julian Vineyards high-quality wines, hand crafted brandy and family-run roots—making every visitor feel like part of the family.

Known for never meeting a stranger, Shelli thrives on the patio, connecting with guests and creating memorable moments. When she's not at the winery, you'll likely find her exploring the scenic trails of our beautiful back country, enjoying the peace and inspiration that nature provides.

Brenna Kelly

Assistant Winemaker

Born and raised in Santa Ysabel, Brenna Kelly has built a dynamic career rooted in both local tradition and broad industry experience. She works with various wine and cider cellars in the Ramona and Julian areas, bringing hands-on knowledge of winemaking and cellar management to every project.

 

Her journey into wine began in fine dining, where she fell in love with the way wine connects people and elevates food. During the 2020 pandemic, with little to do but enjoy a good glass, she turned that curiosity into formal study — a decision that catapulted her into roles across the industry. Brenna went on to work as a regional wine distributor in Central Texas, where she gained valuable insight into sales, market trends, and consumer education.

 

Today, Brenna holds a WSET Level III certification and continues to deepen her expertise while contributing to the growing reputation of San Diego’s mountain wine country. With three harvest seasons behind her, she’s more fired up than ever to learn from the region and its grapes. Outside the cellar, you’ll often find her hiking with her red heeler, Indy, or immersed in the Southern California music scene.