My husband and I have always enjoyed giving gifts of travel to each other for our birthdays. Some years we travel to far away places and other years we stay close to home.
For my husband’s June birthday this year, we opted for a nearby getaway because we found out about a special lobster dinner being held on his birthday at our favorite Napa Valley winery,
Schweiger Vineyards. Schweiger Vineyards is located on Spring Mountain, above the quaint town of St. Helena. They are a small family business on 53-acres of rolling hills, lush vineyards, and tall trees. Schweiger Vineyards grows Cabernet, Chardonnay, Cabernet Franc, Malbac, Petit Sirah and Merlot grapes on their property.
Wine making is a family affair with father, Fred Schweiger, farming the grapes, son, Andrew, crafting the wine and daughter, Diana, marketing the wine, and mom, Sally, running the behind the scenes administrative department. My favorite wines are the Sauvignon Blanc for warm, summery days and their Dedication for, well anytime, really! It’s a fantastic Bordeaux blend that was created by Andrew six years ago and continues to be a big a success.
We arrived at Schweiger for the lobster dinner in the early evening and were personally greeted by Andrew and his wife who invited us to enjoy some hors d’oeuvres and a glass of wine. It was a great way to meet the other guests before we headed into the vineyards for dinner.
Down the valley, the day had been hot. But I knew, being 2000 feet up, the temperatures could drop later on. I wore a maxi dress with bare shoulders, that I bought in
Kauai last year, and brought along a lightweight scarf and denim jacket in case I got chilly. Walking through the vineyards is not something you want to do in heels. I wore comfortable strappy sandals instead.
Once the party on the lawn concluded, we were asked to head into the vineyards for dinner. Charmingly decorated with lights and stars, we were delighted to see our dining location amongst the vines.
The chef asked us to stand back while he and Andrew served the lobster, sausage, corn, artichokes, potatoes and shrimp directly onto the table.
We were given lots of drawn butter, lemons and French bread, too. But no forks, no knives, and no plates. Our fingers, a bib and lots of napkins are all that we needed!
Once we were done making a mess of the table and stuffing ourselves, it was time to return to the main building for more wine and some brownies, homemade by Sally Schweiger herself. We took our time heading back, taking a few pictures and enjoying the last moments of daylight before dusk set in. Diana and I, arm in arm, my husband and I posing below a big red star.
It happened to be a nearly full moon, a super moon in fact, that night. We sat on the patio and watched the view change as the moon rose higher and brighter in the sky as it turned dark.
What a fun, memorable, and delicious way to spend a birthday!
Next month, on August 3rd, there will be another lobster dinner in the vineyards at Schweiger. To book your seats, call (707) 963-4882.
Schweiger Vineyards
4015 Spring Mountain Road
St. Helena, CA 94574
www.schweigervineyards.com
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