Recently, I got a last minute call to help a wine country visitor with his marriage proposal.  I picked them up at the Farmhouse Inn (Russian River) and drove them to Michel Schlumberger’s.  Rob was looking for a grand view with a little privacy.  M-S was having their employee party that afternoon so everything was beautifully decorated for the holidays.  However, the tasting room was off-limits, so Rob & Christine got the VIP private tasting in the kitchen. The kitchen has a reputation among long-time M-S fans as the insider’s room.  While they were busy tasting Cabernet & older vintages brought out special for them, I did “recon” & quickly ruled out the adorable little bench up on the hill due to the wetness of the ground.

Off to Hawley, an intimate little spot up a winding back country road.  Rob nervously whispered, “is this the place”.  I replied, “let’s see”.  They were so impressed by the experience and the wine, they signed up for the club.  But the view wasn’t quite right for me so I sneaked outside and called my friends at Bella Winery & Caves. Ross & Leigh Ann eagerly agreed to take us to the top of Lilly Hill in a comfy oversized ATV.  After tasting some wine in the cave, I casually suggested a drive up the hill. Ross had planted a bottle of Lilly Hill Reserve and two glasses in the back of the ATV.  Once we got to the top, Ross said he couldn’t drive any further but perhaps they wanted to walk aways. Rob put his arm around Christine and they walked to the edge of the hill.  Next thing I know, Chris is laughing and crying and jumping up and down. I’ll never forget the way the sun came out while they were standing there.  It was shady on the way up the hill, and shady on the way down.  But for that moment, the sun was perfect.

While they bought wine at Bella (including a case of Lily Hill), I secretly called my friend Peggy at Sbragia, and told her we were coming.  She set up a congrats sign and a fabulous cheese tray to go with their tasting.

It was a precious, sweet & lovely experience to be a part of this couple’s special day.