I know Valentine's Day does not rate high on everyone's list. Since it is marketed as a day for couples, when you're single it can feel like just another day. But don't write it off too soon. If it wasn't for Valentine's Day, I wouldn't be a part of the Honig family.

On Valentine's Day 1995, I was a divorced, single mom. So I spent the evening at home with my kids, helping to fill out Valentine cards for them to take to school. That day a gentleman friend had asked me out on a date, but as it would have been a first date, I didn't feel that Valentine's Day was appropriate. So he asked if I would go with him and a group of friends to the opening of the Neibaum-Coppola winery on March 23rd instead. I agreed to go and met him at the party. 

This was a huge event, with about 3000 guests, live music and, in typical Napa Valley style, lots of food and wine. My friend and I didn't hit it off, and ended up wandering our separate ways during the party. Toward the end of the night, as I was standing in a light rain listening to the band play, I stepped backward and bumped into a very nice looking man. Without saying a word, he took my hand, twirled me around, and began dancing with me to the music. He said his name was Matt and we danced and talked for about an hour. When it was time to go home, he asked me for my number, and since I didn't have any paper handy, I wrote it on his hand.

He called a few days later, and we planned our first date. When he picked me up, he handed me a rose and told me how nervous he was. Then we climbed in his truck and were off to the Wappo Bar in Calistoga. At dinner he ordered a bottle of Honig Sauvignon Blanc. It was my first time trying Honig, and it was love at first sip! As we talked he mentioned that his family had been a part of the Napa Valley since the early 60's, and that they had a winery where he worked in the cellar. (He forgot to mention that the winery was Honig). Matt said his best memories came from the time he spent with his family at their Rutherford ranch, so he decided to move to the Napa Valley right after college. Although he was raised in San Francisco, he had spent his childhood summers with his brother and cousins in the vineyard, and knew this was perfect place to live, and someday start his own family. What a romantic!

We continued to date, fell in love and the rest, as they say, is history. I married the guy (I think he had me at the rose!), and in addition to my two older children, we have two boys together. Matt is a teacher and no longer works for the winery, but I have worked here for 11 years and I love being a part of the Honig family. This year we will celebrate our 13th wedding anniversary, but it was Valentine's Day 14 years ago that started it all.

P.S. If you are a red wine lover, try the Honig Cabernet Sauvignon paired with dark chocolate truffles. It's a great Valentine's gift, too.

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