In 1960, Fred Schweiger's parents purchased 53 acres on Spring Mountain. The property is located at an elevation of 2,000 feet (above the fog line), featuring rich volcanic soils and unique microclimates particularly favorable for Cabernet Sauvignon. Vineyard clearing began in the late 1970s. The Schweigers planted their first grapevines in 1981 and picked their first grapes in 1984. Schweiger Vineyards became a bonded winery and the family began bottling wine under their own label, though they continued to sell most of their grapes to contracted wineries. Andrew Schweiger began working as the winemaker at Schweiger.