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In 1960, Fred Schweiger's parents, Tony and Theresa Schweiger, purchased 53 acres on Spring Mountain and in 1961; Fred purchased an additional eight acres. The property, located at an elevation of 2,000 feet (above the fog line), features rich volcanic soils and unique microclimates particularly favorable for Cabernet Sauvignon.

Clearing for vineyard purposes did not begin until the late 1970's and was started as a result of slow times for Schweiger Construction, partly because of high interest rates. Fred was able to maintain his construction crew of four men keeping them busy preparing the Spring Mountain property for grape vines. During the clearing process, old redwood hand split grape stakes spaced at 1x1 meter intervals were discovered, reconfirming the notion that the property had once been a prime viticulture area dating back to the late 1870's.

The first Schweiger vines were planted in 1981 and the first harvest was in 1984. For the first 10 years, the Schweigers sold their fruit to Joe Cafaro, ZD, Newton and Stags Leap Winery. In 1994, 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.

Finally, in 1999, Andrew Schweiger joined the winery as the full-time winemaker. The family discontinued selling their grapes and began using 100 percent of their estate fruit for Schweiger Vineyards wine. As wine production increased, additional winery square footage became necessary and construction was completed on the new fermentation room in 2002. Additionally, the garden terrace area, used by the family for entertaining during the seasonal fair weathered months, was completed in 2002.

Today, Schweiger Vineyards includes 25 acres of cabernet, five acres of merlot, and four acres of chardonnay. Annual harvest yields vary from 1.5 to 3.5 tons per acre.