An Evening at Schwaesdall's—a Fun Way to End the Summer

What a way to say goodbye to summer, with friends, neighbors, pizza, salad, wine, a good movie and a star-studded sky.

About 25 people gathered at round tables with their wine and food and enjoyed getting to know each other before the movie on Saturday night at . It was yet another movie evening in a series that has been running for at least three years.

"The Schwaesdalls are fun," said Arvie Degenfelder. She and her husband, John, Ramona residents, have known the family for years. She said she enjoys them because they're down to earth and easy going.

It was girls' night out for a group of women around one table, while a few couples gathered at other tables to talk about international travels they'd taken, cruises they'd enjoyed, dog training, trips with the Schwaesdalls and other interesting conversations. One couple had come from Encinitas, another from Rancho Penasquitos.

John Schwaesdall fired up the brick oven to heat up a variety of pizzas.

The movie was "Letters to Juliet," set in Italy—"a chick flick" said one man in attendance, yet seemingly enjoyed by all.

"I forgot to hand out the tissues," John Schwaesdall joked at the end of the evening.

The movie was set, in part, in a winery.

"All of our movies have had some sort of wine theme," Shirley Schwaesdall said.

The next evening event at the winery is Italian American singer Joe Tarantino's rendition of Hollywood's "Rat Pack" of the 1950s and '60s. The group was led by Frank Sinatra, Dean Martin and Sammy Davis Jr. There'll be singing and dancing on the patio, starting at 6 p.m. Oct. 1. Lasagne and Marsala Chicken will be on the menu. Tickets are $35. Call 760-468-1920 or 760-789-7547 for reservations. Schwaesdall Winery is at 17677 Rancho de Oro Dr, Ramona