Here’s something a little different — the other day, a helicopter came down and swooped up water from our lake… and I just keep thinking how awesome this place is.
There is never a dull moment here at Michel-Schlumberger Wine Estate, especially with harvest in full swing, but there is still room for unexpected events. The other day I was giving a 36 person cheese and wine pairing out under our glorious oak tree when we were buzzed by a rather large helicopter. It seemed to be flying very low for a helicopter of its caliber and we couldn’t figure out its reason for flying over our property.
As the party was enjoying their wine and cheeses while conjuring up helicopter tales, Wine Educator Evan Erickson was touring a group about our property and witnessed the helicopter’s true mission. As it turns out, there was a fire destroying acreage near the winery so the California Fire Department (CFD) needed to use our splendid lake as an emergency water source.
The group of 9 people on tour had the opportunity to observe the CFD operation within 100 ft! Their timing was superb, as they were on the dam of the lake and couldn’t be closer unless they had rowed out to the love nest (our home to nesting Canada Geese) . The force from the chopper’s blades created a windy mist that relieved the folks temporarily from the summer heat. It was quite the the sight. Benchland Club member (that would be our wine club!) Jerry Hollister (who provided the photos) was one of the witnesses, “It was totally unexpected and tremendously powerful.”
This is not the first time the CFD had used our lake as a water source, for some of the longer tenured employees have seen this happen before. But it was the first time anyone was at the lake when the helicopter came down to scoop water.
You never know what type of wild excursion can happen here at Michel-Schlumberger Wine Estate, but rest assured, it is always an experience. Come visit and see what adventure you find.
Joseph Barnwell
