Murder mystery winery?

​I’ve found something you can do at a winery that you can’t do just about anywhere else.
For nearly three weeks I remained in virtual isolation due to COVID.  While my COVID symptoms were extremely mild, I had a big problem:  what to do for my wife’s upcoming birthday.  In the past, I had surprised her by taking her to a murder mystery theater, where a number of friends lay in waiting.  Worked great, so I looked to see if there was one that we could go to for this year’s affair.  Nothing available.
Now here’s the thing:  in addition to murder mysteries, my wife loves wineries.  Ergo, rather than going to a murder mystery theater I decided to host a murder – but at a winery.  Fantastic idea, you say?  Yes, it proved to be just that.  And yes, I’ve sprained myself patting myself on the back….
As it turns out, you can purchase the mystery online.  They provide almost everything you need, except, of course, the food, wine (or other drinks), and some props.  I found the perfect mystery on the website nightofmystery.com: “A Deadly Vintage”.
I chose Monserate Winery in Fallbrook (see my last post) as I wanted a winery that could provide both room for the group, good wine, and food.  We held the affair this past Sunday (September 11).
As I expected, the winery proved to be the perfect venue for the event.  First, I did not have to worry about preparing food and drink – everything was available.  Second, murder mysteries require the participants to move about, talking in private with other characters to gather clues as to who the killer is.  You can’t do that at a restaurant, but we could at the winery.  Third, the winery took care of most of the clean-up.  Fourth, wineries can accommodate any number of people.  We had ten participants out of twelve invited, but could have had a version for 15.  That’s a pretty good number of people to have in your home but not a problem for most wineries.
Try it – you’ll like it!
Quick note:  I was one of two that solved the crime!  And the birthday girl wound up the victim….