We sit on the cusp of Memorial Weekend in the Willamette Valley, which feels like the official start of the summer tasting season although our customer visits we so look forward to are well underway. Sharing our wines and story are what it’s all about for iOTA Cellars.
The vines are off to the races after the last heatwave brought on rapid shoot growth. Today, much needed rain falls, refreshing the vines and earth. Tamping down that early season dust is welcome, plenty of time for that later on.
As Don tractors through the vineyard rows, abundant wildlife emerges from the shadows – bobcat kits darting in and out of the vines without canopy to hide them, great horned owlet learning to fly, red-tailed hawk carrying off its prey amongst other sightings. While it’s hard to tractor and shoot a pic, Don captured a few images. I added a few of mine, but not while driving a tractor, just walking 🙂
Enjoy a trip to wine country for the nature, the vines, the wines, the people, the views, the fun – iOTA opens its winery doors on Saturday, May 25th and Sunday, May 26th from 11-5 both days. Come visit us then, or make an appointment for another day. ‘Tis the season to sip your way through the valley.
Happy spring almost summer,
Lynne, Johanna & Don
garter snake – LP 
cranes bill geranium – LP 
hummingbird nest – LP 
hummingbird in nest – PP 
owlet learning to fly – DS 
owl in flight – DS 
bud break – DS