Spring Frost in the Vineyard

The wind machines, the two silent sentinels towering over our vineyards, came to life in the early morning of May 14th. In the course of just a few hours the temperature in Southwest Idaho plummeted from a balmy 38-40 degrees to 28 degrees or less. The wind machines, on a thermostat, powered up as the temperatures dropped.

It is always a surprise to hear the engines, great motors powered with propane, Chevrolet 454 Industrial engines capable of 2550-2650 RPM. They sound like a helicopter landing in the house.

But the wind machines are a vineyards salvation. They pump warm upper level air down into the vines. The displaced cool air flows down the slope of the hills the vines are planted on, into the creek and on down the valley. Without the wind machines we would undoubtedly have lost our crop.

So, next time you visit 3 Horse Ranch Vineyards, take a look at the wind machines and give a toast to the fact that we will have a 2009 harvest because of them.

Predator's Aid in Critter Control

The Great Horned Owl has long been an inhabitant of our hay barn. Generally seen in twos, they occupy the upper reaches of the rafters where it is quiet and cool. They are a great source of wonder for the children that come to the ranch. A trip to the hay barn to see the owls is always a favorite.

The owls regurgitated pellets are interesting too. One year we collected 30 pellets and an entire 5th grade class spent a few hours dissecting each one. Inside the pellets were the skeletons of the owls unfortunate prey, including bits of fur and feathers.

This year we were lucky enough to spot this nest of babies with parent, we've enjoyed watching the babies grow up and love listening to the ho-ho-hoo hoo hoo during the year.