April 3, 2018, Napa, CA – Bouchaine Vineyards now offers Falconry Vineyard Experiences, an exclusive opportunity to witness firsthand the wonder of nature supporting sustainable farming practices.
Working with West Coast Falconry, Northern California’s premiere resource for falconry education and services, the Falconry Vineyard Experience begins with a walk through the vineyard while learning about Bouchaine’s vines, terroir, history, sustainable farming and the state of the grapes in that moment in time.
Upon arrival at Bouchaine, guests will walk through the estate vineyard to the Terraces vineyard knoll, where the panoramic views of San Pablo Bay, San Francisco, Mt. Tamalpais, and the famed Los Carneros AVA await. There they will learn about Bouchaine’s environmental vineyard management programs with a regal hawk on the arm and in the sky. The birds swoop through the air in a display of their astonishing agility, then return to their handler, and then to the gloved arm of each guest.
Nick Kontis calls to Don Diego, photo courtesy of Carolyn Younger
With six falcons, nine hawks, three owls and a vulture, West Coast Falconry is one of the few falconries to hold a U.S. Fish and Wildlife Special Use permit, allowing a trained bird to fly to a guest’s gloved arm or a guest to hold a bird for photos. A picnic lunch and wine tasting follows in the lush gardens overlooking the vineyards.
Bouchaine Vineyards uses falconry for bird abatement daily during the final months of the growing season, a procedure in which trained falcons and hawks are used to intimidate and chase pest birds from the vineyards. This is a natural predator-versus-prey relationship that allows pests to be removed to a different location through repeated “flyovers,” resulting in a quiet, discrete, organic, eco-friendly and sustainable abatement procedure. No birds are harmed in the process.
Scheduled Falconry Vineyard Experiences on May 13 and May 27, from 10am to 1pm, are available by reservation by calling (800) 654-WINE or (707) 252-9065. Additional dates will be regularly scheduled throughout the summer and fall.
The cost of $200 per person includes the Falconry Vineyard Experience with views of the Bay and Carneros, followed by Bouchaine’s award-winning wine and lunch in the Bouchaine gardens.
Private Falconry Vineyard Experiences are available for groups of up to 25 and are an exceptional venue for corporate outings and team-building programs.
Family-owned Bouchaine Vineyards is located at 1075 Buchli Station Road, Napa, CA 94559. The winery is open daily for tasting and tours. Reservations are required for groups of six or more guests. More information is available at www.bouchaine.com or by calling (800) 654-WINE or (707) 252-9065.
About Bouchaine Vineyards
Bouchaine Vineyards is the oldest continuously operating winery in the Carneros District. Originally planted in the late 1880s, Gerret and Tatiana Copeland have been the proprietors of our estate since 1981. Meticulous sustainable farming techniques and the estate terroir allow for crafting award-winning Pinot Noirs and Chardonnays. Bouchaine continually endeavors to create the perfect bottle of wine embodying the excellence of Burgundy, the exuberance of California and the terroir of Carneros.
