History and Wine . . . a La Cresta pairing
By Kelly Smith
Recently, I had the pleasure of meeting a couple who had eluded me for the eight years I have lived on the Plateau. Why in the world it took me all that time to get my wine-loving self over to the Boorman Winery, right down the street from me, I cannot say. However, I rejoice now in my finding!
My all-too-short afternoon with Rosie and Todd Boorman sprang from my desire to write an article about wine on the Plateau. I was prepared for clinical and had no expectations of their facilities, as wineries span the gamut from rustic to fine, small to large. What I found at the Boorman Vineyards was a delightful marriage of solid wine knowledge, commercial equipment, boutique enthusiasm, and an intimate ambiance. The experience was tasteful and tasty!
Upon arrival, I was greeted with a tour of the facility and vineyard. When we decided to relax and talk, out came a lovely plate of pairing cheeses and palate-cleansing crackers. I was in heaven as I tasted their beautiful red wines and talked about wine, La Cresta, wine, Plateau vineyard history and wine. Did I mention that we talked about wine?
Having been in La Cresta since 1986, Todd tells a fascinating story of how vineyards made their way to the Santa Rosa Plateau. I have often been told of how La Cresta has become well-known for the land’s ability to grow certain varietals of outstanding wine grapes and how UC Davis validated the theory ˗- rare details I learned from Todd and Rosie over a gorgeous glass of Boorman Vineyard Cabernet.
The history goes something like this:
- 1975: Test vineyards installed by University of California Riverside in what is now called Sylvan Meadows (vines are gone now, but remnants remain near the windmill)
- 1976: Forty vineyards were planted in La Cresta
- 1976-2010: Grapes and growing strategy evolve
- 2010: Many families grow grapes for local wineries
- 2010: Three wine families live and grow on the Plateau, including Boorman, Wiens and Schaeffer (Plateau Vineyards)
- 2010: Specialty grapes (all red) grown well on the Plateau; to name a few are Pinot Noir, Malbec, Zinfandel, Barbera, Petit Verdot, and the legacy Cabernet
Knowing your wine label is also something Todd Boorman took time to explain. Look for “Estate Bottled,” which means grape-to-wine on the property. “Produced & Bottled” defines wines which were made into wine from grapes which may have come to the property. “Vinted & Bottled” is the hardest to define bottle-by-bottle, meaning grapes are vented in bulk, often creating wines which go to market under various labels.
I couldn’t get enough. I wanted to know more. I could have stayed and learned all afternoon. My head was spinning with all of the agricultural mysteries of the Plateau and logistical facts, but my time was limited, so I cut to the chase. Having 25 of my own acres, I asked, “What does it take to have a successful vineyard in La Cresta, and can you make money at it?”
After a precious gaze between the two Boormans (I’m guessing they have been asked that a few times), Rosie answered carefully, “It’s hard to look at it, generally, as a money-maker. They went on to explain the variables of market supply and demand, market fickleness, soil variation, insects and good ole Mother Nature. At roughly $15,000 to $20,000 per acre to plant, and a crop which doesn’t mature until its third year, the stars have to align for one to make money quickly.
That being said, though, La Cresta has been confirmed by experts as an excellent place to grow red wine grapes due to its micro-climate and soil conditions. If one is serious about farming, this area is perfect. A soil and site analysis by an expert is a good first step in determining parcel viability. Since we have a local expert in Todd Boorman, who just happens to manage vineyards, you don’t have to look far to get some information.
I thanked Todd and Rosie Boorman for their history and “how-to” lessons and promised I would see them soon. They graciously connected some of the proverbial dots for me, providing me a new appreciation for the special type of earth we have here on the Plateau, which is so kind to the grape and eventually our palates. I feel more connected now to the wines which come from our Plateau and the Temecula Valley. It was a good afternoon and I leave with a taste of new friendship, answered questions and, of course, the satisfaction of tasting delicious La Cresta wine.
You may contact Boorman Vineyards for a private tasting, by appointment only.
Boorman Vineyards, Private Estate Winery
www.boormanvineyards.com
21630 Ave De Arboles
Murrieta, CA 92562
Jasper’s Memoirs (So Far)
By Cathy Greer (Jasper’s former owner)
He entered the world like most: wet, slippery, an abrupt fall to the ground and a first, gasping breath. His mom sniffed him over anxiously and then, satisfied he was hers and that he was just fine, went on to nibble at the tender grass at her feet and warily keep an eye out for danger. Just an ordinary day in the world of an alpaca.
The new little creature catches his breath -- his lungs perhaps burning -- and shakily pivots his head around to see a sea of grass and his momma’s four legs. The bright sun probably is a shock to his just-opened eyes. Acting on some primal instinct, he scrabbles his legs under him and makes the extraordinary effort to rise. Covered in the wetness of his mother’s warm womb, he shivers in the slight breeze at ground level. Wobbling, wobbling -- he tries to make sense of the sticks he needs to stand on. Any onlooker would smile at the awkwardness of it all. Jasper, barely 15 minutes old, stands and totters toward the only warmth he can find. Mom Ruby is now more interested in her boy and leans toward him, nuzzling his wet fleece. He knows to find refuge beneath her for his first meal. A new day, a new life.
When I first saw Jasper, he was a couple of hours old and still damp from his birth. His legs seemed impossibly long. A tangle of limbs lying akimbo in the grass, he was no doubt tired from his ordeal. Mom Ruby was just feet away from him, nonchalantly keeping an eye on my approach, nipping at blades of grass. I was struck by their identical reddish-brown fleece. Tight little tendrils already twisted in his fleece -- the hallmark of the Suri alpaca. What a miracle! A new, perfect life already knowing what it was born for.
Jasper is the third cria born to my little herd, Heaven’s Promise Alpacas -- a business that grew out of following my heart and a mid-life desire to get closer to Heaven itself. The year before, Ruby had given me a beautiful boy, Midnight Ryder, but the excitement of a new baby alpaca never gets old. I couldn’t get enough of watching Jasper’s first forays around the pasture -- glued to his mother’s side -- and his first nose touches with “Auntie” alpacas that were curious to meet the new boy. I witnessed quite a few indignant kicks from these aunties as he dared to get too close.
I tiptoed into the pasture and sat on the grass near him as he lay on the ground, still and quietly breathing, his side rising and falling in perfect rhythm. I was content to just sit and watch. The sun was warm and birds rustled in the shady tree overhead. Ruby alternately glared at me with large, liquid eyes, or completely ignored me as she grazed, but she was never far from her new baby. Jasper, suddenly startled, unfolded his new legs to rise; then he spotted me. I smiled and reached out a hand to him but he jerkily turned to momma to hide beneath her belly. After a quick meal and a little reassurance from her, he collapsed onto the ground for another respite from life.
When he seemed to be asleep again, I crept silently to sit close to him. After a few heartbeats, he raised his head with a start and moved his nose nearer to my leg. Eyes wide open, he semi-rolled, semi-crawled until he was partially in my lap. I held my breath. I couldn’t believe my little cria had climbed into my lap! For a few precious moments, before he became aware, I was able to stroke his still-damp fleece. Ruby never took her eyes off of me; a little intimidating since my vantage point was from the ground looking up at her! I knew there was something special about Jasper from that day on.
Over the months, Jasper grew and his mom taught him the ways of the pasture. He was mischievous and curious, but learned how to tame his playfulness with his pasture-mates just enough to stay out of trouble. Splints were placed on crooked front legs, and his ears, which bent haphazardly toward each other over his forehead, were taped. Temporary fixes to an otherwise strong, healthy body. He seemed to enjoy his age-group weanlings, nipping and playing and running races with them.
By six months of age, he was sturdy and handsome, and a pregnant Ruby had begun to tire of nursing her big boy. He would try to steal underneath her for a quick nip now and then, but her back legs were swift with a warning kick. “A not-so-gentle reminder that you’re growing up, Jasper,” I laughingly told him.
Over these growing-up months, Jasper and I shared the “getting to know you” dance that alpacas insist upon. I would go into the pasture and wander around with the herd, not touching, just feeding pellets now and then. Ruby would eagerly gobble every last treat from my hand, and Jasper would watch. Watch and learn. Humans seem okay and sometimes they bring treats! His eyes were glued on me and my interaction with his mom and his aunties. I felt curious sniffs from Jasper and the other babies now and then, especially approaching cautiously from behind to see if I carried pellets in my pockets. Every once in a while I got lucky and stroked his neck or would get a tentative kiss as he passed by. The moments of pausing lengthened. Eventually, Jasper would linger for a longer stroke down his back or finally, treats from my hand. I had to sit and put the pellets on my shoe at first, then on the flat palm extended to him. His delicate lips would reach, reach, reach -- and then grab a pellet and run. Whew! You could see the relief when nothing bad happened.
Over the months we became friends. Jasper would see me arrive at the ranch and come running to the fence. Lifting his tail, he made endearing "clucking" noises that made my heart smile in celebration of our new relationship.
It was time to introduce him to the halter in preparation for an upcoming show in Arizona. He would need to be comfortable with it fastened to his head and led calmly in front of a large group of people. Having just taken a “Camelidynamics” course from renowned trainer, Marty Bennett, I was anxious to use my new skills. Jasper, being naturally curious and not as fearful as most alpacas, became my willing partner.
Using treats, I lured him into a small pen. His mom, just outside for comfort, paced back and forth on the fence line separating her from her boy. Although dubious at first, he gamely joined in. We proceeded over the next half hour to teach each other how to be comfortable with the halter. “Yes, Jasper,” I whispered, “the halter CAN be your friend!” Stubborn at first, like his mother, he eventually got the idea and we set out confidently for our first walk on the lead rope together.
Jasper seemed terribly excited to see things from a different perspective, his eyes darting here and there, drinking everything in. He was not a bit afraid. He was ready for the world, and the world had better be ready for him. Who cared if there was an annoying little dog nipping at his heels or a noisy lawn mower? This devil-may-care alpaca was ready for new adventures.
We eventually went to the show and adorable Jasper was a star in the ring, leading quietly but attentively, and standing still while the judges laid their hands on him. Alas, he placed last out of five; but then again, the judge’s decision is only one opinion. If he had been judged on how “cute” he was, he would have won, hands down. He enchanted children by taking treats from their little hands and let show-goers feel his fleece. They chuckled over his friendly antics as he shared kisses with complete strangers.
Jasper’s biggest adventure was yet to come. In March 2010, Heaven’s Promise Alpacas relocated from a ranch in Ventura County to Shiloh Springs Ranch to be closer to my home. My four animals, Ruby and Jasper, plus Ruby’s daughter, Black Jewel, and her daughter, Bijou Noir (Jasper’s niece), settled happily into their new home, finding their places among the new herd like they had always been there. Owners Nancy and Rich Masak made me feel equally at home and accepted my animals warmly as if they were their own.
Soon after arriving at Shiloh Springs, I met a delightful young girl named KayLynn Turner and her mom, Sharon. Beautiful and vivacious with a joyful smile, KayLynn formed an almost immediate bond with Jasper. It was like watching a magnet drawing something to itself. She demonstrated a unique-for-her-age ability to handle alpacas; before I knew it, she fastened a halter onto a hypnotized Jasper and began leading him around. Soon, Jasper was following her around without a halter. He began to cluck affectionately when she visited the ranch; impatiently waiting with his head over the fence, watching for her. With a wistful pang, I knew he had found his “girl” and his new home.
KayLynn negotiated a good deal and soon Jasper was her very own. It was time for my little guy (now hers) to move on to his next adventure. He has blossomed in her care, becoming the alpaca he was meant to be.
To that happy end, Jasper the Alpaca has recently been registered by the Delta society as the very first therapy alpaca in the United States. KayLynn and mom Sharon helped Jasper to begin working at making people happy. The Delta Society motto is: “Improving human health through service and therapy animals.” There is something very poignant about the connection between people and animals -- almost magical and profoundly spiritual. Jasper has a gift to share with people and it will be a joy to see what lives he touches. From the moment he was born, Jasper touched my own life and brought me much joy. I will always be grateful.
Alpaca Final Competition
By Cathleen Y. Greer
Beautiful Shiloh Springs Ranch in La Cresta was the site of the very first Alpaca Camp Competition on Saturday, August 14. Owners Nancy and Rich Masak graciously opened their gorgeously landscaped and maintained alpaca ranch for 11 children, ages 7-12, for five Saturdays ˗- culminating in a challenging day of contests where the competitors showcased their skills and competed for cash prizes.
The brainchild of owner Nancy Masak, the Camp was held at Shiloh Springs starting July 17. The students had formal lessons about alpacas; they learned about the animals’ physical characteristics, history, reproductive traits, behavioral characteristics, daily maintenance and care, and the end product ˗- their luxurious fleece. In addition, the children were paired with a young alpaca that was minimally halter-trained. They worked with their four-footed charges for a large part of each camp day to build a relationship and earn the animals’ trust. Along with their alpacas, the students also spent time learning the obstacle course and the handling skills that they would need for the final competition. "I have been around alpacas, caring for them, helping them to birth, taking them to shows, every aspect of their lives. This combination of alpacas and kids was truly magical; better than I imagined it would be, and the most fun I've ever had with alpacas," said Nancy.
The four weeks of hard work in the hot sun went by quickly and the day of reckoning dawned on the 14th. Each competitor arrived at the ranch, their show clothes and game faces on. The Masaks had painstakingly laid out the obstacle course, plus tables, chairs and refreshments for the spectators and judges. There was an excited tension in the air as the students compared notes and waited impatiently for the contest to begin. The alpacas were haltered and ready in the pen, their curious ears pricked as if they knew they were on stage.
Each newbie alpaca handler began the competition by presenting their alpaca at the judges’ table and answering ten questions about alpacas. They then proceeded to the “Handling Skills” section where they had to demonstrate how to lead while walking and running, how to back-up their animal, how they can lift a foot (for routine toenail trimming), and show the teeth (required in the show ring). In addition, they had to encourage their alpaca to place their front or rear feet in a small rectangle and walk through a “kiddie” pool filled with water. All of these skills take a great deal of practice and patience as alpacas naturally do not like to be handled and are protective of their feet.
After the Handling Skills, the students started directly on the “Timed Obstacle Course,” beginning with “Walking on Plastic” where the alpaca had to be led over a slippery, tarped surface. The next obstacle was a “Jump” ˗- much like one used in an equestrian event ˗- followed by an “Advanced Jump” where the alpaca must leap on top of hay bales to simulate jumping into and out of a trailer for transport. Alpacas are often driven to shows and to other ranches. Obstacle #4 was the “Turn Around” ˗- a small circle of rope laid on the ground where the handler must ask the alpaca to turn around in a very tight circle. Then it was onto the next obstacle, the “Bridge,” where the student had to coax the alpaca to walk up a ramp, over a bridge, and then down the other side. The “Seesaw” was the next challenge; the alpaca had to step onto a seesaw and walk across it, even when it began to tip downward. A series of pipes laid on the ground to create a “Maze” was the next stop, and the young competitors had to lead their animals without touching the maze structure. “Weaving” was next, as alpaca and handler had to move alternately through poles, both one way, then back again. Last, but not least, was the dreaded “Archway with Streamers” ˗- the pair had to walk through an archway with streamers hanging down ˗- which proved to be especially challenging as alpacas do not like to “go through” wildly fluttering things that they cannot see through.
After all 11 contestants had completed the course, the spectators rose and expressed their admiration by cheering wildly for the student/alpaca pairs ˗- who had each given their very best in a fierce competition. Then, one final very important contest had to be decided: The Egg Race. Three age groups competed against each other by racing their alpaca, on a lead, while carrying a raw egg in a spoon from one fence of the pasture to another. The winner was the team who reached the finish line first with egg intact.
The triumphant winners were:
Skills and Obstacles:
1st Place: Garrett Turner
2nd Place: Allison Pendergrass
3rd Place: Carleigh Campbell
Egg Race:
Ages 7 and Under: Ramon Santos
Ages 10 and Under: Savannah Kiser
Ages 12 and Under: Carleigh Campbell
In addition, several “Judges Awards” were given, including:
“Best All-Around Handler”: KayLynn Turner
“Best Diva Alpaca Handler”: Kalista Santos
“Best Off-Lead Hander”: Ramon Santos
“Winner of Alpaca Facts”: Rachel Alexander
“First to Master Hay Bale Jump”: Taylor Campbell
“Best Pole Weaver”: Bethany Campbell
“Best Maze Handler”: Beth Ballard
“Best Alpaca Backer-Upper” Savannah Kiser
All in all, a wonderful day at Shiloh Springs was enjoyed by all. As Rich Masak exclaimed, “We will be making this an annual camp; it's the best way to get to understand and appreciate how special these animals are."
Note: Many of these young alpaca handlers are going to be competing at Alpaca Fest West, SoCalPaca’s annual alpaca show to be held November 13-14 in the City of Industry. Come cheer them on!♦♦♦