There have been rumors that the recent Wye fire consumed our grape vines at Cache Creek, thankfully, because of some of our dedicated crew and firemen our vineyard, Cache Creek Vineyard nor any of our structures were burnt though several hundred acres of our grasslands were consumed.
What really seemed liked a miracle, the next morning after the blaze was brought under control, the men came out to the entrance of the ranch and there was the herd of elk as if they knew they would be protected there.
Several years ago when we bought the property my husband, Bill Van Pelt, planted several fields of grasses for the elk. The elk knew him as their friend and he could get within a few feet of them in his old dually pickup. Bill died March 14, 2004 and our son Don, who has taken over our business and amongst his many responsibilities he sees to it that provisions are made for the elk.
Last week he and I were taking an old friend from Mendocino County out there and several doe and a baby were wading across the creek and recently there”s been quite a bit of excitement in our winery business as our cabernet sauvignon, petite sirah, syrah and chardonnay are being discovered.
Bev Van Pelt
Clearlake Oaks
