DATA COPIED FROM NATALIEMACLEAN.COM
The vineyard property was purchased in 2000 with plans to have our own vineyard and winery. Besides the view of Roses Lake, Slide Ridge, and the North Cascades Wilderness, it has some very practical aspects that are great for grapes. It is gently sloped from top to bottom for cold air drainage in the winter, not too high at 1,100 feet of elevation, has sandy loam soil that is well drained and is southwest facing - four great elements for a vineyard. We planted about an acre of vines in the spring of 2001 with help from family and friends. We planted several more acres the next year and in the third year we planted the rest of the property. Milum built the winery with two helpers starting in 2004 (yes, he pounded nails) and finished out the tasting room in time to open the doors in spring of 2005. We are still hands-on in every way. Growing grapes and making wine is a passion for us and we value being involved in every step. By doing the work ourselves we control everything from growing the grapes to putting the finished wine in the bottle.
Tildio is the Spanish name for the Kildeer bird, a shore bird that arrives in early spring to breed in our vineyard. An interesting fact about the kildeer is they don't build nests. They lay their eggs directly on the ground and pretend to be wounded to lure predators away from their chicks when approached. As a predator falls for their act and starts to chase after the "wounded bird," the parent Tildio will take flight for 50 feet, crash to the ground and start all over again, flopping about and crying distress calls. This is their only defense mechanism, but it is very effective. Just ask our dog. It took her several days to finally figure it out. A sure sign that spring has arrived at Tildio is when the young hatch out to thimble-sized runners.
DATA COPIED FROM NATALIEMACLEAN.COMDATA COPIED FROM NATALIEMACLEAN.COM
DATA COPIED FROM NATALIEMACLEAN.COM
DATA COPIED FROM NATALIEMACLEAN.COM
