Sunny Skies and Sheep Insights: Aiken’s Weather and Rotary Club Highlights

Sunny Skies Ahead for Aiken!

Good morning, Aiken! As we embrace the final days of November, Mother Nature has decided to shake things up a bit this morning with some scattered thunderstorms rolling through our area. So grab your umbrella if you’re heading out! The weather forecast reveals a 70% chance of rain, and we could experience some strong gusty winds as well. Highs will flirt with the 70°F mark later on, making for a warm afternoon. The winds will be coming from the west-southwest at a comfortable 10 to 20 mph.

But don’t pack away those sweaters just yet! Once the storms pass, tonight will see temperatures dipping down to about 40°F. The winds will shift to come from the north-northwest at a lighter 5 to 10 mph, so perhaps it’s a good night for cozying up with a warm drink as we wind down the day.

Rotary Club Welcomes a Special Guest

Rotary Club of Aiken had the pleasure of hosting a fascinating speaker! On November 25, Jerry Wallace shared his insights on an interesting approach to vineyard management that includes everyone’s favorite fuzzy creatures—sheep! Yes, you heard that right!

Wallace, who previously held the position of vice president of sales for the Cline Family Cellars in California, talked about how these woolly bullies play a crucial role in the cultivation of grapes. “We’ve got a thousand head,” he shared with enthusiasm. “We take them to the vineyards before the bud break and turn them loose.” Imagine that—letting sheep roam around while they munch on pesky weeds!

He painted a vivid picture for the audience, showing before-and-after photos of the vineyards. “They’re too stupid to look up and eat the grapes,” he joked, adding, “They just look down and eat the weeds. It’s unbelievable to watch them do it.” Not only does this keep the vineyard tidy, but it also fits into their organic gardening practices. Wallace emphasized that all their methods are sustainable without seeking government certification. “Everything we do is organic,” he insisted.

More Than Just Grapes

The Cline Family isn’t just about wine; they’re also the proud owners of The Olive Press, which is known for being the largest producer of olive oil in California! Who knew their land could provide so much? Wallace shared, “They are the largest producers of olive oil in California,” hinting at the family’s diverse agricultural ventures.

If you’re craving a taste of Cline Family wines, you don’t have to head all the way to California. You can find their selections right here in Aiken at local stores such as The Fresh Market and Harvard’s Wine & Beverage. So why not plan a cozy dinner and pick up a bottle or two?

Community Spirit Shines Bright

The Rotary Club meeting, held at Newberry Hall, was not only informative but also a wonderful gathering of community members who share a passion for both local and global outreach. As Wallace ended his talk, attendees were left with a newfound appreciation for the role that sustainable practices can play in industries as significant as winemaking. It’s exciting to see how our community members are connected to far-off places and remarkable practices!

As we look to the brighter days ahead, let’s support our local businesses and stay curious about learning more about how the world around us works—whether that’s through rainstorms that sweep through Aiken or adorable sheep busy at work in California vineyards!