In many Gap vineyards you'll see large nest boxes mounted on poles high above the vines. These are barn owl boxes, inviting these useful birds to take up residency. If you happen to be near one of these boxes at night in late spring/early summer, you'll likely hear blood-curdling shrieks as the owlets (4 to 6 in one "clutch") ask mom and dad for dinner. Favorite barn-owl meal: gophers. Each owlet requires at least two gophers a day to fuel their rapid growth, with mom and dad downing one each. You do the math -- it is a highly effective way to control gophers without using poisons that may kill other creatures and leave residues in the soil. Left unchecked gophers can severely damage a vineyard, with their voracious subterranean munching resulting in weakened or dead vines. Barn owls are very effective at gopher control -- the owls hunt by sonar in total darkness, locating the rodent with clicking sounds, then silently sweeping in for the kill.

Few natural nesting sites remain for these beautiful white and tan owls as trees are cut down and urban life encroaches on their habitat. But even in suburbia a simple nest box, well sited, will convince them to move in. A good source of well-made boxes: Wild Wing Company here in Sonoma County (wildwingco.com). One animal keeping another in check -- it's biodiversity in action!

Join Azari Vineyards in the tasting room for a unique dining experience. Chef Patty Blecha of San Francisco's Michelin recommended Anchor Oyster Bar will create a unique and memorable 4-course meal, perfectly paired with Azari and Corkscrew releases. Azari Vineyards winemaker Nico VK will be in attendance to discuss the wines. Space is limited to 40 guests.  

$125 ($100 for wine club members). Click here for more info and to purchase tickets.