GOODNIGHT, GOATS Get

family fun GOODNIGHT, GOATS

SNUGGLE A BABY GOAT AT SPENKER FAMILY FARMS

BY SARAH STEFFENS / D SARAH STEFFENS

What are cute and cuddly and love to unwind at night with a set of jammies and a good bedtime story? If we told you a litter of kids, would you know we’re referring to a group of baby goats? Well, if not, let us introduce you to the boutique winery just west of Lodi, Spenker Family Farms, that is hosting their Goodnight Goats event for the second year in a row.

Come out to the farm and prepare to meet the most adorable litter of baby goats before bed, reading them illustrated story books, cuddling, snuggling, and sharing some simple playtime before they are tucked in for the night. The goats are friendly and enjoy being pet and held and meeting new people.

Owned by Chuck and Bettyann, and with the help of their daughters Kate and Sarah, Spenker Family Farms has been a favorite Lodi winery since 1994 and one of the first wineries to be Certified Green by the Lodi Rules of Sustainable Winegrowing Program. They began raising goats in 2008 and using the milk to make delicious cheeses, frozen yogurt, and gourmet popsicles for purchase in the tasting room. When people spent time with the goats, the family realized how beneficial it would be to extend the opportunity to the public, allowing children and adults to experience the sweet nature of all of their “kids.”

This spring, 57 goats were born at Spenker and they all have names and personalities! There is Tom and Jerry, Neapolitan and Shortcake (born to Strawberry, of course), Frapa, Java and Mocha, and Bruno— who is known to enjoy taking walks with staff. Come down to meet them all. You can even adopt and sponsor a mother goat and name her baby kid.

After preparing the goats for bed, be sure to head inside the winery for a glass of goat’s milk and cookies—a sure way to get you ready for bed, too!

Goodnight Goats is open to animal lovers of all ages. Purchase tickets (with children under 3 admitted free) for select dates between March 17 and May 20.

SPENKER FAMILY FARMS

17303 N. DeVries Rd., Lodi (202) 367-0467 SpenkerWinery.com