Barra Ranch Alpacas
An Unexpected Arrival at Barra of Mendocino
by Lisa Ludwigsen
I found myself pondering about alpacas as I headed down the windy road to visit the Barra family’s home ranch, Redwood Valley Vineyards. Alpaca is just another name for a llama, right? They’re from South America, and their long necks and stature stand out in fields as they protect livestock, mainly sheep, from predator attacks. After an hour visiting with these sweet, funny, inquisitive animals, I was not only charmed, but I realized that my assumptions about alpacas were mostly wrong. I wanted to learn even more about them.
It turns out that alpacas differ from llamas in many ways. Both breeds hail from the mountainous areas of western South America, where llamas are used as pack animals and predator control. Alpacas, though, are smaller and less instinctively protective, so they aren’t typically used as guards for flocks or herds. Alpacas also have a shorter nose and pointier ears. Perhaps the most important difference between the two animals is that alpaca hair makes an exceptional fiber (llama hair has historically been less desirable for fiber work, though breeding is changing this). Their fleece can be a variety of natural colors–white, beige, brown, auburn, and pure black. It is a prized fiber in many parts of the world, and can be blended with silk and wool to beautiful effect. Just like sheep wool, alpaca fleece can be sheared, carded, and spun into yarn to make textiles of all kinds. Unlike sheep wool, however, alpaca contains no lanolin, so it is hypo-allergenic. This makes it a great alternative for those with wool sensitivities.
The invitation to visit the alpacas was prompted by the unexpected arrival of two alpaca babies—known as cria— to the small herd of five that the Barra family purchased in August of 2020. “The gestational period of alpacas is between 300-350 days, so we had no idea that two of our females were pregnant when the animals arrived at the ranch . . . It was such a pleasant surprise to have these adorable babies show up unexpectedly,” shared Martha Barra, owner of the Barra of Mendocino and Girasole Vineyards wine brands, as well as the Redwood Valley Cellars custom crush facility.
Martha explained, “We purchased the alpacas and three goats from a rancher in Boonville after a pack of neighborhood dogs tragically attacked and killed 13 of our beloved goats in one night. After that heartbreak, we thought alpacas would be a smart replacement, since predators like dogs and coyotes don’t often attack them.” It has worked out exceptionally well. Three new goats share a pasture with the alpacas, where they all look after each other. Martha added, “They really are a delight to be around and make a great addition to the small flock of chickens on the property. We dress them up with traditional Peruvian ribbons, take pictures of them to share on our social media marketing, especially on National Alpaca Day. Everyone, from our staff to ranch visitors, enjoys seeing and visiting with them.”
The Barra alpacas range in color from a light beige to a rich, dark butterscotch and sport names like Coconut, Toffee, Carmella, Sugar (one of the babies) and Yuli, who was born near Christmas. Their expressive faces, pointy ears, and friendly dispositions make them appear to be ready to start up a conversation with a visitor. If you’re in the area, pull over and stop by for a chat
For information about making a group reservation to visit the alpacas at the ranch, email info@barraofmendocino.com.
Barra of Mendocino Tasting Room
7051 North State Street, Redwood Valley
(707) 485-0322 | BarraOfMendocino.com
Open Sat & Sun, 11am - 5pm | Mon - Fri, 10am - 5pm