Keel & Curley Winery has hosted UnWINEd Yoga classes over the past few months and has drawn dozens of early-morning yogis to the vineyard.
Despite the rolling grey clouds and steady mist, a dedicated group of yogis unrolled their yoga mats under Keel & Curley’s patio and began to search for their inner bliss.
Upwards of 50 people will arrange their mats among the vineyard just off the patio deck of the winery and face Katie Medina, Founder of Wildflower Yogi LLC, as she leads the group through an all-flows yoga class. Wildflower Yogi, with a partnership with the KOA Yoga Studio, has been offering the unique outlet for local enthusiasts, which many have said comes as a blessed relief during the pandemic.
“Originally we were going to start in March, but COVID threw everything off and so we did our first session in August instead,” Medina said. “Now, rain or shine, we always have a dedicated group show up. We do an all-flows session and then afterwords they get a voucher for a drink and spend some time hanging out and enjoying a great meal and relaxing drink.”
The winery opens just as the class is coming to a close, so the group members are always the first to take their seats on the patio. It’s a unique weekend experience several in attendance said they look forward to every month.
Medina is a familiar face around town now as she has led many yoga experiences in downtown and at local events. Formerly the owner of KOA Yoga Studio, she now has branched off with Wildflower Yogi. KOA is still part of the winery’s experience, though.
She said the response from the community to these monthly or occasionally twice-monthly yoga sessions has filled her with gratitude.
The pandemic has kept everyone indoors to a level most have never experienced. They work from home, isolate at home, go to school at home and leave only for the essentials in order to keep themselves and their loved ones safe. Outdoor events that guarantee social distancing requirements are met have become meccas for those itching to step outside their front door.
There’s ample room at Keel & Curley and even when they have more than 50 people attend, the group is able to spread out all over the vineyard with no issue. Even in the dreary weather, nearly 20 people showed up determined to stretch their bodies and minds, then celebrate with a relaxing outdoor meal.
“I’ve always felt that yoga is such an important outlet, but especially in this time it’s so crucial that you find an opportunity to ground yourself and connect,” Medina said. “That can happen in so many different ways, but one of those options is to get on your yoga mat, come outside with us and feel a little normal for a moment. I see so many people who attend just let go on their mats, they’ll inhale and exhale and you can watch as the stress just flows out of them. It brings me so much joy.”
The benefit of Medina hosting an all-levels flow is that an attendee of any skill level will find they are able to keep up with the class and take away a meaningful experience. The individual can kick up their practice or come down based on their comfort zone. Medina said she is a big believer in following the signs of your body. If something hurts, stop, adjust and fall into a more comfortable position. She said yoga should always feel good and that moment of joy is what she hopes to bring to the community through her class.
The UnWINEd Yoga class is just one of the many events Keel Farms hosts. For a full list of events, visit Keel & Curley Winery at Keel Farms on Facebook. Follow Wildflower Yogi on Facebook to stay up to date on all the events Medina offers. Dates of UnWINEd Yoga have been scheduled through the new year. You can find those at the prior states sites or at the KOA Yoga Facebook page.
If you plan to attend
Bring your own mat. Keel & Curley provides water. Classes are $10 and come with a drink voucher. You can sign up in advance or bring $10 and drop in for the 60-minute session.
