Jolee wines are named after co-owner of Del Rio Vineyards, Jolee Wallace.

The zinnias are growing taller and brighter every day at Del Rio Vineyards, just in time for its Jolee Soirée celebration.

The event, to be held at 5:30 p.m. Wednesday, Aug. 2, at 52 N. River Road, Gold Hill, will celebrate the opening of Del Rio’s half-acre zinnia field for the year.

On a sunny July morning last week, Lindsey Zagar, director of operations at Del Rio, walked the rows of flowers as bees and butterflies flitted over the tops of the blossoms in abundance. She admired the variety of colors and sizes in the flowers that are free to pick for anyone.

“All we ask is that you pick an extra bouquet for someone else who could use some cheering up, and that you don’t sell them or use them for an event. That’s not their purpose. Their purpose is to connect people, to cultivate kindness,” Zagar said.

The U-pick flower field is celebrating its eighth year of cultivating kindness, she said.

For the Aug. 2 event, Del Rio invites visitors — for $40 a ticket — to pick bouquets, make a flower crown and nosh on a picnic at the tasting room provided by Good 2 Go Gals catering. The picnic comes paired with tasting of all three Jolee wines. Rogue Frosé’s cart will also be on site to offer frozen Jolee Rosé to combat the summer heat.

The colorful lines of zinnias are visible from the nearby road, drawing myriad visitors. Winery staff had just removed signs to try to prevent the eager from picking the flowers before they’re mature enough, Zagar said. The flowers have grown just enough to pick, and one of zinnias many charms is the more they are picked, the more the plant produces.

From her office window, Zagar enjoys watching people come and enjoy them every year while the flowers bloom from mid-summer to first frost.

For those hoping to take pictures, she advised coming early morning or late evening — the sun over the zinnia field is unforgiving because there is no shade. Visitors are welcome in the field from dawn to dusk, she said.

The winery provides free vases, but its stock is low — donations are always gladly accepted. Bringing a vase is advised, and donating a vase for others is encouraged. Del Rio used to have clippers for visitors to use, but after these were repeatedly stolen, the winery now ask visitors to bring their own, she said.

The inspiration for the zinnia field has the same source as the namesake for Jolee wine —Del Rio co-owner Jolee Wallace.

“It’s all Jolee. She’s originally from California. She had a friend there who grew zinnias and it inspired her to grow them. This is really kind of her baby. She loves doing it,” Zagar said.

“Jolee means ‘pretty’ in French, so it’s like pretty in pink. The wine (Jolee Rosé) really embodies who she is, light and sweet. It’s something you use to celebrate with.”

For more information about the winery, including its regular hours of operation and live music schedule, or to purchase tickets for the Jolee celebration, see delriovineyards.com or call the tasting room at 541-855-2062.