Bat Viewing and Wine Tasting Event Set for Aug. 28 at Tongue River Winery

MILES CITY — Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks is offering a unique evening experience that combines wine tasting with wildlife education at Tongue River Winery on Thursday, Aug. 28 at 7 p.m.

The event will feature a half-hour educational presentation by FWP non-game technician Ella Engelhard and non-game biologist Amanda Hall, covering Montana’s bat species and their behaviors. Following the indoor talk, participants will take a short walk to bat boxes at the edge of the vineyard to observe bats emerging for their nightly feeding.

“Right now Montana’s bat species, all of which are insectivores, are feasting nightly on thousands of insects, but as the weather cools and insect populations decrease, the bats will find somewhere to roost and enter a period of torpor,” according to the FWP press release. The bats lower their body temperature, heart rate and breathing to conserve energy during winter hibernation.

House-made wine will be available for purchase during the event, creating an unusual pairing of viticulture and wildlife observation. The combination offers attendees a relaxed setting to learn about Montana’s nocturnal wildlife while enjoying local beverages.

Participants are encouraged to bring blankets or lawn chairs for seating, flashlights or cellphones to illuminate the return walk, and bug spray. The evening is expected to conclude around 8:30 p.m., with guests free to leave whenever they choose as the group watches bats emerge until darkness makes observation difficult.

The event takes place at Tongue River Winery, located at 99 Morning Star Lane in Miles City. Parking will be available at the main winery building.

This event represents part of FWP’s ongoing efforts to connect the public with Montana’s wildlife through educational programming. The agency’s non-game wildlife staff regularly conducts outreach to raise awareness about species that don’t typically receive hunting or fishing attention but play crucial ecological roles.

Montana hosts several bat species that serve as natural pest control, consuming thousands of insects each night during active feeding periods. The educational component will provide insights into their hibernation patterns, feeding behaviors, and conservation status.