The Harvard Alpaca Ranch on Old Mill Road hosted an evening of “Dining with Alpacas” Saturday, June 21, just outside its farm store and barn. Ranch owners Matt and Amy Varrell entertained more than 30 guests at a buffet-style dinner catered by Oasis, a Brazilian steakhouse in Medford. Also in attendance was Aaronap Cellars, which according to the winery’s vintner, Noel Powell, is Massachusetts’ smallest winery, located in Westford.
The sold-out event’s main feature was, of course, about a dozen of the farm’s 37 alpacas, including the two newest members of the pack, Levon, a male born in May, and Bianca Blossom (affectionately known as BB), a 2-week-old special needs cria, or baby alpaca. Four-year old Summer Rain was the most social of the bunch, delighting guests in her search for alpaca treats among the human food she was happy to leave for the attendees.
First out of the gate, Summer Rain ventures into the yard to meet guests. (Photos by Lisa Aciukewicz)
The warm, clear summer evening offered a serene setting, especially considering the unpredictable weather this spring. Matt Varrell was thrilled with the cooperation of Mother Nature and his herd. “Everybody had a smile on their face. To me, that’s a great service to provide. We always remind folks that alpacas all have unique personalities. Some will be very interactive, and others will just hang back. The ones born here on the farm tend to be the friendliest because they’ve been handled since birth.”
Attendee Pam White shared her experience dining with alpacas in her five-star review on Google. “This was hands-down one of the most unique and delightful experiences I’ve ever had,” wrote White. “What made the evening truly special was the chance to mingle with the alpacas.”
Right: Below: Two baby alpacas, Levon (left) and BB, pose like pros for Michelle Barr.
Matt Varrell shared the story of the ranch’s inception in 2016 during an interview with the Press. During a college visit to Unity Environmental University in Unity, Maine, for their son Rusty, the family came upon the Maine Alpaca Experience, a farm owned and operated by Robin and Corry Pratt. While in his first semester at Unity, Rusty worked at the Maine alpaca farm and because of his relationship to the Pratts, Matt and Amy became good friends with Corry and Robin. “My wife and I had always talked about possibly doing something together, business-wise, leading into retirement,” said Varrell. “[The Pratts] showed us their business plan and how they made their farm work.
They ended up becoming our mentors and helping us. We wouldn’t be where we are without them.”
Starting any business is a risk, and a farm is no exception. Varrell said the idea for “Dining with Alpacas” first surfaced during the pandemic. Like many small businesses, the ranch struggled during the lockdown period when people were encouraged or required to stay home. Once the restrictions lessened, Varrell said his business was well suited for the times.
“All of a sudden, we had the perfect formula because we were outside, we had fluffy animals, and we were a small business,” said Varrell. “Our online booking system was filling up for tours weeks in advance. We were busier than we’d ever been. It really changed the way we thought about what this farm could offer.”
Dinner with the alpacas is just one of the events the Varrells offer to guests. On Sunday, June 22, the farm hosted a barre fitness class with the herd. “The alpacas know when they see people up in the pasture with the funny rectangular things on the ground [yoga mats], all of those humans are going to have goodies for them,” he said. “
Right: Two-week-old alpaca Bianca Blossom, nicknamed BB, appears to be a crowd favorite as she wanders among the tables.
So when they go up there, they’re usually racing to be the first to get to the people and the treats.”
Matt Varrell and some members of his herd will be attending the New England Alpaca Owners and Breeders Association Summer Fest at the Middlesex County 4-H Fairgrounds in Westford July 12. The event is open to the public and features an obstacle course for alpacas. Additionally, the Harvard Alpaca Ranch is hosting a Family Game Night and Ice Cream Social on July 19. Event tickets can be found on their website at harvardalpacaranch.com.
