Anyone searching for a weekly getaway may find solitude at Alto Vineyards.

About a dozen people stretched out across colorful mats Wednesday night at Wine & Yoga, a weekly event hosted by the vineyards.

Carbondale native Kelsey Tripp, a certified yoga instructor, started the class last October after taking a class at John A. Logan College.

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“Mostly everyone who comes here has never done yoga before, which is different from other classes I teach and it gives everyone a chance to move at their own pace,” Tripp said.

She began the class with a greeting and soothing music to set the mood in the room filled with paintings of flowers and handmade jewelry decorating the walls.

“I come here because I found yoga has helped me [with interstitial cystitis],” said participant Jennifer Sykes, of Carbondale. “I used to be a runner and now I can’t run anymore, so I started doing yoga.”

Since Tripp’s main focus is relaxation, she said the sport and the spirits go together well.

“After we finish the class, we are already feeling good from the yoga, so it’s nice to enjoy our food, wine and pretty atmosphere,” Tripp said.

Gallery • 3 Photos

Connie Nadolski, of Murphysboro, pauses during a yoga pose Wednesday, Aug. 24, 2016, during Kelsey Tripp’s Wine & Yoga class at Alto Vineyards in Alto Pass. “I like the relaxation and getting in tune with my body,” Nadolski said. (Autumn Suyko | @AutumnSuyko_DE)

Recent SIU graduate Travis Barnett, an Alto Vineyards employee, said hosting and participating in the class is a refreshing change of pace from his everyday work routine.

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He said he usually spends half the class relaxing with the group before heading up to a rooftop deck to prepare drinks.

“But sometimes I get lost in the yoga and end up doing the full session,” Barnett said.

Wine & Yoga is from 6 to 8 p.m. every Wednesday at Alto Vineyards. It is $15 per class.

Autumn Suyko contributed to this story.

Staff writer Shannon Allen can be reached at 618-536-3326, [email protected] or on Twitter @ShannonAllen_DE.

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