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National Geographic among hundreds of eclipse visitors at Tsali Notch Vineyard

Tsali Notch was full of people and some National Geographic scientists Monday for the total solar eclipse. 

A team from National Geographic traveled to Tsali Notch Vineyard to document the experience of being in the path of totality, and share it with those who can't see it in person.

The team of science writers and editors across the country is tracking and sharing the eclipse. In East Tennessee – Tsali Notch seemed like a great spot.

“And I just went wines and solar eclipses? Yes please," Senior Science Editor Victoria Jaggerd said.

Jaggerd will use the experience to educate people about eclipses, the principals behind them, and the many reactions of plants, animals, even the weather.

“There’s just so many interesting components to this phenomenon that everyone is able to witness," said science writer Michael Geshko.

He will file a dispatch after the event.

“Well I hope to capture in words what it feels like to be here in this moment, this time with these people. The sights, the smells, the sounds, the anticipation,” Geshko said.

He hopes he can take what he gets and share it with those that couldn't make it into the path of totality.

“Its not just here, it’s where we are now, it's beautiful but the idea of this moment is magnified a thousand times over across the country, this is really special,"Geshko said. "Just the overall vibe. You can tell that something is coming, something is afood.”

The two hope to share that story after the eclipse concludes.

ORIGINAL STORY: Sunday, Aug. 20, 2017

Thousands of people are expected to get a prime view of the Great American Eclipse at an East Tennessee vineyard.

Tsali Notch is expecting at least 4,000 of people to show up with the Sun Monday morning.

The vineyard is located a few miles outside of Sweetwater and is about as close to peak totality as you can get in East Tennessee.

The winery is hosting a free event with a hilltop view of the mountains as well as one of the best views of the eclipse in the region.

Tsali Notch manager J.D. Dalton says he's excited to share the experience with visitors as well as some wine.

"I’m looking forward to seeing everybody that comes being respectful and enjoying what we see on a day-to-day basis," Dalton says.

While the event is free, employees are taking donations at the entrance. The vineyard also plans to use the hashtag #wineinthedark for its social activity related to the event.

The field across the street from the vineyard will open at 7 a.m. for parking, and the vineyard will open at 10 a.m.

There will also be vendors and food trucks on site, and wine will be available to purchase in the tasting room.

The event ends at 5 p.m.

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