FIELD TRIP:
Lavender Festival at
Becker Vineyards
in Stonewall, Texas
9:30 a.m. - 6:00 p.m.+
Meet at Plum
Creek business circle
(Intersection of 150 & 2770 in Kyle) for carpool arrangements & 9:30 a.m. departure.
Our
enchanting destination is Becker Vineyards in Stonewall, Texas for the annual Lavender Festival. The rocky
central Texas hill country is becoming the center of a lavender farm boom. This is the very best of the Texas Hill Country
festivals, and one we never miss, so be sure to save the date!
Imagine a scenic drive over the back roads and sparkling low
water crossings of the hill country. Now imagine turning into an award-winning vineyard hidden just outside of Fredericksburg.
Park somewhere in between the long rows of grapes and the purple fields of lavender. Take a deep breath of the
lavender-scented air and really start to relax.
Ahead of you is a delightful day of learning about lavender,
herbs, specialty Texas foods and art -- and, oh yes, tasting the full array of the award-winning wines of the vineyard.
The festival itself is free, as are most events. Be forewarned
about the high level of shopping excellence and case discounts on superlative vintages.
Bring a wide-brimmed hat, drinking water and a cooler for
any tender plants. Some of the very best herb vendors with hard-to-find offerings appear at this festival. The
selection of antique wrought iron for the garden has been great in previous years.
The menu is still in development for the lavish Lavender Luncheon,
a multi-course reservation-only affair created by top chefs. It is a splurge at $50, but there are many alternatives.
Vendors will have lighter food, baked goods and cheeses and lavender ice cream. Wine beyond the tastings may
be purchased by the glass or bottle.
Check the link to Becker Vineyards on this site for more information
about the festival. The drive to Becker Vineyards is about 1.5 hours from Plum Creek. We will take the scenic route on
the back roads and will likely stop on the way at Pure Luck Organics in Dripping Springs, the home of award winning goat
cheese. Check the link on this site. You may want to bring along some great bread to go with the wine and goat cheese.
The festival will close down about 6:00 p.m., but since Fredericksburg
is just a few more minutes down the road, it is a good opportunity to enjoy a leisurely dinner and a great hill country town
before heading back home. Please make sure you carpool with people on similar schedules!
