Over the weekend @SlickWilly and I visited the Purple Wolf Vineyard in Harrisonburg, Virginia. Funny enough, despite being the closest winery to Will, we had yet to explore this local gem.
Before becoming Purple Wolf Vineyard, this spot was just a lavender farm that offered seasonal flower picking, a store of lavender goodies and self guided tours of the farm area and lavender plants.
Today Purple Wolf Vineyard offers all of those things PLUS wine, making it a really fun and unique place to visit.
When you drive up to the property you come up to two buildings. On the left is where they have an indoor and outdoor wine tasting bar and on the right is the original lavender store.
Here is a picture of the welcome sign describing all of the lavender farm related activities available.
In the lavender store they had every lavender related item you could imagine; including lavender flavored food, bath/beauty products, loose lavender and even themed clothing/ceramics. I tried some lavender tea being sampled and it was delicious!
Behind the indoor wine tasting barn is the outside deck, featuring long tasting counter that made it easy to squeeze right in.
Purple Wolf Vineyards offers a few different tastings. You can try all of the wine for $10 or just red/white/or lavender infused for $6 each. The lavender infused wine was noted by the lavender plants on the menu.
Naturally, we had to go with the whole enchilada! (and I'm glad we did 😇 )
Pardon my Purple was one of my favorites, a lavender infused Chambourcin. I enjoyed the jammy forward nodes that paired with a smooth finish. The lavender makes this wine smell wonderful and added smooth finish. We asked our server how they infused the wine but her lips were sealed. Their technique is currently proprietary but she did assure us that they didn't just "throw in some lavender" while the wine is aging.
The ambiance at this vineyard was perfect for a casual Sunday outing. They even had a harp player set up to serenade us. She really added to the relaxing mood. 👌
Selfie of Will and I enjoying our wine 😎
Behind the tasting room and lavender shop is the original farm with lavender plants, horses and lamas. When visiting, you actually drive past the grape vines on your way to the parking lot. I will have to get a picture of them next time!
Did you see this guy?? Killing it as king of the hill for sure! 😂
Here are some of the lavender plants:
Panorama of the farm:
And for our history buffs -
The Lavender Farm sits on White Oak Ridge in the Shenandoah Valley of Virginia. This area played a part as a staging area in the Battle of Cross Keys on June 8, 1862. Before and after that time, it was forest, then farm. Lavender has been grown and used for its healing properties throughout history. There are references to the user of lavender in the Bible. The world lavender is derived from the Greek Lavare, "to wash." Historically, the flower buds have been direct, steeped or steamed and used as an antiseptic germ killer and aid for relaxation and sleep.
Not everyone has caught on to the essential oils movement, but those that have know that lavender has many healing benefits which are also listed above on the left. To paraphrase:
In what ways can lavender benefit you?
I gotta start drinking more of that wine! ...with all of those benefits I would be a fool not too, right?
- Disclaimer -
Lavender infused wine may or may not have the same health benefits of lavender oil. I am not a doctor; just a dreamer. 😇
Thanks for reading!
