We all know our farms are best known for our amazing apple crop, but the area produces much more, including wine grapes, stone fruit, berries and a variety of vegetables. A few crops that might come as a surprise are lavender and blueberries and at this time of year purple and blue blooms transform the fields in the Sierra Foothills.
The Apple Hill Growers are celebrating both crops at this month’s Lavender Blue Harvest Days on June 22 and 23 and June 29 and 30. These sunny June weekends are the perfect time to visit Apple Hill farms for u-pick blueberries and experiences, lavender and blueberry treats, crafts, artisan products and more.
The lavender harvest will be on full display at Bluestone Meadow Farm. Guests will be able to cut and make their own lavender bouquets, wreaths, wands or critters. An array of locally made products, including essential oils, soaps and lotions, will be available for sale. Families can enjoy a wander through the Lavender Labyrinth and Kid Zone. The Lavender Answer Guy will be on hand to answer questions about growing and using this wonderful flower.
Other area farms will be sharing the Lavender Blue love with special events on both weekends:
Bluestone Meadow Farm: Experience the bloom and everything lavender. Pick your own bouquet, learn to make a wreath or wand and learn all about lavender from the “Lavender Answer Guy”. We have your favorite soaps and lotions available as well as some yummy lavender treats. Kids Zone – a play area specially designed for kids 2-10 (additional admission fee). For your best experience make an advanced reservation at bluestonemeadow.com $5 per car admission.
Delfino Farms & Edio Vineyards: Come visit our Joan’s Apple Bakery and Edio Vineyards Tasting Room. Our bakery will be selling Strawberry Rhubarb, Strawberry, Cherry, and Blueberry desserts for Lavender Blue Days. Enjoy a wine tasting at Edio Vineyards and
end your visit with a seasonal treat from Joan’s Apple Bakery.
Grandpa’s Cellar: The farm will be serving up many lavender and blueberry inspired treats.
Harris Family Farm: Irene’s Kitchen will be serving up lavender mini donuts, lavender lemonade and a variety of lavender and blueberry pastries. We will also feature live music.
Hidden Star Camino:We will be highlighting both hard and fresh sparkling Blueberry-Lavender Cider, blueberry-lavender cider donuts and raised donuts and blueberry crisps.
Jack Russell Farm Brewery & Winery:Lavender Crusted Goat Cheese & Fig Pizza,
Blueberry Ale and Hard Lavender lemonade Slushie
Lava Cap Winery: We invite participants to visit Lava Cap to enjoy a glass of wine in our Lavender covered garden! Outside food is allowed, and picnic tables are available on a first come first served basis. For more info call (530) 621-0175.
Pine-O-Mine Ranch: Come picnic at pine-o-mine. The ranch will be featuring live music, serving food, shakes and signature blueberry lavender lemon cocktail and mocktail that can be enjoyed in the picnic area.
Ponderosa Ridge: Online reservation – promo code: LAVENDER Two night minimum stay from June 21st – 23rd and June 28th – 30th of 2024. Receives: 15% off the room and lavender gift basket in every room.
Rainbow Camino Ridge: Open for You Pick blueberries 7am-1pm Reservations required.
Rucksack Cellars: The outdoor tasting room will be open from noon to 5:00 p.m. Mention Lavender Days and receive a 2 for 1 tasting flight.
Smokey Ridge Farmstand & Winery: The tasting room will provide lavender infused rosé sangria, a special seasonal recipe and flower bouquets for purchase.
Starfield Vineyard: The tasting room will be open.
24Carrot Farm: Open Thursday- Saturday 10am-5pm Visit our farm stand to purchase organic lavender plants, fresh organic blueberries & strawberries, organic blueberry plants, and fresh baked goods.
Wofford Acres Vineyards: Come enjoy a flight or glass of wine while gazing at our fabulous view of the South Fork of the American River canyon and our blooming iris knoll. If you mention you came by because of the Lavender Days event, you will receive a 15% discount on all wine purchases.
Reservations for Bluestone Meadow are recommended and can easily be made online. Admission is $5 per car and money collected will benefit the El Dorado Bee Keepers Club.
This year, the harvest days will run from 9:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.
For more information and a map of the area, please visit http://applehill.com/ and follow @applehillofficial on Facebook and Instagram for up-to-the-minute information.