Enjoy the Lavender Harvest in Full Display
Rolling fields of purple and blue and a sweet smell in the air – it must be lavender and blueberry season in the Sierra Foothills! Lavender’s soothing scent has been linked to health benefits like managing migraines, soothing anxiety and improving sleep. Plus, the flowers are simply beautiful! While fresh-from-the-bush blueberries have an intensely sweet, juicy flavor – perfect to eat by the handful or to enjoy in fresh baked goods and beverages.
The Apple Hill Growers are celebrating both crops at this month’s Lavender Blue Harvest Days on June 19 and 20 and June 26 and 27. These June weekends are the perfect time to visit Apple Hill farms for u-pick experiences, lavender and blueberry treats, crafts, artisan products and more. For a printable/viewable brochure and map, CLICK HERE for the brochure/map.
The lavender harvest is 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 the Lavender Answer Guy will be on hand to answer questions about growing and using this wonderful crop. This year, they’ve added a new Kid Zone, a play area custom made for kids.
The on-site Grower Marketplace will feature baked goods, cider, jams, beverages and produce from Apple Pantry, Apple Ridge, Flying V Farms, Grandpa’s Cellar, Hidden Star Camino, Silverthorn Meadows and Sloan Winters Mountain Orchard & Garden.
Other area farms will be sharing the Lavender Blue love with special events on both weekends
Abel’s Apple Acres: Kid’s activities abound, from sand art to mining.
Boeger Winery: The tasting room will be open for tastes of a lavender infused wine cocktail.
Delfino Farms & Edio Vineyards: The tasting room, Edio Vineyards, will be open, and Joan’s Apple Bakery will be selling strawberry rhubarb, strawberry, cherry and blueberry desserts.
Fenton Herriot Vineyards: The tasting room will feature a “Bottle Your Own” event.
Harris Family Farm: Irene’s Kitchen will be serving up lavender mini donuts, lavender lemonade and a variety of lavender and blueberry pastries.
Hidden Star Camino: The bakery will feature blueberry and lavender inspired pastries, and blueberry lemon lavender hard cider
Lava Cap Winery: Reservations are required for groups of mor than ten people.
Madroña Vineyards: Reservations are recommended.
Pine-O-Mine Ranch: The ranch will be serving food, shakes and blueberry lemonade that can be enjoyed in their picnic area.
Ponderosa Ridge Bed & Breakfast: Extend your visit with an overnight stay and guests will receive 20% off the room rate and be treated to blueberry pancakes and a lavender gift basket.
Rainbow Camino Ridge: Open for You-Pick blueberries during Harvest Days
Rucksack Cellars: The tasting room will host a lavender wreath making class on June 23, hosted by Placerville Flowers. The class and wine tasting are available by reservation only.
Smokey Ridge Farmstand & Winery: The tasting room will provide lavender infused rosé sangria and a special seasonal recipe.
Starfield Vineyard: The tasting room will be open by reservation only.
24Carrot Farm: Stop by for lavender plant starts and seasonal produce.
Wofford Acres Vineyards: The tasting room is offering a 20% discount on all wine purchases. Reservations are required.
Reservations
Reservations for Bluestone Meadow are recommended and can easily be made online. Admission is $5 per car. 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 https://applehill.com/ and follow @applehillofficial on Facebook and Instagram for up-to-the-minute information.
Come Visit
Here’s a map to the Apple Hill Grower Farms! And a listing of our wineries here.
