There are a zillion wineries in Virginia. Maybe not a zillion, but at least a million. They are everywhere, especially in the Shenandoah Valley where grape vines truly thrive. One of our favorite pastimes is to visit a winery on a lazy Sunday afternoon, especially when Jimmy O is strumming his guitar, as he did last weekend at White Oak Lavender Farm. & The Purple Wolf Vineyard. The drive over the mountain and back with the leaves changing was delightful and we loved the new (for us, at least) destination.
More than just a vineyard, White Oak Farm is truly a farm. It’s a family kind of place as opposed to a typical highbrow vineyard and winery. There is a petting zoo with goats, sheep, ponies, and the like for children to see and enjoy, plus outside playing areas.
A Food Truck on site serves up tasty Burgers, BBQ Sandwiches, French Fries and other goodies, and their wines are exquisite.
I am not a wine connoisseur. If it’s wine, I’ll pretty much drink it, and usually can’t tell the difference between a bottle of $5 Trader Joe’s and a pricey French Pinot Noir. But Nancy and I ordered a bottle of their Cabernet Franc, and it was among the best wines I’ve ever tasted. It had a wonderful fragrance and was butter smooth. It was bit pricey, around $30, but worth it, especially in that environment.
White Oak Lavender Farm is a small family-owned farm. They grow their own lavender plants and make lovely lavender-scented soap, lotions, creams, and aromatherapy products on display in their farm store.
The name, “White Oak Lavender Farm”, it’s said, was chosen because of the historical significance. The farm is in the area where the battle of Cross Keys took place on June 8, 1862. Original maps drawn by Jedediah Hotchkiss, a topographical engineer who served General Lee and General Stonewall Jackson, designated this area as White Oak Ridge.
White Oak Lavender Farm & The Purple Wolf Vineyard is located just east of Harrisonburg, at 2644 Cross Keys Road near Weyer’s Cave. It’s about a 45-minute haul from Charlottesville. Go to whiteoaklavender@gmail.com for a schedule of events, directions, and more information.
It’s a great venue. We’ll definitely be back.