I’ve got the perfect Mother’s Day gift–a visit to one of the best Texas wineries in the Hill Country for the annual Becker Vineyards Lavender Fest. This is the 9th year for the lovely event happening May 6 & 7 at the winery just east of Fredericksburg. Featured speakers promoting lavender education and more than 25 vendors will be on-hand at the winery with all kinds of lavender goodies, gardening related items and artisan gifts! There will also be cooking demonstrations, wine tastings and two luncheons (three courses plus wine!).
Richard and Bunny Becker, the owners of Becker Vineyards, decided to plant lavender at their winery back in 1998 after a trip to the region of Provence in France. That same year, the Beckers decided to host their own festival as a way for visitors to learn about lavender and enjoy its versatility
Lavender is a fun herb to work with, and has a TON of uses, from aromatherapy to antiseptic! Plus, if you’ve never seen a lavender field, it truly is a gorgeous sight to behold. This event is the perfect opportunity to sip and swirl with live music, local eats and the lush lavender fields in bloom! Mom will love it!
If you’ve never cooked with lavender before, go ahead and put it on your spring to-do list ASAP! Lavender enhances the flavor of a variety of foods and beverages; one of those ‘warm weather essentials’ that isn’t just for the garden or centerpieces.
We’re loving this Texas Sunshine Relish, drizzled with lavender infused agave. Try serving the freshly diced mix of cucumber, orange, grapefruit, green bell pepper and red onion in crispy phyllo cups or on sliced toasted baguettes.
Simplify dinner tonight and switch up the marinade on this Chicken with Herbes de Provence – an assortment of dried herbs from the South of France that includes lavender. I also have some ideas for cocktails that qualify on Goodtaste — Lavender Gin & Tonic [top] as well as a Lavender Scented Sangria perfect for this porch friendly weather!
Find even more delicious recipes and fun food and wine pairing ideas at Goodtaste.tv. And, don’t forget to “SET YOUR DVR!” for our TV series, Goodtaste with Tanji.
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