Returning to Beliveau Estate Winery for its 10th consecutive year is the highly anticipated Lavender Festival. The family-friendly jamboree attracts thousands of visitors every year and celebrates the abundance of the aromatic plant in Blacksburg and its contribution to local cuisine, agriculture and more.
The 2018 Lavender Festival will take place from noon to 6 p.m. on both Saturday, June 23 and Sunday, June 24. Guests can indulge in lavender-infused dishes created by Beliveau’s beloved Chef Makayla. Creative menu items include Beliveau’s signature lavender lemonade and refreshing lavender ice cream, as well as new additions such as a savory lavender pizza and zesty lavender chicken salad sandwich.
Beliveau will also offer six, house-selected wines for tasting in the winery’s rustic tasting room. Tastings will take place every 15 minutes throughout the duration of the festival. A full list of Beliveau’s award-winning reds and whites will also be available for purchase by the glass or bottle.
Attendees can expand their lavender knowledge even further by joining one of the lavender lectures hosted by Beliveau owner and resident lavender expert, Joyce Beliveau. Other recreational activities include a vineyard tour by horseback, courtesy of Winerfrost Farm’s Ride-A-Rescue, and shopping at the festival’s craft fair. Vendors will supply a variety of handmade goods such as soy wax candles, herbal skin products, leather goods, coffee and other novelties.
Local harpist Rachel Lee Hall and local Brazilian Jazz Trio will offer live music on Saturday, with a performance by Highland Jazz Trio on Sunday.
Admission for the 10th Annual Lavender Festival is $5. Children 16 and under receive free admission. Beliveau Estate Winery is located at 5415 Gallion Ridge Rd., Blacksburg.
Author: Grace Silipigni