The complexity of Viognier grapes led endocrinologist, Dr. Richard Becker and his wife Bunny, to be the first to commercially plant Viognier in Texas. They visited France to learn everything they could about the ancient varietal. The southern Rhone River Valley of Provence with its hot, dry summers with soil of sand and limestone reminded the Becker’s of their vineyard in the Texas Hill Country. Another observation by the Beckers while they were in the Rhone region were the rows upon rows of vibrant lavender which stretched from the country roads and through the countryside. The scenery dazzled their eyes and filled their noses with aromatic perfume.
The seed was now planted in the Becker's mind to start growing lavender at their Stonewall vineyard. With the help of friends and their daughter Clementine, they planted 10,000 lavender plants in June of 1998. Varieties included Lavandula x intermedia ‘Grosso’ and ‘Provence’ along with Lavandula Stoechas. They embellished their vision with the artistry of impressionist painters, adding yellow sunflowers, red poppies, blue bonnets, and zinnias. The three acre lavender field ran alongside the Becker’s impressive winery. The 10,000 square foot reproduction of a nineteenth century German limestone barn was surrounded by native Texas hardwood trees, fruit trees, a well, windmill and an 1890 log cabin.
The Beckers planted 700 new plants in 2000, and lost 85% to a heat wave and drought. In 2002, thirty inches of rain fell in a week and killed 60% of the field. The Becker’s kept searching for varieties that stood up to the extreme weather. They determined that the Stoechas (Spanish) varietal did much better in the hot Texas Hill Country summer.
Now, visitors to Becker Vineyards enjoy the rewards of the Becker’s unwavering determination. They taste award winning wines from the winery and gaze on their lavender fields, named Clementine's Garden, in honor of their daughter Clementine. They are trimmed to a more manageable 500 plants. Guest can enjoy the lavender blooming season April through May and can stroll through the rows or sit under the pavilion while enjoying a glass of wine. Becker Vineyards offers a myriad of lavender products, originally designed by the late Clementine Becker and Chris Perrenoud, are sold in our Estate tasting room along with our Main Street tasting room location. These products include handmade lavender soap, eye pillows, sachets, lotion, shower gel, grape seed scrub, lip balm, candles and much more.
The Becker Vineyards Lavender Festival usually takes place in the Spring (please see Calendar for more information). The annual event features lavender educational speakers and vendors promoting lavender and other herb related products. There are gardening tips, cooking demonstrations, wine tasting, and the popular vintner luncheons.