Becker Lavender
Inspired by the lavender fields of Provence, our Texas Hill Country lavender has bloomed for over 25 years.
A Vision from France
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 and soil of sand and limestone reminded the Beckers 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.
Bringing Lavender to Texas
The Beckers planted 10,000 lavender plants at their Stonewall vineyard in June 1998, with help from friends and their daughter Clementine. Varieties included Lavandula x intermedia 'Grosso' and 'Provence' along with Lavandula Stoechas. They added yellow sunflowers, red poppies, bluebonnets, and zinnias for color. The three-acre field adjoined their impressive winery, a 10,000 square foot reproduction of a nineteenth century German limestone barn surrounded by native hardwoods, fruit trees, a windmill, and an 1890 log cabin.
After planting 700 new plants in 2000, the Beckers lost 85% to heat and drought. In 2002, thirty inches of rain in one week killed 60% of the field. Through trial, they discovered the Stoechas (Spanish) varietal thrived best in the hot Texas Hill Country summers.
Visit Clementine's Garden
Now, visitors to Becker Vineyards enjoy the rewards of the Beckers' 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. The fields are trimmed to a more manageable 500 plants.
Guests 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.
Handcrafted Lavender Collection
Becker Vineyards offers a myriad of lavender products, originally designed by the late Clementine Becker, 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.
Annual Lavender Festival
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.
