Guest post submitted by ‘Dave’Edmondson (Dunsmuire Dave) of Dunsmuir Vacation Cottages
Friday evening last, June 20th, the Mt. Shasta Lavender Farms held an art show and wine tasting. Never one to miss the opportunity to guzzle alcohol carefully compare and contrast the subtle nuances of carefully crafted wines, I convinced my wife that we should attend this cultural event – and that she should drive. And although she’s a bit of a hermit, she’s a true wine connaisseur and wouldn’t miss the chance to sip wines in such a lovely setting. Another friend was also up for the adventure so we picked her up and headed on up the road from Dunsmuir.
What is obvious to anyone traveling through the county is that the geography changes dramatically from south to north. What is not so obvious is that this geographical change also fuels the difference in economics and politics within the county. While the southern part of the county’s economy hinges largely upon tourism, the northern part’s economy is still largely based on agriculture. As such, the northern, agricultural area’s population is more entrenched – tending toward multi-generational families, while south county’s population is more infiltrated by recent transplants, especially from Southern and Central California.
I mention all this to set the stage for the event at the Lavender Farm. This Lavender Farm is located about 15 miles north of the City of Weed, off highway 97, the A-12 and Harry Cash Road. Purely geographical location as well at the fact that it’s a FARM, indicates this is north county territory. Hello! Take a look at the parking area. There were at least two Prius, an Infiniti and some luxury type SUVs mixed in with the expected, more practical four-wheel-drives and trucks. A true blending of north meets south (county). And the parking area was packed! An impressive turnout to be sure.
We walked a short way downhill to the event headquarters, the Italian styled villa/casino. All of this overlooks the large lavender field itself, planted with English and French varieties of the herb, with the field itself having a sizeable labyrinth in the center. The casino housed the art exhibit (plein aire style) and hor d’ouvres tables. The wine table was just outside the building, hosted by local, award winning vintners, Shasta View Vineyards, showcasing their Zinfandel, Cabernet Sauvignon, Armonia Rossa (red blend) and Chardonnay wines.
The highlight of the sunset event had to be the simply stunning views of the mountains and valleys. The 3,500 foot elevation of the venue provides such great perspective and the evening event provided a continually changing light show casting varying degrees of sunlight and shadow on the mountains, the valleys, Lake Shastina and the blooming lavender.
In case you’ve not been, the Mt. Shasta Lavender Farms bloom season is short, lasting through July 20 this year. The English and French varieties peak at different times and you can get all the details at www.mtshastalavenderfarms.com
