While most of us know about the sunflowers of Yolo County, summer is also a fantastic time to look out for Capay Valley’s other dramatic flower bloom: lavender.
Thanks to our region’s Mediterranean climate, more and more lavender farms have sprouted up in Capay Valley over the past few years. Late May through July is peak season, turning the fields purple and aromatic. Here’s how to go on a sightseeing (and smelling) tour of these local farms.
Where to find lavender in Capay Valley
Route 16, which follows Cache Creek north, has emerged as the valley’s lavender trail:
- At Capay Valley Lavender (20470 County Road 79, Capay) guests can stroll the fields of organic lavender, cut bouquets, and take pictures. In addition, you can schedule a tour, join a workshop, visit the Monarch Butterfly habitat, and picnic amid the 5 acres of lavender fields. (Check the farm’s Facebook page for updates and farm activities.)
- Cache Creek Lavender Farm (3430 Madrone St., Rumsey) opens its farm store from 10am to 4pm on weekdays, and the farm books private weddings and special events all throughout the year. It even hosts a lavender festival in early June!
- Luna Lavender Farm (7086 Road 49, Guinda), which is open by appointment only, devotes one acre of its 70-acre property to lavender fields. It hosts private weddings amid the lavender blossoms and makes a line of lavender-scented products to sell.
- Purple Valley Lavender Farm (15655 Road 45, Guinda) boasts over 30,000 lavender plants across ten acres. Their farm store, featuring lavender buds, bath salts, honey, and more, is open to the public every day from 8 am – 7 pm. Check their website for u-pick announcements.
- Slightly off the Route 16 lavender trail, D.A.M.N. Good Lavender Farm and Apiary (17085 County Road 96B, Woodland) hosts “Lavender Days” from late May to early June, with a farm stand off and on throughout the year. Visit their Facebook page for up-to-date information.
You can easily admire and smell our local lavender as you drive through Capay Valley, but just remember: These flowers are our local farmers’ livelihood, and it’s usually not advised to wander uninvited into fields, or to pick flowers without asking.
If you miss the summer blooms at their peak, you can always purchase dried lavender bouquets and lavender-scented products from all of these local farms. Visit their websites and social media pages for more information.
At VCE, we’re proud of the entrepreneurial spirit of Yolo County farmers, and we thank them for bringing this fragrant and picturesque flower to Capay Valley. We look forward to seeing and smelling more lavender in the years to come.