[happytown]

You can find many vinyards in Oklahoma. many around the OKC area have a lot of success because of dry weather and perfect slopes for water drainage. I was at a wedding at a vinyard on the NE side of OKC and I was surprised how nice and large it was.

[rugratref]

Wow, I had no idea! Will have to check that out next time I find my way to OKC.

[happytown]

Originally Posted by rugratref

Wow, I had no idea! Will have to check that out next time I find my way to OKC.

Ya- you have to see it. Because OKC is hilly(but not too much) and not developed on the eastside, you will find perfect ground to grow on. Also being dry and not having so many thick mangled trees to dig out, gives it an advantage when compared to other parts of the state. I have always dreamed of owning a vineyard. I just got back from Carmel Cali and around Monterray. So many vineyards that extend for miles and miles. Beautiful.

[OneDayAttaTime]

Originally Posted by gonefishing

SOME OF THE MANY USES OF LAVENDER

A thriving agri-tourism centered around lavender, visitors come to the area to see lavender in bloom providing a spectacular purple show. Visitors spend money both at the lavender farms and around the area for things such as gasoline, lodging, meals. With more people needed to work to serve the tourists the more jobs it creates. Tourism affects every person and every business in an area. Businesses centered around lavender include:

• Crafts made by local artisans using lavender from the farms.
• tea rooms
• bed and breakfast
• open gardens
• nurseries
• lavender festivals
• gift shops

Some growers assure us that "anyone can grow lavender".

• Bath/Relaxation A walk down a lavender path inhaling the scented air has a calming effect.
• Food/Cooking Culinary elite love adding it to many of their favorite recipes.
• Medicine/Healing used for centuries and still in use today
• Body and Cosmetics perfume in many of our body products. Trendy spa patrons rave about lavender, helping to make it one of the top 10 aromatherapy oils.
• Crafts- decorating the home
• Brides bouquets, wrapped gifts and luncheon tables
• Aphrodisiacseduction and romance.
• Around the house In the home and garden room
• Pests Repel mice, moths and deter crawling insects
• Headaches
• Pillows made from lavender

[HeatherDawn]

We have a climate that is similar to Napa Valley. There are a few challenges but many smart business people have ironed them out. Wine is a booming business here! I think I first started hearing the buzz about 8 or so years ago.

Redlands Community College in El Reno has a 2-year program based on vineyards, I believe.

[karibear]

I can see once I'm done with the meds I'm gonna have to make a trip to the package store and see what they have. Have to test the local product, after all.