Local Places: Rhumb Line Vineyards and Lavender Farm
- sierravistalive
- 5 days ago
- 3 min read
Updated: 3 days ago

Rhumb Line Vineyards and Lavender Farm is located on 60 acres in the Willcox AVA, at the base of the Dos Cabezas Mountains. The journey began when Michelle Minta, then living in Phoenix, attended a winemaker’s luncheon in Scottsdale. Curious about how to support Arizona’s wine industry, she asked a friend who owned a vineyard for advice. The answer was simple: “Grow some grapes.” Inspired to start a new adventure in the wine industry, she visited Willcox, fell in love with its rich soils and vibrant community, and in 2012, purchased the land that would become Rhumb Line Vineyard.

The first grapevines were planted in 2013, laying the foundation for a boutique vineyard that would soon expand beyond wine. By 2017, Michelle had introduced lavender to the farm, adding to its serene atmosphere and offering a sensory experience unlike any other. In 2018, olive trees joined the landscape, and this past fall, Rhumb Line celebrated its first olive harvest, producing a small batch of olive oil that quickly sold out.

The Olive’s Vineyard Café and Farm Huts:
Rhumb Line’s agricultural journey is complemented by its culinary offering, Olive’s Vineyard Café, where guests can enjoy sandwiches, focaccia pizza, bruschetta, soups, salads, and desserts—all designed to highlight the flavors of the region. Rhumb is growing its garden to offer even more fresh ingredients grown on-site, a celebration of Willcox’s agricultural spirit.

For those seeking an immersive escape, the Farm Huts provide an idyllic retreat. Inspired by 1940s quonset huts, these charming accommodations offer modern comfort with a rustic touch—arched walls, polished concrete floors, and private patios that look out over the lavender fields and vineyards. The shared courtyard, complete with a cozy fire pit, invites guests to relax and soak up the peace and beauty of the Dos Cabezas foothills.

Lavender: From Field to Fragrance
At Rhumb Line, lavender is more than just a pretty bloom—it’s a vital part of the farm’s philosophy of using everything the land has to offer. Three varietals—Grosso, Provence, and Royal Velvet—bloom in vibrant waves of purple starting in June and often continuing into July. The lavender is harvested and sold in fresh bundles, dried for future enjoyment, or transformed into culinary treats like fig balsamic jam and refreshing lavender-lemon water.

Beyond culinary uses, the lavender is also distilled on-site into essential oils and hydrosol. It takes about a pound of flowers to produce just 10-15 milliliters of essential oil, which is then used in natural soaps, lip balms, candles, and aromatherapy products. Whether you’re looking for a peaceful sleep aided by a lavender diffuser or a locally made lavender sachet, Rhumb Line’s products capture the soothing essence of the farm.
Celebrating the 4th Annual Lavender Festival!

To truly experience the magic of Rhumb Line Vineyards and Lavender Farm, don’t miss the 4th Annual Lavender Festival on Saturday, June 7th, 2025, from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. The festival offers a tour of the farm’s lavender fields, a demonstration of the distillation process, live music, and a range of delicious food and drink.
Schedule of Events:
9:00–10:00am: Lavender Distillation Demonstration
10:00–10:30am: Lavender Field and Orchard Walking Tour
11:00am–12:00pm: Lavender Distillation Demonstration
11:00am–12:00pm: Lavender Field and Orchard Walking Tour
11:00am–2:00pm: Live Music
Food and Drink Options:
Olive’s Vineyard Café
Andy’s BBQ Pit
Tommy’s Woodfired Pizza
L&B Farm
Vino Stache
Tirrito Farm Brewery
Omphalos
AZ Loc-Ale Beer Co.
Crooked Tooth Brewing
Robbs Family Farm
Lightning Ridge Cellars
Vertigo Wines
Old Pueblo Cellars
Sonoran Wine
Meading Room
General admission is $7 per person, and children 12 and under are free. Beer and wine tasting tickets are $35 and include a souvenir glass.

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