When it comes to Shenandoah blackberries, The Inn at Vaucluse Spring’s Chef Allan Brown knows some incredible recipes. You can read about one later in this blog! We also know that one of the best events in the Shenandoah Valley involves this delectable summer fruit. The Shenandoah Blackberry Festival is a celebration of summer, of fresh fruit, and of the beautiful Shenandoah National Park. Let the live music play and dance the day away as you attend this event in the Skyland Upper Loop of the park. Along with music, crafts, and a variety of activities, there will be some pretty delicious blackberry recipes available
Visit our restaurant page to discover more ways we incorporate fresh local ingredients into our plates! And for more ideas on ways to spend your summer in the Shenandoah Valley, download our free vacation guide.
Blackberry Flavors to Savor
From blackberry ice cream to blackberry wine, the sweet summer treats will be in plenty at this July festival. The Shenandoah Blackberry Festival, also known as Blackberry Delight, is a favorite annual event in Luray, VA, for fruit lovers and fun lovers alike. Sample some true culinary masterpieces using the sweet-tart blackberry from Skyland chefs. They will create special blackberry-infused dishes for your indulgence, including crumbly blackberry cobbler, mouthwatering blackberry barbecue, and more! While you eat, enjoy live music, dancing, local crafts, pony rides, and other fun activities among the beautiful landscape.
Blackberry Wine Jam Recipe by Our Very Own Chef Allan Brown
3 1/2 Cups – Red Wine (such as Merlot)
1/2 Pouch – Pectin (1/2 tbsp) Certo Brand Liquid
4 1/2 Cups – Granulated Sugar
1/8 tsp – Sea Salt
1/4 tsp- Black pepper, freshly cracked
1 – Bay leaf
8oz – Blackberries (by weight)
- In a heavy bottom sauce pot, add all ingredients except the Pectin. Bring to a simmer and cook until berries have broken down (about 20 minutes). Discard the Bay leaf.
- Remove and place berry mixture in a blender. Puree until smooth or blend until well combined.
- Strain mixture through fine mesh strainer. This catches and removes seeds and pulp.
- Return to pot and add the Pectin. Cook on high until mixture thickens slightly.
- Transfer to hot Mason Jars. Fill the jar and leave 1/2 inch of head room. Make sure the seal is tight. The jam will solidify in the refrigerator.
*Note: Solidifying may take a few days.
Stay at Our Inn During the Shenandoah Blackberry Festival
Enjoy a summer stay in the Shenandoah Valley with ripe blackberries and beautiful wildflowers growing around you in the enchanting landscape. When you stay at The Inn at Vaucluse Spring, you will have a variety of stunning accommodations to select from. Our Cabin by the Pond is the perfect hillside escape inside a former tobacco barn. Indulge in rustic elegance, a two-person Jacuzzi, and mesmerizing porch views during this nature retreat. Surrounded by lush greens and sunny breezes, you’ll be relaxing in no time. Your summer escape awaits at our beautiful bed and breakfast!