The Riverland is well known for its sun-drenched days, abundant fruit, and the River Murray, where many people head for water sport, fishing or to enjoy a house boat holiday.

As children, Mario and Lucy grew up on the land, so it was not surprising when they purchased their own fruit property at Winkie, in the Riverland 35 years ago. In 1999 they acquired their present property that was later to become Bella Lavender Estate.

The lavender farm with its 2500 plants of lavender is set on 5 acres of land amongst a backdrop of vines and olive trees. As you turn off the bitumen road onto the property and drive towards the café you can be forgiven for thinking you are in Tuscany or Provonce.

When visiting the lavender farm you can choose to walk amongst the heavenly fragrant rows of lavender or browse in the Mediterranean style coffee shop where the shelves a filled with local products from olive oil to jams and biscuits. If you prefer, sit back, look out over the lavender field and relax, while you are served a light lunch, home made cake of your choice or lavender scones with home made jam and cream while Mario makes you a cup of his famous cappuccino.

Mario and Lucy are always available to talk to guests about the process of growing, drying and distilling of lavender. During the summer months visitors can view the distillation process as Mario picks and distills and lavender to produce the lavender essential oil used to make the body products and various bath soaps available for purchase.

Lavender is well suited to the Riverland as it requires little water in a well drained position and enjoys full sun exposure. Lavender is a popular plant for the home garden where it is appreciated for its beauty and fragrance. It is an amazing plant best known for its calming effects in aromatherapy. Other useful qualities include, reducing stress and headaches, improving sleeplessness, soothes sunburn and mosquito bites