Give a little bit of Virginia this holiday season. These locally made gifts will spread warmth on a cold winter’s day.
Rosetta Coffee Company: Coffee Bundle
Two blends, and so much flavor! Bel Exil, a blend of Ethiopian, Guatemalan and Honduran coffees is a complex but approachable medium roast. Chocolate, dried fruit, mild acidity and a full body are what make this cup great. The Sumatra Dark roast is the perfect comfort cup. Rich with notes of dried herbs, chocolate and warming spices, it’s wonderful to enjoy any time of day. Round out your cup with a spoonful of Rosetta’s Coffee Flower Honey, direct from the coffee farms in Honduras. To purchase, visit: rosettacoffeecompany.com
Spice Titan: Gift Pack & Hot Chocolate Mix
On a mission to bring people unique seasonings and the best quality spices, Spice Titan’s blends enhance any meal. Customize a gift set with selections such as Westover Steak Seasoning, Egg-Vocado (a must for brunch) and Added Heat. Their newest product, a Hot Chocolate Mix, has a hint of peppermint, keeping you and those you love warm on chilly days. To order visit spicetitan.com/collections
Pure Shenandoah: Hemp Seed Cookies & CBD Sparkling Water
A family-owned & operated health and wellness company rooted in the Shenandoah Valley, Pure Shenandoah makes the most of the entire hemp plant — from seed to final packaging. Their sweet and nutty Hemp Seed Cookies are packed with plant-based protein and all-organic ingredients while their Hydrate CBD Sparkling Water contains their locally grown hemp, electrolytes and vitamins to calm the soul and quench your thirst. To purchase, visit pureshenandoah.com
Light Up the Season with Whole Heart Candle Co.
Hand-poured in Lynchburg using locally sourced ingredients, Whole Heart’s Farm Fresh Christmas Trees candle captures the spirit of Fraser fir trees, its scent conjuring memories of trimming the tree with loved ones. Their Silent Night candle captures the essence of tranquil, cozy moments. Warm notes of Earl Grey tea, nutmeg and cinnamon wrap you in a warm embrace, making it the perfect companion for peaceful evenings and intimate gatherings. Order yours today at WholeHeartCandleCo.com
Kat the Farmer: Tote Bags
Kat the Farmer is a salad-centric farm and food company grown out of Floyd county. The quarter acre farm specializes in gourmet greens, herbs, vegetables and a line of vegan salad dressings. These tote designs were created by Kat Johnson from a linoleum print of a stirrup hoe. Kat created a series of cute and punny merch designs for her small farm business. The bags hold a full farmers market haul and can be ordered online at Katthefarmer.com/merch
Nona’s Italian Cucina: Tomato Sauce
Inspired by Nona’s own kitchen in Milan, and with the belief that good food brings people together, Nona’s Italian Cucina is an authentic Italian small-batch tomato sauce, hand-crafted with love by owners Yvonne and Jesse in Central Virginia. Their delicious tomato sauce is a timeless blend of Italian imported San Marzano tomatoes, fresh herbs and classic spices. Their hope is that their sauce will be a small part of helping families and communities create meaningful connections and lasting memories. To order, visit nonascucina.com/products
Seven Hills Baking: Cheese Straws
Seven Hills Baking is a cheese straw company nestled in the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains. After many years in the catering business, Elizabeth has perfected her recipe. Hand-pressed with an Italian cookie press and made to order, Seven Hills Baking cheese straws are made with quality ingredients and contain no preservatives. Savory and always crisp, cheese straws are perfect for any occasion or as stocking stuffers. To order visit 7hillsbaking.com/shop
Veritas Winery: Scintilla
This 100% Chardonnay brut will spark delight at any celebration. This sparkling wine, made in the traditional Champagne method, is bursting with fresh aromas and flavors. Crisp notes of green apple, lemon and pear are accented by a touch of yeast and toasted brioche. Elegant yet fun, toast to your loves and celebrate! To purchase, visit their tasting room in Afton, or: veritaswines.com/wines
Peace & Harmony Farm: Elderberry Shrub
A shrub is a ‘drinking’ vinegar that dates back to colonial days as a way to preserve the harvest. It combines fruit, sugar and vinegar to make a tart/sweet mix. Shrubs can be a stand-alone drink and are commonly used in mocktails or cocktails. Simply adding a carbonated beverage makes a refreshing, thirst-quenching drink. Let your imagination run with this one! You can find Peace & Harmony Farm year round at the Blacksburg Farmers Market or by visiting peaceandharmonyfarm.com
Bread Run Roanoke: Granola and Challah Loaves
A woman-owned and operated pop-up bakery, you can usually find Julie’s delightful baked goods at the LEAP Grandin Village farmers market on Saturdays. Her whimsically packaged granola makes a great addition to any gift basket or stocking and her challah loaves are an attractive, delectable centerpiece for your next gathering. To order, email breadrunroanoke@gmail.com
Mountain Thyme Honey: Electuary Bundle
Mountain Thyme Honey’s Electuaries provide a palatable and effective way to deliver healing herbs in an easily digestible form. The holiday bundle includes all 6 of their electuaries: Belly Love, Calm, Comfort, Harmony, Protect and Strength, which can be used to treat various ailments or conditions. To learn more and purchase a bundle, visit mountainthymehoney.com/shop
Stinson Vineyards: Mourvèdre Duo
Stinson’s Mourvèdre duo illustrates Virginia vintage variation by presenting this flavorful varietal in two distinct styles. In rainy years, like 2022, they harvest early to create a Méthode Champenoise-style sparkling wine. In exceptional vintage years, they allow the grapes to ripen and produce a red wine. Both are lively and refreshing: the Farmer’s Rest sparkler features delicate notes of green apple and white flowers, while the red wine boasts wild raspberry and summer savory flavors. Order the duo online at stinsonvineyards.com/shop
Blue Sky Botanicals: Winter Wellness Bundle
A modern-day apothecary, Blue Sky Botanicals seeks to empower, educate and celebrate their community through sharing herbal wisdom. Their Winter Wellness Bundle includes a warming Spiced Orange Chai to support gut health and circulation, Righteous Reishi Honey to improve your immune system and a Mushroom Magic Cocoa which contains reishi, lion’s mane and cordyceps mushrooms to reduce stress, increase energy levels and give your immune system a boost this season. To purchase, visit blueskybotanicalsva.com
Fermented Fire Hot Sauce Co: Gift Set
Fermented Fire’s customizable gift sets are a must-have for all of the spicy folks in your life! Select from any of our 10+ rotating sauces — from the mild crowd pleaser Riveracha up to the reaper-based Boomtown Superhot — all crafted from naturally-fermented local peppers. Don’t know which to choose? Their pre-set “It’s Always Spicy In Appalachia” 3-pack has you covered! Shop: fermentedfirehotsauceco.com/shop/multipacks
LEAP: Gift Certificate
LEAP is a nonprofit centered in Roanoke that supports farmers and fresh, local food for all. This holiday season, gift someone you love local, nutritious food. A LEAP gift certificate can be redeemed at any LEAP farmers market or at the LEAP Community Store. You can support farmers, small business owners and a nonprofit all while encouraging friends, colleagues and loved ones to shop locally for their groceries. To purchase, visit any LEAP market or the Community Store: 1027 Patterson Ave SW, Roanoke. W-F 12-7 p.m.
All product photos by Sofia Alarcón: sofiaalarconphotography.com
