Frequently Asked Questions

What is a CSA?
Community-Supported Agriculture (CSA) is a relatively new socio-economic model of food production, sales, and distribution aimed at both increasing the quality of food and the quality of care given the land, plants and animals. CSA generally is the practice of focusing on the production of high quality foods using ecological, organic or biodynamic farming methods. This kind of farming operates with a much greater-than-usual degree of involvement of consumers and other stakeholders—resulting in a stronger than usual consumer-producer relationship. Typically, CSA farms are small, independent, labor-intensive, family farms. Consumers essentially help finance farming operations, which allows farmers to focus on quality growing. Each CSA operates in its own unique way, but the basic idea remains the same. That is, consumers and growers collaborating to ensure a safe and healthy food source in their community.
How do I become a member?
To become a member we request a $100.00 non-refundable deposit. The deposit is applied to the total share(s) amount and guarantees a membership for the season. On the menu bar, select CSA Program, and then Join Us. Complete the form including method of payment. Once deposit has been received, an email will be sent with a link for you to select your services.
You are full for the season, how do I sign up to be on your waiting list?
At this time we do not have a waiting list sign up option. We begin accepting memberships for the following season in the month of August. However, due to the possibility that we may have an opening during the current season, we encourage you to contact us and inquire of possible share availability.
Can I choose the vegetables that I prefer?
Part of enjoying seasonal flavors is to experiment new varieties of vegetables and fruits. We encourage you to try different recipes and acquire new tastes. Yet, we understand that there will be preferences and dislikes for different produce. Our program offers the flexibility for members to excluded 6 items from our crop list. During the registration process you will have the opportunity to omit from your menu.
May I change my preference selections during the season?
We would appreciate not to have changes occur once selections have been recorded due to administration time. However, your satisfaction is important to us, and we are open to requests.
How many items do I receive per week?
Please visit our blog, http://purplerainvineyard.com/blog/, to view each week’s harvest.
Which share should I purchase?
Below is a simplified explanation to help you make the right choice. Keep in mind that you are the best judge on your dietary consumption.

Small Share: For one or two people with no children. We do not recommend two households to share a small share.

Medium Share:  The amount per vegetable received is between small and large.  For example, small receives 1lb of carrots, medium 1.5lb and large is 2lb.

Large Share:  This share is perfect for people that consume a good portion of vegetables.
What are my payment options?
We offer payment flexibility of check, cashier’s check, debit or credit card and bill payment option. A $3.20 fee will be applied to each credit/debit card transaction. Members can select to pay their membership in full, or in less than 7 months or chose to use our payment plan of 7 months, from March to September.
How is the produce packaged?
Purple Rain Vineyard is an eco-conscious company with quality service.  The produce will be packed in bioplastic bags.  A $15.00 fee will be added to your share toward the purchase of the bags for the season. The bioplastic bags are made of biodegradable polymers, starches and other natural ingredients. They can be disposed and will naturally biodegrade with no toxic residues in the landfill.  Fruit is packaged in breathable clamshell containers for optimal freshness and quality.
May I visit Purple Rain Vineyard?
Yes! We hold, by appointment only, an annual tour in August.
Where do we pick up the weekly produce?
We have nine (9) pick up sites. Please see Delivery Locations page, http://www.purplerainvineyard.com/delivery.php for details.
What if I go on vacation, do I lose my week’s produce?
No. A member has the choice of doubling or splitting the missing shares before or after their vacation.
What are my options if I have to cancel my membership?
Our policy requests that if for some unforeseen circumstance a member is no longer able to continue the membership that the amount due is paid in full or the partial share is sold to another individual. There is a financial investment and time we commit to serve our members each season and cancellation without complete payment is lost income. It is vital to a CSA that members are committed for the season, as we are to our members.