Starting with Taste Our Terroir on Thursday night and continuing through the weekend with 12 other winery events, this is the best chance to experience so much of what Livermore Valley has to offer. Here are the Top 10 Reasons why TASTE is the best way to Experience Livermore Valley.
As Earth Day approaches, it’s a wonderful time to reflect on our planet’s beauty and the ways we can protect it. One way to celebrate this occasion is by enjoying wines from Livermore Valley, California, where several wineries are committed to sustainable practices that not only produce exceptional wines but also protect our environment for generations to come. When choosing sustainable winery options for Earth Day celebrations, consider renowned vineyards like Concannon, Murrieta’s Well, Retzlaff, and Wente, each committed to eco-friendly practices that protect our planet while producing exceptional wines.
The Livermore Valley, nestled in the heart of California’s wine country, has long been renowned for its picturesque vineyards and world-class wineries. In recent years, a remarkable transition has been taking place within the wine industry, with the torch being passed from the seasoned veterans to the dynamic and passionate next generation of women in wine.
Longevity Wines is a family-owned, urban winery and certified minority-owned business based in the Livermore Valley wine region of Northern California. Founders Debra and Phil Long opened Longevity in 2008 when their winemaking hobby outgrew their garage. By that time, they had spent years visiting tasting rooms and saw a need for inclusive wine experiences. Their love of warm, welcoming spaces is evident in the cozy, barn-themed tasting room they designed together.
Whether you’re looking for some new fun home decor or something to entertain the kids while they’re stuck at home, we’ve collected some great wine-themed crafts that everyone in your family will enjoy! Tag @LivermoreValleyWineCountry and show us what crafts you created! #BlessingsinaBottle
Looking for some new Spring dishes to try at home? A handful of Livermore Valley’s wineries have put together their favorite Spring food and wine pairings to share with you! Whether it’s breakfast, dinner or dessert we’ve got you covered for your next home-cooked meal and the perfect wine to enjoy with it.
This year, the San Francisco Chronicle Wine Competition had 65 professional judges review over 6,500 submitted wines. As an AVA, the Livermore Valley brought home over 150 awards. Pick up these award winners now before they sell out!
Image by Doug Jorgensen via The Independent
Grab your coffee or tea from your favorite downtown cafe and take a stroll through Downtown Livermore to see this years’ beautiful “Tree Sweaters”. These handmade sweaters that are knit to every tree will be up until Friday, November 18th, before being donated to the Valley Humane Society of Pleasanton as comforting blankets. You can find these cozy trees along First Street between Maple and L Street. Bothwell Arts Center sponsors the Tree Sweaters each Fall.
This is the classic all-time-popular New Year’s resolution. Less carbs, more fruits and veggies (wine counts as a fruit, right?), and recently there has been a trend for more organic and local items! If vine to glass is what you are looking for, then we have you covered! Retzlaff Vineyards has been a certified organic vineyard since 2006 and it sounds like there may be another on the horizon soon. Dane Stark, Owner and Winemaker at Page Mill Winery, says his New Year’s resolution is that he wants to “..finally, after 12 years, file the paperwork for our Organic certification”. Cheers to that, can’t wait to celebrate when you do!
Stretching yourself to try something new may at first seem overwhelming, but when that something is wine… it’s not that bad! Winemaker Earl Ault at Cedar Mountain Winery told us that his New Year’s resolution is to try something new by adding some new varietals to the winery line up. First up, he is adding Cab Franc to his varietal mix this year! If you haven’t tried this varietal yet, add it to your list and let Earl help you experience it by stopping by their tasting room (If you haven’t tried their ports, add those to your list too).
If a new skill or hobby is what you are looking for, then we have just the thing for you. Hal Liske, owner and winemaker at el Sol Winery has been bee keeping for many years. This past year he has cultivated some wonderful hives at his winery, and started teaching bee keeping classes to those interested. His classes are offered about every quarter, call or drop by the tasting room to learn more.
Whether you have a significant other, are looking for one, or just want to “treat yo self”, getting out and finding new adventures is a great way to spend the day. Nella Terra Cellars has some beautiful views, nestled away in Sunol, and even just the drive to get there is an adventure through beautiful scenery and rolling hills. Until this year, they have been appointment only, but starting January 6th, they will be open to the public the first Saturday of each month from 1-4pm.
Yup, another classic. Livermore Valley has a wonderful bike trail connecting a number of our wineries down Tesla and hiking trails abound at places like Sycamore Grove (entrance next to Dante Robere Vineyard) and Del Valle Regional Park. If you are looking for something a bit more zen, a few of our wineries offer yoga classes throughout the year. In January Mckahn Family Cellars is hosting “Yoga B4 Wine” on January 11th and
McGrail Vineyards & Winery
There is a briskness in the air as fall marches on and it’s the perfect time to spice things up in wine country. In November, Livermore Valley highlights Zinfandel as the featured varietal. This bold and classic varietal is the number one planted grape in California.
The primary flavors include jam, blueberry, cherry, plum, boysenberry, cranberry and licorice. Other aromas you may be able to pick out are black pepper, black cardamom and anise. Tannins and acid are generally medium to medium high.
How do you decide what to pair with this rambunctious varietal? Think barbecued red meats, and lighter meats like turkey or ham. For cheese, try manchego. For veggies think something bold like roasted tomato, red peppers, caramelized onion or roasted squash to bring out the wine’s fruitiness. Need more inspiration for dinner? Check out our Pinterest board for recipe picks.
You can find Livermore Valley Zinfandel at more than 20 Livermore Valley wineries.
Recent award-winning wine includes:
