Livermore Wine AVA

Livermore Valley’s Growing Wine Renaissance

The Livermore Valley, one of California’s oldest winegrowing regions, is just a quick drive over the East Bay Hills from the San Francisco Bay. A backdrop of rolling foothills filled with brilliant green spring grass that dries golden-brown under the summer sun hugs the valley’s vineyards. The region’s rich winemaking history dates back to the Spanish missionaries who planted the first wine grapes. In the early 1880s, the Wente and Concannon families discovered the valley’s grape-growing potential, founding the first wineries. Over 50 wineries thrive within the historic Livermore Valley American Viticultural Area (AVA). The scale of wine production varies from boutique wineries, handcrafting 500 cases of limited-release wines, to large-scale industry leaders, bottling 600,000 cases. As the fifth generation of winemakers take the helm of landmark wineries and artisan crafters establish new ones, a youthful spirit guides Livermore Valley’s wineries.

By StoryStudio on April 3, 2022 11:19 AM

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Engaging in friendly competition, winemakers participate in industry competitions, winning accolades for their wineries and establishing the Livermore Valley as a competitor. Female winemakers are forging ahead at wineries across the region and coming together at Women’s Wine Collective gatherings. Winemaker Rosa Fierro owns Rosa Fierro Cellars, the family business McGrail Vineyards is mother-daughter owned, and daughter-father duo Alexandra and Ken Henkelman are behind the wines of Omega Road Winery. As the next generation of winemakers experiment with exciting flavor blends, they’ve uncorked a wine renaissance in the Livermore Valley that wine lovers must experience for themselves. The region’s delicious world-class wines have the Livermore Valley’s ideal grape-growing conditions to thank for the complexity in fruit character of red wines and delicately balanced white wines. The oval, bowl-shaped valley’s unique west-to-east orientation cradles 2,500 acres of vineyards. The Livermore Valley’s climate is similar to the winegrowing Mediterranean regions. Even though hotter days in the summer are expected , the region cools down quickly as sea breezes and coastal fog cools the vineyard grapes when the sun goes down. The valley’s well-drained soils, including loam, sand, and gravel, are perfect for nurturing and growing grapes. The valley’s first wineries imported grape cuttings from France, whose clones still thrive today. Wente Vineyards imported chardonnay grape cuttings from Montpellier in 1912, and Concannon Vineyard imported cabernet sauvignon vines from Chateau Margaux in Bordeaux. Now Wente’s chardonnay clones make up 75% of California’s chardonnay, and Concannon’s cabernet clones represent 80% of the state’s cabernet sauvignon. The Livermore Valley’s ideal grape-growing conditions significantly contributed to the blossoming of California’s world-renowned wine industry.

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Whether visiting a country estate or urban warehouse winery, you’ll find that Livermore Valley winemakers’ unpretentious, laid-back vibe is everywhere. Area winemakers have earned the title of most welcoming world-class wine region. Most wineries are boutique-style, meaning the winemaker takes a personal approach to crafting and sharing their wines. Winery owners have a knack for welcoming visitors like family. While learning about incredible wines, guests get a peek into their other passions. At her winery, Darcie Kent’s colorful landscape art used on her wine labels is on display, and Steve Powell, the Singing Winemaker, plays his guitar and serenades guests in his tasting room. Livermore Valley winemakers’ embrace of community and culture has created fertile ground for its wine renaissance. Neighboring wineries partner to hold exciting wine-appreciation events, welcoming the public to celebrate their award-winning wines with them. Located among Livermore’s urban wineries, the wine bar Almost Famous Wine pours local wines and hosts live music performances, a perfect spot to chill with a glass in hand. Wineries nestled among the vineyards offer fun activities like rounds of bocce ball at Garré and live music at Retzlaff Vineyards to connect with friends on an afternoon of relaxing wine tasting. Wine tasting in the Livermore Valley is surprisingly affordable, especially compared to North Bay winegrowing regions. A range of tasting experiences to fit any budget are available, from sampling a flight at the bar to splurging on a sit-down winemaker experience. Bent Creek Winery’s tasting fee to try a flight of award-winning wines comes in under $20 per person. And a private salon experience with Steven Kent Winery’s resident sommelier is about $80 per person, while its wine-bar-style experience ranges from $20-$60 per person. The region’s accessible wine-tasting pricing makes it possible to winery hop or visit a single, more in-depth wine tasting experience destination.

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When planning a winery-hopping excursion in the Livermore Valley, check the wineries’ websites to ensure they’ll be open during your visit and make reservations. Most wineries are open on the weekends, while others are open mid-week days. The drive between wineries doesn’t take long. Plan to drink responsibly by having a designated driver, or book a fun transportation option like a private limo or seats on the Livermore Wine Trolley. An easy way to get to know wineries across the Livermore Valley is to purchase a Livermore Valley Passport. The passport is good for a year of complimentary wine tastings for two at over 35 wineries and offers additional discounts. As you explore more wineries and pick favorites, consider joining their wine clubs to continue enjoying the wine you love all year. The Livermore Valley Winegrowers Community and AVA website list member wineries and curated wine-tasting itineraries. The itineraries group wineries by location, like Vasco Row’s walkable urban wineries, Greenville Road’s rustic producers or the vineyard flats of Tesla Road. Vasco Row’s industrial park houses around 9 wineries, a brewery, and a distillery—all within walking distance—and a choice of gourmet food trucks and live music. Or pack a picnic to pair with an estate wine tasting surrounded by acres of vines and rolling hillsides. The beautiful Livermore Valley backdrop is the perfect destination for celebrating special occasions like weddings. A variety of event spaces are available to rent to entertain family and friends, from cavernous wine cellars to outdoor patios overlooking lush vineyards. Making a weekend of it for a wedding or relaxing is easy, with lodging options ranging from the luxurious, at the Purple Orchid and the Rose Hotel, to the comfortable, at Courtyard by Marriott and Hawthorn Suites by Wyndham.

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SPONSORED BY LIVERMORE WINEGROWERS ASSOCIATION

Annual regional wine events give visitors a reason to return and enjoy their favorite wines. Taste our Terroir happens annually in October to educate wine lovers about the valley’s unique cuisine and wines. In the early spring, wineries open up for a Barrel Tasting Weekend, during which visitors taste wine straight from the barrel. And the Livermore Valley Winery of the Week spotlights a local winery on Wednesdays to host a special tasting in the evening. It’s possible to tailor a visit to the Livermore Valley wine country to fit your mood. Enjoy a glass of wine next to a glowing firepit or celebrate the weekend with friends listening to a local musician. Experience the Livermore Valley’s wine renaissance and welcoming spirit for yourself.

Photo by Barry Zupan

Photo by Ron Essex