Savoring Earth Day: Livermore’s Sustainable Wineries

Rezlaff Vineyards during Sauvignon Blanc Harvest

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. Read More

Passing the Torch: The Next Generation of Women in Wine in the Livermore Valley

Women in Wine, in Livermore Valley

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. Read More

A Conversation with Phil Long, Winemaker and Owner of Longevity Wines

Phil Long of Longevity Wines

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. Read More

Spring Wine-Themed Crafts

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 Read More

Spring Recipe Pairings

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. Read More

Fall Activities in the Livermore Valley!

October is here & Fall is upon us! We thought we would list some of our favorite fall festivities here in the Livermore Valley.

 

Downtown Livermore’s Tree Sweaters

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. Read More

Find Your Best Self in Livermore Valley

It is once again that time of year when we are setting intentions, mapping out goals, and figuring out how to be the best version of ourselves. It can seem overwhelming, but it doesn’t have to be. We’ve put together a list of some of the top resolutions in 2018, according to YouGov, and how Livermore Valley wineries can help to meet those! Let us know what goals you are setting for yourself by tagging us on Instagram, Facebook or Twitter and using #LiveaLittleMore.

 

 Be Healthy

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!

Try Something New

 

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).

Gain a New Skill/Hobby

 

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.

Go on More Dates

 

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.

 

Exercise More

 

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 Read More

Live Well with Zinfandel

Livermore Valley’s take on a quintessential California wine grape

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:

  • Eagle Ridge Vineyard 2012 Zinfandel (Silver, San Francisco Chronicle Wine Competition 2016)
  • Stony Ridge Winery 2012 Del Arroyo Vineyards Zinfandel (Gold, San Francisco Chronicle Wine Competition 2016)
  • Wood Family Vineyards 2013 Big Wood Zinfandel (Gold, San Francisco Chronicle Wine Competition 2016)

    • Read More

    The Countdown is On!

    Taste Our Terroir is less than two weeks away and I am excited.  Why am I so excited?  To put it in one word, Taste Our Terroir is awesome, inspiring, delicious, worth-throwing-your-diet-out-the-window fun!  Ok, so maybe I can’t exactly describe why I love Taste Our Terroir in one word, but here are some of the things I’m looking forward to in next week’s event.

    Thursday night’s Quest for Pairing Excellence.  This event kicks off the Taste Our Terroir weekend and it is spectacular!  18 teams of local restaurants and wineries create their perfect pairings.  You’re going to wish you were a cow and had four stomachs to consume all the delicious food.  Personally, I was blown away by the pairings last year.  I’ve had a glimpse of some of this year’s pairings and it looks like they’re going to be even better than last year, which seems impossible, but it’s true.  The best part is that you get to vote for your favorite red and white wine pairings!  I love seeing who ends up winning and it’s announced with time for you to get around and try those pairings if you hadn’t tried them already.

    In addition to those 18 teams tantalizing your taste buds, there will be ten additional wineries pouring on the patio and in the dessert room.  Yes, you read that right, a dessert room.

    As if that wasn’t enough there are some truly amazing auction items this year.  There’s a cruise with either Retzlaff Vineyards or 3 Steves Winery, a chance to get your cellar stocked with wine from the competition, and so much more.

    This event sells out every year, so go get your tickets now… seriously… you don’t want to miss this event!  Here, I’ll even give you the link. CLICK HERE! Read More