Experience the TASTE of Livermore Valley

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It’s October and you know what that means… TASTE: The Livermore Valley Wine Experience is just around the corner! This premier food and wine event spans four days (Thursday, October 19th-Sunday, October 22nd), and kicks off with “Taste Our Terroir”, a the Livermore Valley Wine Country’s signature Food and Wine Pairing Competition.

Whether you join us for the full four day affair, or drive up on Saturday morning (sans traffic) to spend the weekend with us, it is truly the perfect opportunity to experience the TASTE and magic that is Livermore Valley. Weekend events include intimate wine-tasting events at our local wineries with our award-winning wines and winemakers. Read below for information on many of the incredible events that are taking place throughout the weekend so you can plan a Livermore TASTE experience that is perfect for YOU!


Coming up for the weekend and want to plan your TASTE experience? Let us help to guide you through a few possible paths-

A Path For the Ultimate Foodie –

Start your Saturday off at McGrail Vineyards for the “Taste of Thai Culinary Experience”, from 11am-1pm, as we share through food and wine and celebrate the amazing terroir of our region with our local award-winning wines with culinary expert Kimberly Gamble, “Queen of Thai Cuisine.” Chef Kimberly has appeared on Beat Bobby Flay, Chopped, Food Network, California Live, and Live! In the Bay. This event will be a hands-on culinary experience that will awaken your palate and build your recipe index with flavorful food and wine to enjoy at the event and at home with the new skills that you learned.

 

Then from 1:30-3:30pm, head over to Concannon Vineyard for “Cabbies & Patties”, to explore the rich and complex world of Cabernet Sauvignon wines as you savor a specially curated selection from both Concannon Vineyard & Cuda Ridge Wines. To complement these exceptional Cabernets, we have partnered with top-notch chef, Tony from Anthony Scott Catering to prepare gourmet burger sliders that are the perfect accompaniment to the wines. From classic beef to inventive options, each slider has been meticulously crafted to enhance the experience.

Finish your first day off with an out of this world experience at the LVVC (Livermore Valley Vitners Collective) Winemaker Dinner. Set in an olive orchard at Purple Orchid Wine Country Resort and Spa, this six-course farm-to-table dinner from On the Vine Catering starts at 6:30pm and will be paired with 2020 vintage wines from the Livermore Valley Vintners Collective. This incredible dinner is an experience not to be missed. 

 

Start your Sunday off  right with “A Morning With the Winemakers: Wine-Paired Brunch”. Three beautiful wines from Omega Road Winery, Longevity Wines,and 3 Steves Winery, served by the winemakers. Each wine will be paired with an incredible dish, a mimosa bar, fresh fruit, and beautiful pastries will also be available. 

End your weekend at TASTE with “Community Table Wine Down”, from 4-6pm, the ultimate industry event for our beloved Livermore Valley wine region! As the perfect closing event after a weekend full of festivities, “Wine-Down” is your chance to come together with fellow wine enthusiasts to celebrate our region and each other. Join us at Locanda Wine Bar, located in the heart of downtown Livermore, and enjoy small bites while tasting wine from Garré Vineyard & Winery, McGrail Vineyards & Winery, The Steven Kent Winery, Darcie Kent Estate Winery, and Almost Famous Wine Company. Get ready to raise a glass and toast to all the memories we’ve made and the ones yet to come while appreciating the unique terroir that binds our community and brings our wines to life.

A Path For Wine & Nature Lovers –

If you are looking for an all day option, spend your Saturday having an all day with “Ride the Vine: The Livermore Valley Pedego Wine Tour”! This exciting event takes place from 9:45 a.m. – 5:45 p.m with participating Wineries, Las Positas Vineyards, Charles R Vineyards, and Page Mill Winery. Pedego Electric Bikes and the Livermore Valley Wine Community are excited to present a delightful day of wine tasting, delectable food, and delightful surprises, all set within a Pedego bike tour of the stunning Livermore Valley. The event will commence with a ride to Las Positas Vineyards, where participants will enjoy a curated wine flight paired with a charcuterie board. Our next stop is Charles R Vineyards, offering a homemade dessert accompanied with wines to indulge in. The tour will then proceed to Page Mill, with a sparkling welcome drink on arrival, a tasting flight of their finest wines, individual charcuterie cups from The Charming Fig, and an engaging saber lesson on the front lawn. Throughout the tour, participants will be enlightened about the rich history of the Livermore Valley, its breathtaking views, and the exceptional wines it produces. Join us for this joyous e-bike ride and a unique, unforgettable experience.

 

If you are looking for multiple events during the day, start your Saturday at Murrieta’s Well and experience, “In The Vines: Sustainability Vineyard Hike & Falcon Presentation” from 11:00 am-1:00 PM and immerse yourself in a unique, educational experience as we hike through Livermore Valley’s Certified Sustainable Sachau vineyard. Throughout the hike you will learn and see some of the sustainable practices that both Wente Vineyards and Murrieta’s Well employ. As your hike peak’s you will be brought to a spectacular view of the Livermore Valley and meet a professional Falconer who works sunrise to sunset throughout harvest. Once the hike and presentation are complete, you will complete your experience with a flatbread lunch and wine tasting at Murrieta’s Well. 

Next head over to McGrail Vineyards from 4:00 PM-6:00 PM for “Livermore Valley’s Signature Tasting” with participating wineries: McGrail Vineyards & Winery, The Steven Kent Winery, Fenestra Winery, Wente Vineyards, Garré Vineyard & Winery, Darcie Kent Estate Winery, Bent Creek Winery, Cellar 13 Winery, Nottingham Cellars, Cuda Ridge Wines, 3 Steves Winery, and Charles R Vineyards. Join us for Livermore Valley’s Signature tasting featuring numerous prestigious Livermore Valley wineries pouring their best Sauvignon Blanc, Cabernet Francs, and Cabernet Sauvignons. 

 

End your Saturday at Darcie Kent Vineyards for the “The Smoke & Oak Soirée” at 7:00 PM. Wine Country has partnered with Zephyr Grill & Bar and a local cigar shop to provide a great meal paired alongside the best cigars in the region. Dinner will be held outdoors on the terrace & green with panoramic views of the Livermore Valley. Your experience will include 4 wines, 2 cigars, a 4-course meal, and live entertainment, all accompanied and guided by winemakers, sommeliers, cigar specialists, and winery ambassadors. We ask that you help transport us back to when smoking was allowed in the dining room by dressing to impress! Think James Bond Casino Royale, without the vespers, but the vino will be bountiful. Help us set the stage for the Livermore Valley’s biggest weekend in wine country, and join us for this once-a-year premiere dining experience.

Wake up on Sunday and get ready for an adventure filled day exploring the beautiful Livermore Valley. Start with “A Morning With the Winemakers: Wine-Paired Brunch” from 10:30 AM- 12:30 PM. Three beautiful wines from Omega Road Winery, Longevity Wines,and 3 Steves Winery,  served by the winemaker. Each wine will be paired with an incredible dish, a mimosa bar, fresh fruit, and beautiful pastries. 

Then head over from 1:00-3:00 PM to Purple Orchid Wine Country Resort & Spa for “It Starts in the Vineyard: A Terroir Driven Comparative Tasting”. Livermore Valley is capable of growing world-class Cabernet Sauvignon with discernable qualities. We will taste and compare Cabernet Sauvignon from Livermore Valley, Saint Helena, and Atlas Peak and discuss the nuances of each region with our friends at Nottingham Cellars. 

 

The perfect ending to your TASTE weekend is at “Community Table Wine Down” from 4-6:00 PM, the ultimate industry event for our beloved Livermore Valley wine region! As the perfect closing event after a weekend full of festivities, “Wine-Down” is your chance to come together with fellow wine enthusiasts to celebrate our region and each other. Join us at Locanda Wine Bar, located in the heart of downtown Livermore, and enjoy small bites while tasting wine from Garré Vineyard & Winery, McGrail Vineyards & Winery, The Steven Kent Winery, Darcie Kent Estate Winery, and Almost Famous Wine Company. Get ready to raise a glass and toast to all the memories we’ve made and the ones yet to come while appreciating the unique terroir that binds our community and brings our wines to life.

We are literally counting the days and cannot wait to give you a little TASTE of Livermore Valley. As you can see, there is an event for all tastes and interests. Get your tickets today before your favorite event sells out, and be sure to book your hotel stay at one of our lovely hotels- https://www.lvwine.org/where-to-stay.php. We are certain that after a weekend in the Livermore Valley Wine Country, it will become your go to destination. See you soon. Cheers!