Overview
Thursday, May 21, 2026 (5 - 8pm)
Wente Caves
5050 Arroyo Road
Livermore, CA 94550
Days Until
Chardonnay Underground
Step into history for a night that could only happen in Livermore Valley. Explore inside the iconic caves—the very place where Chardonnay first took root in California in the 1880. This immersive evening celebrates the wine that put our region on the map.
Fourteen Livermore Valley winegrowers will come together to pour their unique expressions of Chardonnay, each one telling a different story of this remarkable grape. From bright and crisp to rich and layered, you’ll explore the full “Chardonnay Rainbow” and discover just how dynamic this varietal can be.
Between tastings, enjoy wood-fired pizzas, pacific tide tacos, and a curated selection of artisanal cheeses from Brandon Wood from The Cheese Parlor (all available for purchase). As the sun sets, live music will fill the tirage barrel room and spill out onto the patios—bringing the entire evening to life.
This isn’t just a tasting—it’s a celebration of legacy. Chardonnay’s journey in North America began right here in 1881, when Charles Wetmore brought cuttings from Meursault to Livermore Valley. The Wente family continued that legacy, developing what would become the renowned Wente Clone—now believed to be the genetic foundation for nearly 75% of all California Chardonnay.
With warm days, cool nights, and coastal fog rolling in from the Pacific, Livermore Valley remains one of the most distinctive places to grow Chardonnay. And on this night, you’ll taste exactly why.
Come experience the past, present, and future of Chardonnay—all in one unforgettable evening.
Participating Wineries:
3 Steves Winery
Almost Famous Wine Company
Concannon Vineyard
Cresta Blanca Wines
Darcie Kent Estate Winery
Del Valle Winery
Fenestra Winery
Garre Vineyard and Winery
McGrail Vineyards and Winery
Murrieta's Well
Pruett Farms Winery
Rosa Fierro Cellars
Wente Family Vineyards
Wood Family Vineyards
