Livermore Valley, California

Let’s head just 45 minutes east of San Francisco’s Golden Gate Bridge to Alameda County and the eastern edge of the San Francisco Bay to the vineyards of Livermore Valley. This intriguing wine region has a long history but for many it’s a hidden gem! Here’s our Platinum List of what to experience.

For More Info

Visit the Platinum List honorees' websites and these other helpful resources:

lvwine.org
visittrivalley.com
touringandtasting.com

Family-Owned Favorites

Wente Vineyards

Wente Vineyards was founded 130 years ago. As the country’s oldest, continuously operated family-owned winery, Wente remains a leader in California wine growing under ownership and management by the family’s fourth and fifth generations.

Fenestra Winery

When the Replogle family founded their winery on the historic Ruby Hill property in 1980, they hauled away trash and strengthened the building. Today Fenestra is celebrated as Livermore Valley’s first boutique winery.

Wood Family Vineyards

Rhonda and Michael Wood work tirelessly to demonstrate the quality of Livermore Valley soils and wines. They sell out quickly, and we recommend making an appointment in advance to visit and taste.

Cuda Ridge Wines

Owned, operated, and frequented by family and friends, Cuda Ridge was founded by Larry and Margie Dino. This is a great winery to know now because it’s growing in production each year.

The Steven Kent Winery

Steven Kent Mirassou is a sixth-generation member of the esteemed Mirassou winemaking family. He founded The Steven Kent Winery with a mission to demonstrate the full potential of the Livermore Valley as a winegrowing region for world-class Cabernet.

Mitchell Katz Winery

From the beginning, Mitchel Katz Winery has been a family affair. It was founded in 1998 in memory of Mitch’s grandfather, who was a home winemaker.

Epic Events

Livermore Wine Trolley

This tour company opens many fun events such as the Corks & Canvas Wine Tour. Guests enjoy lunch, wine tasting at two wineries, and a painting class in downtown Livermore.

Retzlaff Vineyards and Estate Winery

The remote grounds nestled among ancient pepper trees and sprawling vineyards are peaceful and serene. They set the stage for the frequent fabulous weddings and parties that take place here.

McGrail Vineyards and Winery

Imaginative events such as yoga in the barrel room, put McGrail on our radar. Educational seminars include aroma bars and taste-offs. Wine club releases and library tastings round out the calendar.

Murrieta's Well

This is a beautiful venue in an intimate setting. The winery has an impeccable reputation for fine food and exceptional service. Plus, parties here are just plain fun.

Casa Real at Ruby Hill

A private venue like this is a blank canvas for a special event. Beyond a pristine setting, Casa Real helps create the mood, flow, menu, and most of all, memories.

Exceptional Hospitality

Page Mill Winery

The cozy tasting room makes guests feel like part of the family. So do the regular events such as BYOB Sundays when guests bring empty wine bottles to be refilled with a house blend for very little money.

The Winemakers Studio at Wente

Guests are invited to uncork their inner winemaker in fun and interactive classes. Some classes are seasonal while others are offered all year long. Subjects include wine and cheese pairing, aromatics, and wine blending. There’s more to learn at the tasting bar and self-guided educational stations.

Longevity

This gem of a family-owned and -operated winery has a great dog mascot who has a wine named in his honor. The tasting room is intimate and welcoming.

Las Positas Vineyards

Do it large but keep it small. This attractive winery routinely hosts big weddings and events, but drop-in tasting room guests are as important as a bride and groom.

Big White House

Informal, no frills. This tasting room, adorned with artwork on the walls and not much else, is focused on creating intimate tasting opportunities for their guests.

Impressive Portfolios

NC Collection: Vasco Urbano

Winemaker Collin Cranor’s passion for wine and the history of the Livermore Valley inspired this distinctive portfolio of Rhône blends born from Livermore Valley grapes. Vasco Urbano Loureiro was an itinerant artist who spent time in the region in the early 1900s.

Ehrenberg Cellars

Besides fine Zinfandel, Cabernet Sauvignon, Petite Sirah, Barbera, and Pinot Grigio, Ehrenberg Cellars produces fun blends called Swirl for everyday drinking. They feature low price points and labels designed by the daughter of Winemaker Chris Ehrenberg.

Garré Vineyard & Winery

If we were to list them alphabetically, we’d start with Cabernet Franc and end with Touriga. But that’s just the varietals. This list also includes several nice blends such as Nonna’s Reserve and a sumptuous Port wine.

Occasio Winery

You’ll have to trust us on this one. Production at Occasio is so small lot, specific vintages can’t be publicized. But there is an obvious trend here. Watch for future vintages of Telos, Syrah, and Merlot.

Dante Robere Vineyards

This prolific portfolio runs the gamut from a toasty and buttery Chardonnay to a slightly floral Mourvèdre to a full-bodied Grenache to a dense and oaky spiced Cabernet Sauvignon. As a bonus, there’s Three Seller Rats, a superb blend of Zinfandel, Carignane, Touriga, and Syrah.

Pat Paulsen Vineyards

Let’s start with the American gothic wines, described as dry and earthy, more subdued, and in the realm of classic European wines. Fast forward to the Cabernet Sauvignon—rich with varietal fruit.

Les Chenes Estate

This winery made it to our list not only for its portfolio, but also its mustards, which include Sesame, Raspberry Jalapeno, and Primitivo d’Orange. They pair beautifully in recipes with the wines, which include Pinot Noir and Syrah.

5 Primo Places to Stay

Hilton Garden Inn Livermore

Providing a nice ambience, and considerate amenities. Featuring 97 rooms & suites, hot breakfast, free wireless access, indoor swimming pool, 24-hour business center

Hampton Inn Livermore

A nicely appointed hotel with signature amenities and a comfortable feeling in Livermore Valley wine country. Featuring 79 rooms, complimentary hot breakfast, Hampton bedding, free internet access, fitness center

The Rose Hotel

A perfectly decorated European-style boutique hotel in downtown Pleasanton with friendly staff and a great location. Featuring 38 rooms & suites, complimentary breakfast, fitness facilities, free wireless access, organic bath products

Purple Orchid Inn Resort & Spa

A striking destination in a peaceful and tranquil setting with tastefully appointed suites and splendid views. Featuring 10 rooms & suites, complimentary hot breakfast, spa, a swimming pool, and rose garden

Hawthorn Suites by Wyndham Livermore

Offering a wine savvy staff, and many creature comforts. Featuring 62 suites, complimentary breakfast, kitchenettes, private balconies, and spa tubs

Concannon Vineyard