Nestled in the Alameda County of California lays winery gem, Livermore. Originally a railroad town in the 1800s, Livermore has grown to be well-known and appreciated for its beautiful vineyards in the south and the delicious wine produced there.
The first wine grapes in the Livermore Valley were planted by Spanish missionaries in the mid-18th century. California pioneers, most famously, Robert Livermore, who the valley is named after, started planting wine grapes in the 1840s.
Today, this region is regarded as the historic home of Californian Chardonnay and is home to over 4,000 acres of vineyards under cultivation. The Livermore Winery region is known for cultivating the fairly rare Petite Serah grape which makes for excellent blends of red. The climate also proves to be perfect for producing various dessert wines such as Merlot and Rhone varieties.
With over 50 wineries in the area, it can be difficult to decide where to start. Below are some of the best Livermore wineries to consider when visiting the iconic valleys of this small city.
Bent Creek Winery
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Nestled upon twelve acres of Livermore’s beautiful countryside rests Bent Creek Winery. With award-winning wines and free wine tastings within a permanent tasting room, you’re bound to have a fruitful wine experience at this well-renowned Livermore CA winery.
Bent Creek’s Cabernet Franc, Sauvignon Blanc and Zindafel bottles are well-appreciated for their fine taste and quality. Enjoy trying them out whilst observing the beautiful countryside and taking a relaxed meander through the beautiful vineyards here. Another option is to take one of the tours of the vineyards that Bent Creek offers and relish learning about the fascinating art of winemaking.
Wente Vineyards
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Wente Vineyards is one of Livermore’s most well-established wineries with the history behind it dating back to over 130 years ago. Wente Vineyards has plenty to offer to visitors. You can enjoy three different types of tasting options over at the Wente tasting lounge which offers culinary delights as well as fine wine and exquisite views of the Livermore countryside.
These tastings range between 30$ and 85$ so be sure to check their website in order to know which tasting package is best for you. You can also enjoy Wente’s classic vineyard concerts, wine tours and even golfing. Enjoy their impeccable Duetto Cabernet Sauvignon Blanc and their iconic DEGREE Pinot Noir whilst checking out this fine establishment.
Wood Family Wineries
Winemakers Rhonda and Michael started experimenting with winemaking in their backyard in the nineties. Now, this passion has escalated into the beautiful Wood Family Winery. Winning numerous awards for their Merlot, red blend bottle and Chardonnay, the family’s passion project has turned into something that everybody can delight in.
You can enjoy wine tasting on the property nestled in the heart of Livermore at around $20 per person. The vibrant establishment also offers multiple events which are fun to attend whilst sipping on a fine wine – open mic evenings and outdoor acoustic concerts make for a wholesome, relaxed wine-indulging experience in Livermore.
Concannon Vineyard
One of the most historic and well-established Livermore CA wineries is Concannon Vineyard. Beginning in the eighties, the Concannon story has now spanned four generations of passionate winemakers. The Concannon family makes an effort to preserve the elegant foundations of the past whilst still engaging with current wine industry trends and the ever-changing nature of today’s times.
You can enjoy an indoor or an outdoor wine tasting experience at this establishment, costing only $25 per person. You can also enjoy private tours of the property and the eloquent vineyards which reside on it. Indulge in the distinct notes of Concannon’s Cabernet Sauvignon Blanc and their well renowned unique Heritage Petite Serah blends.
Availability at Concannon Vineyards can be scarce as this is one of the best wineries in Livermore, so make sure to book in advance!
Garre Vineyard And Winery
Looking for an incredible dining experience to accompany your wine endeavours in Livermore? Garre Vineyard and Winery is a great option for you!
Surrounded by the idyllic scenery of the historic Livermore Valley Wine Country, Garré Vineyard & Winery offers the beautiful natural backdrop of countryside vineyard views to enjoy whilst tasting wines, food or enjoying a special event at one of the venues the establishment has to offer for celebrations galore. Garre Cafe also offers delicious Mediterranean inspired Californian cuisine for the whole family to feast upon.
The winery’s tasting rooms open daily at 11am and you can choose to either opt for an indoor or outdoor tasting experience. During which, you’ll be able to taste The Garre Merlot, their exclusive Profound Secret blend and delicious dessert wines like their Red Velvet Port.
Cedar Mountain Winery
Cedar Mountain Winery offers a unique Livermore CA winery experience as owners Earl and Linda show off their artistic talents as well as their award-winning wines on this beautiful establishment. Stroll through the property and enjoy gazing at different sculptures and paintings whilst also being able to gander at idyllic vineyard scenery.
During the weekend, wine tasting is offered, and you can indulge in trying distinct bottles like the Cedar Mountain duet of Thatcher Bay Cabernet and Merlot. You can also enjoy trying out the Cedar Mountain special reserve wines such as the Primitivo Zinfandel which contains notes of classic Livermore Valley spices. You can also indulge in the elegant cuisine served to visitors on the property.
Retzlaff Vineyards
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The Retzlaff Vineyard and winery is another favourite spot in Livermore for all wine lovers to enjoy. Their cellar master wine tasting is $20 per person, there you can relish in the delicious speciality wines served like the Port Estate Cabernet Sauvignon Blanc or a classic Californian sparkling wine made with the finest grapes of the valley. Retzlaff also offers wholesome wine picnic packages for visitors to enjoy with picnic space reservations only costing 5$. There, you can enjoy the wine you have chosen amongst the beautiful greenery.
Often Retzlaff Vineyards has live music in the outdoor area to further add to the beautiful ambience of this location.
These are our picks for the best wineries in Livermore, so if you’re in the area, we suggest you pay some (or all!) of them a visit.