Wine Tasting in Livermore Valley: Part 3

I’m was back in Livermore Valley last week. You guys I seriously love this little Wine Country. I say little, but really it’s not. It’s such a growing area and I have been having so much fun exploring the different wineries. Wine tasting in Livermore Valley is such a fun experience. If you’re headed into The Bay Area you should add it to your list of things to do, as it’s just a day trip away.

This time we went to Rios-Lovell Estate, Crooked Vine and Steven Kent. These places are all different and unique in their own ways. I normally head to my wine tastings with my wine-loving nursing friends, but this month I brought along one of my local blogging besties, Ana. She is so cute, keeps is real and shares so many affordable fashion finds (one of the reasons I love following her!). Anyway, we had so much fun, it was such a beautiful day and enjoyed our time in the Livermore Valley. Below is a look at my experience at each winery, the wines we tasted and what wines ultimately made it home with me!

Rios-Lovell Estate

You guys, this is such a cute place and is definitely a must add to your list. We started our day here and took a tour of grounds. I have to say, it is so beautiful. If you’re looking for a place to have wedding, rehearsal dinner or any event, this would be gorgeous. I’m now trying to talk James into a Vow Renewal, haha!! You’ll find so many perfect spots, from the gazebo for a ceremony or small luncheon to the grassy lawn under rows of string lights (how pretty would this be at night?!). There is also the cutest little area that reminded me of a little side street in Europe, like a French Bistro.

After our tour we went to the tasting room, where we tasted wines with the winemaker. I always love chatting with winemakers because I always learn so much and grow my knowledge on tasting and expanding my palette! We were able to taste all of their white, reds and a couple of the ports. I walked away with several bottles here…Yep, they we that good. Here is what I bought: Estate Zinfandel, Estate Sangiovese, Petite Sirah, Estate Chardonnay/Viognier 50:50, Estate Chardonnay and the Reserve Zinfandel Port.

Good News: my friends here at Rios-Lovell will give you an extra wine to taste if you mention my blog post!! WooHoo

Crooked Vines

This was a such cute spot. There is a great patio right out front you could sit with a snack, glass of wine and hang out with friends or your significant other. You could also enjoy your tasting out in the Gardens Courtyard. This is such a beautiful spot. You can hangout at the cafe tables, or bring a picnic blanket and sit out in the grassy area. This is another one of those destinations that would be great for a wedding or big event. The grounds are beautiful and so are the views of the vineyards.

The wines were good. We started off with their sparkling wine and then had the Rose. These are both great options, especially leading into Summer. I could see myself making a cheese plate and opening up one of these for an afternoon on the patio. Here is a look at what I bought: Stony Ridge Petite Sirah, Stony Ridge Touriga, Crooked Vine Cabernet Franc and the Stony Ridge Port.

Steven Kent

This is such a charming place. When you walk into the tasting room you feel as though you are in a wine cave or barrel room. As you walk in you pay for your tasting up front, then head to one of the tables. Then you have a wine tasting host that will guide you through the tasting. It’s nice to have some one on one time with the person pouring your wine. It gives you a chance to learn more about the winery and the wines you are tasting.

Also available is a great patio. After our tasting we decided to share a glass of wine, sit up on the patio and just enjoy the beautiful afternoon.  Steven Kent was a great spot to end the day. We ended up purchasing the Lineage, this is one of the reserve wines that’s only available by club or by tasting in their Reserve Room.

Another day well spent in the Livermore Valley. If you want to check out other wineries I have visited check out this post and this post. There are so many great places to taste wine here and is definitely a Wine Country worth checking out. If you have any questions and want help planning your trip please let me know either by commenting below, or feel free to send me an email.

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Thank you so much for stopping by!