Have you ever heard of Livermore, California? Did you know they have a well established wine country? Well, my friends they do. One of California’s oldest wine regions, the Livermore Valley was pivotal in shaping California’s wine industry. The area was the first to bottle varietal labeled Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc and Petite Syrah. Plus, nearly 80% of California’s Chardonnay vines can be traced to a Livermore Valley clone. I have been to a couple of places and the wines are good. Wine tasting in Livermore Valley Wine Country is very different than tasting in the ever popular Napa and Sonoma.
What Makes Livermore, CA Wine Tasting Different
- The wineries are smaller, giving them a more friendly, homey vibe. Staff also tends to
- It’s less commercialized.
- The climate is different, meaning it gets hot, but still gets some breeze from The Bay. This creates a unique flavor with the wines, and I have really enjoyed them
- Less crowded. You have more one on one time with staff to learn more about the wines, vineyard, wine making, or enjoy a nice afternoon sipping wine and enjoying the great weather.
- More places are family friendly. Meaning they have activities to entertain kids, or even start a family game.
Livermore is less than an hour East of San Francisco and about 30-40 minutes Southeast of us, so it makes the perfect day trip. Actually, one of the things I love about the are is my favorite outlet mall, San Francisco Premium Outlets, is in the area too. So, what we have done lately when my in-laws come to town is the girls shop for a bit while the guys stay at the playground with the kids. Then, we head to one of the wineries to try some wine and relax. Here is a look at a couple of places we’ve visited so far.
Murrieta’s Well
This is the first place we stopped into. You guys this place is so pretty. From the beautiful event space to the amazing patio and landscaping. It truly is a serine and peaceful place, not to mention the views and some of the vines are planted right on the property. This place is family friendly, with bean bags and a space for running around/setting up a picnic its a great place to spend an afternoon. The wines are good and easy to drink. We ended up purchasing the The Whip and The Spur, both of their red and white blends. Note the tasting fee is $25 and they are appointment only, so be sure to call ahead before planning your trip.
McGrail Vineyard and Winery
McGrail is so pretty. It has that true California feel with the beautiful palm trees and sweeping hillside views. The tasting room is so pretty and sits within their estate vineyard. We actually did the Vineyard and Winery Tour and it was so fun! I loved walking around the near the vines and seeing the production and barrel room, then ending at a table on the patio to finish out the tasting.
We were there on a Saturday afternoon. The weather was perfect, there was live music on the patio and there were fun activities for the kids. They have the bag toss, over-sized blocks and Bocce Ball. So on to the wine. You guys it was so good we ended up buying several and have already enjoyed a couple of bottles. The wines are also affordable, which is always nice to find. Here is what we bought: Kylie Ryan Rose, Charlie Ray Chardonnay (guys I’m normally a no-go on Chards and this one was my choice to buy! It’s so crisp and not overly buttery like so many CA chards are!), Shamus Patrick Red Blend and A Jo Elet Cabernet Sauvignon.
I can’t wait to continue to explore an do more wine tasting in Livermore Valley Wine Country. Have you ever been to any wineries there? If so which are your favorites? If not, have you heard of any you’d love for me to check out and review?
Thanks so much for stopping by! Hope you have a wonderful week!
__________ SHOP THE POST __________
This looks really fun. The place is really beautiful too.
Jessica | notjessfashion.com
This definitely sounds like the perfect way to spend a day and I love that the vineyards here are smaller and definitely more family oriented. My husband and I like to include the children in as many activities as possible so this is definitely on our list!
This place looks so beautiful! I’d love to visit there! I love wine!
I had no idea there was a winery in Livermore! I’ll have to check it out! Thanks for sharing
I grew up in a Vineyard area and I know how beautiful it is, how exiting to go and share it with the families around. I still remember the smell of when they actually make the wine. So many good memories
Like I told you in a previous post, I don’t drink, but the scenery alone is enough to make me go and enjoy the beauty of it. Besides, I can taste wine, just don’t drink it 🙂 So take me for a spin sometime! 🙂
Thomas xx
This place looks so cool! Haven’t been to this part of California but if its anything like Sydney’s wine country I know it must be incredible! These even look like cool places to get married!
https://www.bunnybernice.com/single-post/2017/11/18/Crucial-Things-To-Pack-For-A-Holiday
What a gorgeous location! I have never been in California but this place is legit so stunning! and you look amazing as well.
I cant wait to go
xxxx
http://www.thenewgirl.me
My parents own a vacation home in Kelowna (in Canada) and that is wine country here. I love nothing more than heading out to different wineries to taste wines, it’s always such a fun experience and wineries are so beautiful! I’m definitely going to have to check out Livermore next time I’m in California. Thanks for sharing!
xox
http://www.kirstenwendlandt.com
I’ve never been to California and this place looks so wonderful! LOVE the sense of community here 🙂
Tatyana x
LAFOTKA
I appreciate wine, but I’ve never been on a wine tasting tour. I’ve always dreamed of going wine tasting in California, and this tour looks very well organised! Thank you for sharing your experience! Love, Valeria
I have to say… it looks like a whole lot of fun. I am sure u enjoyed that adventure and cannot wait to see more