Come Visit: Spaniard Missionaries Brought Winemaking to this Region 200 Years Ago

travel

Come Visit: Spaniard Missionaries Brought Winemaking to this Region 200 Years Ago
Just east of San Francisco rests Livermore Valley, a jewel of a winemaking region with a rich California history.
BY TOURING & TASTING

Photos courtesy of the Nottingham Cellars
The wine history in the Livermore region goes back more than 200 years.

“ Now, over 200 years later, the region has 40 functioning wineries, with over 5,000 acres of vineyards.”

Nestled an hour east of San Francisco, the Livermore Valley is one of California’s oldest wine growing regions. Surrounded by lush vineyards, picturesque hills and quaint suburbs, the Livermore Valley has a rich history of wine making. Fifth generation winemakers, new winemakers and vineyardists all work in unison to usher the Livermore wine region into a new era of wine renaissance.

The region’s earliest history of winemaking began in the late 18th century, as Spanish missionaries planted and tended to the first Livermore Valley vineyards. Now, over 200 years later, the region has 40 functioning wineries, with over 5,000 acres of vineyards. These wineries range in size, from small, intimate 100-case wine growers, to the large, bustling 400,000-case heavyweights.

In addition to the welcoming and award-winning tasting rooms, the Livermore Valley has a wide array of activities for wine lovers and tourists of all kinds. There is an assortment of restaurants, ranging from fresh-seafood at Scott’s Restaurant to authentic Italian food at Terra Mia Cucina Italiana. Specialty wine shops, upscale retail outlets and beautiful country clubs guarantee that there will always be something to do in the Livermore Valley.

Insider Tips

Wineries for Events
Garre Winery & Bella Rosa
Las Positas Vineyards
Page Mill Winery

Tasting Rooms of Note
BoaVentura de Caires Winery
Darci Kent Winey
Fenestra Winery
Mitchell Katz Winery
Nottingham Cellars
Steven Kent Winery

Cool Spots:
The Bridges Golf Club
Lake Del Valle
Lawerence Livermore National Laboratory Discovery Center
Livermore Premium Outlets
Swirl Wine and Tapas Bar
Vine Cinema and Alehouse
The Winemakers Studio at Wente Vineyards

Craft Breweries & Distilleries:
Altamont Beer Works
Sutherland Distilling Company
Visit Tri-Valley Beer Trail
Working Man Brewing Company

Featured Wineries

Cedar Mountain Winery & Port Works
Combining a passion for winemaking with its owners’ creative endeavors in wine, food, and art, Cedar Mountain Winery & Port Works specializes in handcrafted small-lot table wines and ports produced from Livermore Valley grapes.

Garré Winery & Bella Rosa
In the heart of Livermore Valley, Garré Vineyard & Winery warmly welcomes guests with wonderful wines and genuine family hospitality.

Las Positas Vineyards
Founded by Lisa and Lothar Maier in 2006, Las Positas Vineyards produces small-lot, estate-grown wines of exceptional character.

Nottingham Cellars
It’s evident that this passionate family-owned and operated winery will be exponential in writing the next chapter in the history of Livermore Valley wine.

The NC Collection: Vasco Urbano Wine Collection
With the conviction that the Livermore Valley’s unique terroir is ideal for growing Rhône varieties, familyowned Nottingham Cellars launched Vasco Urbano Wine Company in November 2014 to showcase a distinctive portfolio of Rhône-inspired wines.

The Steven Kent Winery
Winemaker Steven Kent Mirassou’s Lineage is the realization of his personal mission: to create one of the best single Bordeaux-style wines—not just in Livermore Valley—but in the entire world.

Wente Vineyards
Wente Vineyards is the oldest continuously operated family-owned winery in the United States. From its earliest years, it has also been a leader in the world of wine, maintaining a global vision for quality and integrity in every aspect of the wine industry.

Winemakers Studio at Wente Vineyards
Wente invites guests to engage in hands-on, interactive, and educational winemaking and grape-growing fun at The Winemakers Studio.

Featured Hotels & Resorts

Courtyard by Marriott Livermore
Locally owned and operated since the Livermore hotel was built in 1999, Courtyard by Marriott Livermore features 121 guest rooms and suites, several with large, in-room whirlpool spas.

Hawthorn Suites by Wyndham Livermore
The gracious extended-stay hotel is located in a prime spot just a mile north of downtown Livermore, with easy proximity to Livermore Valley wine country.

Hilton Garden Inn Livermore
Technologically advanced with all the comforts of home, Hilton Garden Inn Livermore offers 97 guest rooms and suites, some with whirlpools and fireplaces.

Hyatt Place Dublin/Pleasanton
Never settle for anything less than Hyatt Place.

Marriott Pleasanton
Offering luxurious rooms that serve as an oasis after a day of wine touring, Marriott Pleasanton provides an ideal blend of amenities: ultra-comfortable bedding, high-speed Internet, and flat screen TVs.

The Purple Orchid Wine Country Resort & Spa
Set in the hillsides of Livermore Valley, the Purple Orchid Resort and Spa offers ten beautifully appointed guest suites, each with a fireplace and Jacuzzi tub.

Other Notable Businesses

Tri-Valley Conservancy
Tri-Valley Conservancy strives to preserve its legacy.

Sterling Horse & Carriage Co.
Spark some romance or make a special memory with friends and family as a horse-drawn carriage takes you on an enchanting tour in Livermore wine country.

We Olive Walnut Creek
Dedicated to informing and delighting guests with the benefits and deliciousness of California olive oil, We Olive offers an unforgettable olive oil experience.

Contact
620 Trancas Street
Napa, CA 94558

Phone: 707-224-2211
Email: info@ElevenElevenWines.com
Website: elevenelevenwines.com

Tasting Room: Mon. - Closed; Tue. - Sun. 9AM to 5PM

Touring & Tasting is a media company that produces a wine and travel magazine and is also partner in the Hitched Wine Club.

Pin It

Connect with us: