Livermore Valley wine country - well worth a visit

The history

Named after 18th-century landowner Robert Livermore, Livermore Valley became part of the AVA (American Viticultural Area) in 1982. However, vines have been planted and grown there since the region was discovered.

Already in the late 18th century, settlers from England, Germany, Italy, France, and Spain realized the wine-growing potential of the soil, and vines from famous and prestigious areas like Margeaux and Château d'Yquem were planted.

This makes it one of the oldest wine regions in the U.S, and today, Livermore Valley wine country covers around 96,000 acres.

Today, there are over 50 wineries, 42 wine tasting rooms, and 17 vineyards in the Livermore Valley, and many of them date back to the very beginning. Some of them even managed to survive the Prohibition period by supplying the church with sacramental wine.

The German influence

Just like in the region of Champagne in France, the Germans have played a significant role in the origin of Livermore Valley wine. Consider some of the following names: Bollinger, Krug, Deutz, and Heidsieck. All of these are renowned Champagne brands but with a German heritage.

Furthermore, one of the oldest and famous family-owned wineries in Livermore, California, has German heritage through and through.

Wente Family Vineyards is the most celebrated, famous, and expansive winery in Livermore, and it originates from a German winemaker.

Fun wine fact: Wente Family Vineyard is the only certified sustainable vineyard in Livermore Valley and is today run by the fifth generation of winegrowers.

His name was C. H. Wente, and in the late 18th century, he learned how to make wine from another German, Charles Krug (though it isn't the same person as Krug Champagne).

Charles Krug also has a winery in St. Helena in Napa Valley, which is one of the oldest wineries in California. Established in 1861, it is still active today and is now owned by the Mondavi family.

Other notable wineries

Wente Vineyard isn't the only winery worth mentioning or visiting. Murrieta's Well is named after a bandit from the Gold Rush period and was established in 1884.

Founder Louis Mel was among the first to plant grapes from Chateau d’Yquem and Chateau Margaux, and today the winery also makes wine from the national, Spanish grape, Tempranillo, and Portuguese varieties like Touriga Nacional (classic red wine grape used to make port) and Souzao.

Cuda Ridge Wines is one of the younger wineries in Livermore Valley. It was wounded in 2007 and has perhaps the smallest yet cosiest tasting room in Livermore Valley. Founders Larry and Margie Dino are often helping out at the wine bar themselves, and they are the brains behind the classic Tuscan combination of Sangiovese and Merlot, which can't be found anywhere else in California.

At Darcie Kent Vineyards, established in 1996, fifth and sixth generation winemakers produce some of the most unique craft of Livermore, California wine. In perhaps the most beautiful tasting room in Livermore Valley, they serve a still and sparkling version of Grüner Veltliner and the relatively rare, in Livermore at least, Pinot Noir.

For historic vineyards, Bordeaux inspiration, and one of the largest tasting rooms in Livermore, Concannon Vineyard is also worth exploring. Vines of Cabernet Sauvignon from Château Margeaux, Bordeaux, today make up approximately 80 % of Cabernet Sauvignon grown in California.

Geography, climate, and terroir

San Francisco Bay plays an important part in the climate of the Livermore wine. Distancing the wine region from the coolness of the Pacific Ocean, it still provides a cool and natural sea breeze, which complements the warm days and cool nights.

The climate of Livermore Valley is like that of the Mediterranean, which makes it ideal for growing wine grapes. This also means that it is warmer than the wine regions closer to the Pacific, like Sonoma Coast and Santa Barbara, and cooler than the regions more inland, like Napa Valley and Paso Robles.

The combination of sloping hillsides, morning fog, and warm temperatures makes for ideal conditions for the Chardonnay grape and allows the Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot to reach full maturity.

The temperature effect

Contrary to what many may think, not all of California is sunshine and warmth. The Pacific Ocean contributes a huge amount of cold marine winds, which influence the wine as well as the landscapes. For instance, though located in the Sunshine State, many can probably picture the Golden Gate Bridge covered in fog as a result of the maritime winds.

Fun history fact: American author Mark Twain once said, "The coldest winter I ever spent was a summer in San Francisco." But to be fair, Mark Twain was born in Florida, so perhaps he was accustomed to warmer weather.

In the Livermore Valley wine country, temperatures average no more than 23 degrees Celsius (73 degrees Fahrenheit), with the average low reaching 7 degrees Celsius (45 degrees Fahrenheit).

However, summer temperatures as high as 38 degrees Celsius (100 degrees Fahrenheit) have been recorded, while the lowest measurement showed –7 degrees Celsius (19 degrees Fahrenheit).

Warmed by the Californian sun and chilled by the combination of cool nights and the San Francisco Bay, this makes for ideal conditions for mature grapes with a balanced acidity.

Despite the dusty and almost desert-like landscape, white- and red wine grapes alike have flourished in this region. Especially Sauvignon Blanc, which comes from vines going back as long as 1860, thrives in this unique terroir of dry soil, giving it a distinctly dry, crisp, and warm expression.

Wine grapes

The Livermore Valley wine country is home to more than 50 different wine grapes, including some of the most famous and popular grapes both in the U.S. and in Europe. Here you will find everything from the classic reds and whites like Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Zinfandel, Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc, and Viognier.

But California wine from Livermore is more than just your classic wine grapes. You will also stumble upon ingenious varieties and interpretations of less international and more national grapes like Grüner Veltliner (Austria), Riesling (Germany), Sangiovese (Italy), and Tempranillo (Spain).

In a way, it makes sense and has a natural and poetic equilibrium to it. The nationalities of these grapes follow that of the people who discovered Livermore all those years ago, thus creating a circle of life within the world of wine.

The golden oldies and their relatives

Apart from Sauvignon Blanc, Cabernet Sauvignon and Chardonnay date back as far as the late 18th century, and today they make up more than 75 % of the Cabernet Sauvignon and Chardonnay made in California.

Pinot Noir can also be found, but it is not as widely grown or sought after as it is in other wine regions, such as Napa Valley, Sonoma County, or Santa Barbara.

Cabernet Sauvignon dominates Livermore Valley wine country with bold blackberry flavors and a hint of eucalyptus, which are less potent than in Napa and more elegant than in Bordeaux.

Chardonnay, with roots in the famous Wente Clone, shines with crisp apple and citrus notes, fruitier than Burgundy but fresher than Sonoma.

Sauvignon Blanc keeps it light and zesty and is not as intense as New Zealand’s, but softer and smoother than Sauvignon Blanc found in the Loire Valley.

Petite Sirah is a Livermore favorite, packing deep plum and pepper vibes that are richer than in France but more balanced than in Lodi.

Zinfandel brings jammy berry goodness with spice, but less intense than Sonoma’s Dry Creek.

Rhône grapes like Syrah and Grenache offer dark fruit and savory notes, which are fruitier than in Northern Rhône, and the Italian variety of Sangiovese leans riper and fuller than its Tuscan original.

Livermore wine and dine

If you find yourself in Livermore Valley wine country, there is plenty of local cuisine to explore and, of course, some natural wine choices to go with the food. Livermore Valley, California, blends its wine country charm with hearty, rustic cuisine influenced by its agricultural roots and diverse heritage.

Try a Grilled Tri-Tip with Chimichurri, a tribute to California’s ranching history. This juicy, smoky beef pairs beautifully with Cabernet Sauvignon. The wine’s bold blackberry and herby notes complement the meat’s richness and the tangy, herbal sauce, while firm tannins cut through the fat.

Then there’s Roasted Vegetable Polenta, a comforting dish showcasing the valley’s fresh produce. Pair it with Chardonnay, whose crisp apple and citrus flavors enhance the earthy veggies, and subtle oak adds depth to the creamy polenta.

For dessert, go for a Fig and Goat Cheese Tart that reflects the region’s Mediterranean vibe. Sauvignon Blanc, with its zesty citrus and grassy hints, balances the sweet figs and tangy cheese, refreshing the palate.

Leaving Livermore Valley

Livermore Valley wine country offers an abundance of rich history, family-owned wineries, and, most importantly, amazing wine tasting experiences. With its short distance from the San Francisco Bay, it is a must-see and visit for all wine lovers.

Dating back to the 18th century, and with its Mediterranean climate, Livermore Valley is home to some incredible wines with something for the experienced wine enthusiast to the aspiring amateur.

Whether you are looking for a unique wine tasting experience or warm hospitality, the more than 50 family-owned wineries are sure to offer a glass or two to your liking.

The estate-grown grapes include everything from classics (Cabernet Sauvignon, Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc) with a twist, to creative combinations (Tempranillo, Grüner Veltliner, Sangiovese) with traces back to the first California wine.

Many of the family-owned wineries also serve food, allowing you to explore the craft of both food and wine during your visit.

Here's to the next glass of classic, historic, and delicious wine tasting experience in Livermore Valley wine country.