Livermore Valley Kicks Off Sauvignon Blanc Month - July

Celebrate Sauvignon Blanc! It's July and that's what you do in wine country.

The Livermore Valley, historically known for the grape, is  home to several wineries that produce Sauvignon Blanc.  Here are a few:
3 Steves Winery
Bent Creek Winery
Charles R. Vineyard
Chouinard Vineyard & Winery
Concannon Vineyard
Crooked Vine

Cuda Ridge Winery

Dante Robere Vineyards

Darcie Kent Vineyards

El Sol

Garré Winery

McGrail Vineyards

Murrieta's Well

Occasio Winery

Page Mill Winery

Retzlaff Vineyards

Ruby Hill Winery

Steven Kent Winery

Wente Vineyards

Westover Winery

White Crane Winery

A Little on the history of the Livermore Valley Wine Country.

Unbeknownst to many, the first international, (read French) Gold Medals (read Grand Prix) awarded to a California wine were from the Livermore Valley. The event was the 1889 International Paris Exposition (about 113 years before the well known judgment at Paris) when Cresta Blanca Winery, owned by Wetmore, submitted a 'dry white wine' for the competition. The wine was composed of Sauvignon Blanc, grown on cuttings, that, ironically, originated at Château d'Yquem in southern Bordeaux. Cresta Blanca Winery was designated a California historical landmark in 1957 and is owned by the Wente family. 

Read more about that here. The Forgotten Grand Prize Award.

Europe And US Battle Over .Wine And .Vin Top Level Domain Creation

This week Europe and the US wine industry is in an uproar.  In London this week is an ICANN, Internet Corporation for Assigned Names and Numbers, meeting to decide on new Top Level Domain names (TLD).  French minister Axelle Lemaire  sent a letter to ICANN stating that the new TLDs would cause confusion and be misused. Lemaire claimed that the new domain names could weaken identity of beverages such as Champagne which can only be called Champagne if produced in the Champagne region of France.  There are also claims that ICANN is doing this to make money as it will cause a burden on companies as they will be compelled to buy up the related TLDs to protect their brands. More than 80 companies petitioned the US Department of Commerce, saying that the plans would cause "excessive cost and harm to brand owners". Stay tuned for the results of this meeting.
Associated meeting documents:
LONDON – GAC Meeting: New gTLDs - Board Responses to ...
http://london50.icann.org/en/schedule/sat-gac-safeguard-new-gtld/transcript-gac-safeguard-new-gtld-21jun14-en.pdf

Lost in in the Livermore Valley Wine Country

Recently, a new map has appeared in the Livermore Valley Wine Country.  The Livermore Valley Wine Map And Visitor Guide.

 

They show 44 wineries on their map and Website. Then there is the Wine Grower's Association with 43 wineries on their maps and Website.

 

The there is the Livermore Wine App with 55 wineries listed. 

 

Plus a few more other Apps and Websites.

The problem is there are more than 60 wineries in the Livermore Valley Wine County. 

The  Livermore Valley Wine Map and Website and the Wine Grower's Association Website and Maps will only show those that have a membership or buy into the map. The Livermore Valley Wine App has a lot of incorrect information on the varies wineries as well not listing all of the wineries. 

For a better map source you can use Wine Country This Week. However they show only 54 wineries. The local paper The Independent News in their hard copy IN magazine shows 50 wineries. For a local newspaper they could do better.

As for the other Websites and Apps, there are too many to list. They could do a better job at being accurate on listing the wineries and each winery's specific information.

My suggestion is to find a Livermore Winery  you want to visit then ask them what other wineries you should visit in the Livermore Valley Wine Country.

The Drought And Your Wine Cellar.

Time to address the historical drought in California and how it will effect the wine industry and the
2014 vintage.  

While the 2013 vintage will be a great year for wine, 2104 will be a different story.  

Vineyards don't need a lot of water to survive, although the lack of rain and continued sunny weather could eventually affect the crop. Winemakers said they would prune heavily and thin to keep the crop at a minimum, focusing on ripening whatever crop they have at the expense of volume. All they can do for now is manage what little water they have and pray for rain.   While dry farming is great for some varietals such as Pinot Noir, other varietals need a bit more water. 

Per the California Plant and Soil Conference attendees, "salinity and scarcity of water make the soil toxic and current crops can not survive." 

Some vineyards are so concerned they have fallen back on old not so scientific method of finding water. Dowsing or Water Witches who use "diving rods" to find water. Rods are made of copper or wood and can detect water deep in the ground.  Folklore has it that this happens by natural energy. This could be a reach and/or desperation.  

While grapes are usually the topic here. I need to mention that this drought will effect all produce.  Prices will rise not only on wine but produce on a whole will be more expensive.  There’s going to be several million tons of production that will be lost,” said Winters farmer Bruce Rominger, chairman of the California Tomato Growers Association. “It will be devastating to the industry.”  This means less tomato products on the grocery store shelf.

Lack of rain and with warmer weather Bud Break is earlier this year. This is just as alarming as lack of water for irrigation. The chance of frost is still a possibility.

 

Look for my next article on tech and water.

Livermore winery wins Best of Show at the 2014 San Francisco Chronicle Wine Competition.

 

 
Once again Livermore takes "Best Of Show" 3 Steves Winery with their 2011 Cienega Valley Ancient Vine Zinfandel.  Also taking a Silver for their 2012 Chardonnay and 2011 Cabernet Franc. 
 
 More on Livermore winners at the 2014 San Francisco Chronicle Wine Competition here.

Musical Chairs In The Livermore Valley Wine Country

I'll start with Thomas Coyne Winery.  They completed their move to their new location at 2405 Research Dr., Livermore, CA in October of 2013.  It was unfortunate how this happened as the property owner sold the former location and was not nice about telling Coyne he had to move.

Eckert Estate Winery moved from Arroyo Rd to 5963 Graham Court, Suite D, Livermore, CA.  The former location on Arroyo Rd., has a new owner. The new owner was willing to make upgrades and

in doing so gave way to a new location for Cuda Ridge Winery.
 

3 Steve's Winery offer for the White Crane Winery was not accepted by the bank.   However they purchased the old Red Feather location and have made a real nice home for themselves.  They moved out of the Swirl location recently.   It does not appear that Red Feather winery has new location at this time.

Looks like White Crane is still hanging on some how. 

Cedar Mountain Winery has moved and is going back to their original plan to make wine for themselves and no longer doing custom crushing.  They have broken ground on their new facility with hopes to be open to the public by harvest of this year. 
 
With Cedar Mountain's move, that gave way for a new location for Darcy Kent Vineyards.

A new Winery has opened in the Livermore Valley.  Caddis Winery opened in December of 2013 and is using Triska's property for production and their tasting room by appointment only. 

  

Mitchell Katz Winery parted ways with Mike Callahan and moved to 2481 Buena Vista Ave. Livermore, CA.  

Callahan moved another one of his wineries into the old Katz location. You can visit Rubino Estates Winery.   at the old Katz location.

A new winery will be opening this May.  Nella Terra  produces Sauvignon Blanc, Viognier and Chardonnay. 


Another notable new winery in 
 Livermore Valley is Enoteca Five. They produce Cabernet Franc and Merlot blends.  They share space at  633 Kalthoff Common, Livemore, CA.  You can find out where to taste their wines on their Website. 
http://www.enoteca5.com

One more very new winery. It's by appointment only. Twining Vines  located at 16851 Cull Canyon Road, Castro Valley, CA. Keith Seibert, owner and caretaker of ten acres at Twining Vine, does not have a tasting room.  He does have a very large Red Barn on the property.  Twining Vine Winery will be producing Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, Sangiovese, Zinfandel, Chardonnay and Sauvignon Blanc. They were approved to open for 12 events a year by the Castro Valley Municipal Advisory Council December 2013.  Not much to see on their Website at this time. http://twiningvine.com

Something new for one of the wineries.  Eckert Estates Winery as delved into the distilled spirits industry. Mike just opened Artisan Spirits and Brandy Works. They are collocated with the winery at 5963 Graham Court, Suite D, Livermore, CA. You can like them on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/ArtisanSpiritsandBrandyWorks

 

2013 Wine Competiton Winners - Livermore Valley

The wineries in the Livermore Valley came out shining bright in the 2013 San Francisco Wine Competition.  Here is the link to the list of medal winners.

http://www.winejudging.com

Livermore Valley Wine Country Rumors - or Maybe not.

Where to begin? 

Tamas Estate label will be consumed by Wente Vineyards. 

Mitchell Katz will be leaving it's current location by the end of the year and may have a location on North Livermore Ave. 

White Crane Winery has a new owner and will undoubtedly have a new name.  The Three Steves will take residency in the White Crane Winery.  I'm sure they will hang shingle with their own name on it.  Some say what goes around comes around.

Cedar Mountain Winery is up for sale.

The original wine country is going through some changes.  Stay tuned.

 

Looks like the Livermore Fireworks committee pulled it off.  They brought  back the Livermore fireworks. They get a high five from me. http://livermorefireworks.org






 The committee named Nottingham Cellars as the featured winery for the event.  Available for purchase was 2011 Chardonnay and a non-vintage red blend, appropriately named Rocket Red.
http://nottinghamcellars.com

I don't normally write about other beverages than wine, however it is worth noting that the new Livermore brewery. The first one since the eighteenth amendment to the constitution in 1920 prohibiting alcohol sales and transport. Altamont Beer Works brewed three beers for this event, Left Coast Session, Shelter IPA, and Birra Bianco. The beer was definitely a hit. http://altamontbeerworks.com

Congratulations to the Livermore Fireworks Committee.

Volunteers in the Livermore Wine Country bring back the Livermore Fireworks

Yes, I normally write about wine.  Today I will still write about wine. Don't let the title fool you.

I recently found out about an offer from an online Livermore coupon company. They are offering a coupon for $12 for $24 to spend at En Garde Winery in the Livermore Valley.
http://localgruv.com/deal/en-garde-winery



En Garde is one of the newest wineries in Livermore. En Garde opened their tasting room late summer of 2011.  They really made a splash at the San Francisco International Wine Competition. They won a Double Gold Medal for their 2007 Cabernet Sauvignon Reserve - Diamond Mountain - Napa Valley.

One of great things about this coupon offer is that a portion of the proceeds go to the LARPD Foundation Livermore Fireworks.


The city of Livermore had to cancel the fireworks last year due to budget constraints. This year a group of committed volunteers have gotten together to raise funds for the fireworks event.  They will have a fundraising event in March.

If you go:
What: Help Bring Back The Livermore Fireworks Fundraiser
When: Thursday, March 22, 2012
Time: 5;30pm - 8:30pm
Where: Robert Livermore Community Center, 4444 East Ave., Livermore, CA
Details: Live acoustic classic rock by Roger Kardinal, wine and beer tasting provided by Little Valley Winery, Thomas Coyne Winery, Wente Vineyards and Sierra Nevada, light appetizers provided by The Winemaker's Pour House, Double Barrel Wine Bar, Flaca's Salsa & Chips and natural desert sweets provided by Gerard'Z Honeybees. Raffle prize drawings consisting of autographed sports memorabilia, diamond jewelry, personal care, Livermore Valley wine, gift cards and more.
For more information:
(925) 290-8295
http://livermorefireworks.org
http://www.facebook.com/Livermorefireworks
http://www.twitter.com/livfireworks
Livermore Area Recreation and Park District Foundation is a 501 (c)(3) non-profit organization Tax ID Number 94-3206650

Concerns in the Livermore Valley Wine Country

Mark Clarin, Livermore Valley winemaker at McGrail Vineyards. Best known for winning the best of class at the San Francisco Chronicle 2012 wine competition for his McGrail 2008 Cabernet Sauvignon, said he is concerned.

Recently Clarin saw water seeping from a fresh cutting on a vine. This is the first sign of vines waking up from their dormant period. Buds could soon follow. This is a concern because it's not March yet and there could still be another freeze. Winter is not declared to be over yet. Jim Ryan, of Concannon Vineyard, has started irrigation. Irrigating now will provide ice crystals to protect the vine from frost.

Napa and Sonoma, unlike the Livermore Valley, will use large fans.  They do not benefit from the winds that the Livermore Valley experiences.

A close watch will be kept on the Livermore Valley vineyards for the next five to six weeks.

Livermore Valley at 2012 San Francisco Chronicle Wine Competition

Thirty Livermore Valley wineries picked up 143 awards!

Here's the list.

RED SWEEPSTAKES WINNER





McGrail Vineyards & Winery
2008 Livermore Valley Cabernet Sauvignon Reserve $36.00


BEST OF CLASS
Cabernet Sauvignon - $25.00 to $29.99
Bent Creek Wines 2009 Livermore Valley. $25.00

Syrah/Shiraz - $40.00 & over
Wente Vineyards 2008 Livermore Valley, Nth Degree. $49.99

Merlot - $20.00 to $24.99
Cuda Ridge Wines 2009 Livermore Valley. $23.00

Rhone Other Varietals & Blends-over $20.00
Thomas Coyne Winery 2009 San Francisco Bay, Reserve, Red Rhone Blend "Quest". $24.00

DOUBLE GOLD MEDAL
Chardonnay - $30.00 to $34.99
Darcie Kent Vineyards 2010 Livermore Valley, De Mayo. $30.00

Merlot - $15.00 to $19.99
Fenestra Winery 2007 Livermore Valley, Thatcher Bay Vineyard. $19.00

Cabernet Sauvignon - $20.00 to $24.99
Page Mill Winery 2008 Livermore Valley. $24.00
Wente Vineyards 2009 Livermore Valley, Charles Wetmore. $24.99

All Other Red Varietals/Blends - up to $19.99
Tamas Estates 2009 Central Coast, Double Decker, Red Blend. $12.99

Port
Bent Creek Wines 2009 Livermore Valley, Zinfandel Port. $23.00
Rios-Lovell Estate Winery NV Livermore Valley, Rios Lovell Estate, Zinfandel Syrah Port. $24.00

GOLD MEDAL
Sauvignon Blanc or Fume - $14.00 to $19.99Sauvignon Blanc or Fume - $14.00 to $19.99
Darcy Kent Vineyards 2010 Monterey, the Rava Black Jack Vineyard - $18.00
Page Mill Winery 2011 Livermore Valley Ghielmetti Vineyard $18.00
Concannon Vineyard 2010 Monterey County Reserve $20.00

Chardonnay - $20.00 to $24.99
Concannon Vineyard 2010 Livermore Valley, Reserve. $20.00

All Other White Varietals and Blends
Fenestra Winery 2010 Lodi, Silvaspoons Vineyard, Verdehlo. $15.00
Fenestra Winery 2010 Livermore Valley, Semonnay $16.00

Zinfandel - $25.00 to $29.99
Charles R. Vineyards 2009 Livermore Valley. $28.00
Wood Family Vineyards 2009 Livermore Valley, Muy Bueno. $28.00

Sangiovese
Tamas Estates 2009 SFBay/Livermore Valley, Riserva. $21.99

Syrah/Shiraz - $20.00 to $24.99
Concannon Vineyard 2009 Livermore Valley, Reserve. $24.99
Fenestra Winery 2007 Livermore Valley, Estate $20.00
Mitchell Katz Winery 2009 Livermore Valley, Abboud Acres, Shiraz. $24.00

Petite Sirah - $20.00 & Over
Concannon Vineyard 2008 Livermore Valley, Captain Joe's Reserve. $30.00

Merlot - $10.00 to $14.99
Wente Vineyards 2009 Livermore Valley, Sandstone. $14.99

Merlot - $40.00 & Over
Wente Vineyards 2007 Livermore Valley, Nth Degree. $54.99

Cabernet Sauvignon - $20.00 to $24.99
Fenestra Winery 2007 Livermore Valley, Thatcher Bay Vineyard. $24.00

Petit Verdot
Thomas Coyne Winery 2008 Lodi, $20.00

Bordeaux Blends - $30.00 to $39.99
Crooked Vine Winery 2009 Livermore Valley, Del Arroyo Vineyards, Moxie. $32.00


SILVER MEDAL
Bordeaux - $20.00 & over
Steven Kent Winery 2010 Livermore Valley, Ghielmetti Vineyard, Lola $20.00

Chardonnay - up to $9.99
Mitchell Katz Winery 2010 Livermore Valley, Shadow Hills. $9.99

Chardonnay - $15.00 to $19.99
Fenestra Winery 2010 Livermore Valley. $18.00
Wente Vineyards 2010 Arroyo Seco, Riva Ranch. $19.99

Chardonnay - $20.00 to $24.99
Charles R Vineyards 2010 Livermore Valley, Sur Lie. $20.00
Stony Ridge Winery 2010 Livermore Valley, Del Arroyo Vineyards. $20.00
Wood Family Vineyards 2010 Livermore Valley, Para Mas Amigas. $22.00

Chardonnay - $30.00 to $34.99
McGrail Vineyards & Winery 2009 Livermore Valley. $30.00

Pinot Gris/Pinot Grigio - Up to $14.99
Concannon Vineyard 2010 Central Coast, Selected Vineyards, Pino Grigio. $9.99
Tamas Estates 2010 Central Coast, Pinot Grigio. $12.99

Zinfandel - up to $19.99
Tamas Estates 2009 Central Coast. $12.99

Sangiovese
Mitchell Katz Winery 2009 Livermore Valley, Crackerbox. $30.00

Syrah/Shiraz - $20.00 to $24.99
Charles R Vineyards 2008 Livermore Valley. $23.00
Mitchell Katz Winery 2009 Livermore Valley, Clarks Corner. $24.00
Wood Family Vineyards 2008 Livermore Valley, Madden Ranch. $24.00

Petite Sirah - Up to $19.99
Concannon Vineyard 2008 Livermore Valley, Conservancy. $14.00
Concannon Vineyard 2009 Central Coast, Selected Vineyards. $9.99

Petite Sirah - $20.00 & Over
Concannon Vineyard 2007 Livermore Valley, Hertiage. $60.00
Crooked Vine Winery 2008 Livermore Valley, Del Arroyo Vineyards. $34.00
Fenestra Winery 2008 Livermore Valley, Ghielmetti Vineyard. $27.00
Mitchell Katz Winery 2008 Livermore Valley, Falling Star. $24.00
Mitchell Katz Winery 2009 Livermore Valley, Clark's Corner. $24.00

Merlot- up to $9.99
Concannon Vineyard 2010 Central Coast, Selected Vineyards. $9.99

Merlot - $10.00 to $14.99
Concannon Vineyard 2008 Livermore Valley, Conservancy. $14.00

Cabernet Sauvignon - up to $14.99
Concannon Vineyard 2010 Central Coast, Selected Vineyards. $9.99
Concannon Vineyard 2010 Livermore Valley, Conservancy. $14.00

Cabernet Sauvignon - $20.00 to $24.99
Harris Tesla Vineyard 2007 Livermore Valley, Harris Tesla. $24.00

Cabernet Sauvignon - $30.00 to $34.99
Cuda Ridge Wines 2009 Livermore Valley. $32.00
Nottingham Cellars 2009 Livermore Valley, Varietal Expressions. $32.00

Cabernet Sauvignon - $40.00 to $49.99
The Steven Kent Winery 2008 Livermore Valley, $45.00

Cabernet Sauvignon - $60.00 & Over
Wente Vineyards 2009 Livermore Valley, Nth Degree. $64.99

Cabernet Franc
Wente Vineyards 2009 Livermore Valley, Small Lot. $34.99

Petit Verdot
Fenestra Winery 2008 Livermore Valley, Ghielmetti Vineyard. $33.00
Murrieta's Well 2008 Livermore Valley, Los Tesoros De Joaquin. $25.00

Bordeaux Blends - $20.00 to $29.99
Kissos 2009 Sonoma County, Sonoma Red, Mayari. $25.00
Murrieta's Well 2009 Livermore Valley, The Spur, Red Blend. $24.99
Rios-Lovell Estate Winery 2005 Livermore Valley, Rios Lovell Estate, Cab/Merlot. $22.00

Bordeaux Blends - $40.00 to $49.99
Fenestra Winery 2007 Livermore Valley, Conjugation. $42.00

Tempranillo
Fenestra Winery 2008 Livermore Valley. $36.00
Longevity 2009 Livermore Valley, $26.00

Port
Eagle Ridge Vineyard 2005 Livermore Valley, Madlyn. $25.00
Rios-Lovell Estate Winery NV Livermore Valley, Rios Lovell Estate, Petite Sirah Port. $24.00
Rios-Lovell Estate Winery NV Livermore Valley, Rios Lovell Estate, Mourvedre Barbera Port. $24.00
Rios-Lovell Estate Winery NV Livermore Valley, Rios Lovell Estate, Syrah Port. $24.00
Rios-Lovell Estate Winery NV Livermore Valley, Rios Lovell Estate, Cabernet Franc Port. $24.00


BRONZE MEDAL
Chardonnay - up to $9.99
Concannon Vineyard 2010 Central Coast, Selected Vineyards. $9.99

Sauvignon Blanc or Fume - $20.00 & Over
Murrieta's Well 2010 Livermore Valley, Los Tesors De Juaquin, Semillon Chardonnay. $24.00

Chardonnay - $15.00 to $19.99
Page Mill Winery 2010 Livermore Valley, Chandler Vineyard. $18.00

Chardonnay - $20.00 to $24.99
Darcie Kent Vineyards 2010 Monterey County, West Pinnacles. $24.00
Retzlaff Estate Winery 2009 Livermore Valley, Retzlaff Estate. $20.00
Ruby Hill Winery 2009 Livermore Valley, Reserve. $20.00

Sparkling Wine
Stoney Ride Winery Semi Dry NV Sparkling Malvasia Bianca from the Del Arroyo Vineyards. $19.00

Riesling - RS < 1.49
Wente Vineyards 2009 Livermore Valley, Riverbank. $12.99

Sauvignon Blanc or Fume - $20.00 & Over
Kisso 2010 Napa Valley $20.00

All Other White Varietals and Blends
Darcie Kent Vineyards 2010 Monterey County, West Pinnacles, Gruner Veltliner. $18.00

Pinot Noir - up to $19.99
Concannon Vineyard 2010 Central Coast, Selected Vineyards. $9.99
Darcie Kent Vineyards 2009 Monterey, Rava Blackjack. $18.00

Pinot Noir - $25.00 to $29.99
Wente Vineyards 2008 Arroyo Seco, Reliz Creek. $24.99

Zinfandel - $20.00 to $24.99
Bent Creek Wines 2009 Livermore Valley. $24.00
Page Mill Winery 2008 Lodi, Spenker Vineyard. $22.00

Zinfandel - $25.00 to $29.99
Wood Family Vineyards 2009 Livermore Valley, Hansen Ranch. $26.00

Syrah/Shiraz - $20.00 to $24.99
Rios-Lovell Estate Winery 2007 Livermore Valley, Rios Lovell Estate. $22.00

Syrah/Shiraz - $25.00 to $29.99
Bent Creek Wines 2009 Livermore Valley. $25.00

Petite Sirah - $20.00 & Over
Concannon Vineyard 2008 Livermore Valley, Reserve. $38.00
Concannon Vineyard 2008 Livermore Valley, Nina's Cuvee Reserve. $30.00
Darcie Kent Vineyards 2008 Livermore Valley, Madden Ranch. $24.00
Las Positas Vineyards 2007 Livermore Valley, Casa de Vinas Covarrubias. $32.00

Rhone Other Varietals & Blends-up to $19.99
Thomas Coyne 2009 California, Red Rhone Blend "Quest". $14.00

Merlot - $25.00 to $29.99
Retzlaff Estate Winery 2006 Livermore Valley, Retzlaff Estate. $27.00

Cabernet Sauvignon - $60.00 & Over
Concannon Vineyard 2007 Livermore, Heritage. $60.00
En Garde Winery 2007 Diamond Mountain District - Napa Valley, Reserve. $88.00

Cabernet Franc
Crooked Vine Winery 2009 Livermore Valley, Del Arroyo Vineyards. $31.00
En Garde Winery 2009 Diamond Mountain District - Napa Valley. $58.00
Fenestra Winery 2008 Livermore Valley, Ghielmetti Vineyard. $27.00

Petit Verdot
Crooked Vine Winery 2008 Lodi, Del Arroyo Vineyards. $30.00
Cuda Ridge Wines 2009 Livermore Valley. $32.00

Bordeaux Blends - $30.00 to $39.99
Retzlaff Estate Winery 2005 Livermore Valley, Retzlaff Estate, Cab.Merlot. $37.00

Tempranillo
Fenestra Winery 2009 Lodi, Silvaspoons Vineyard. $23.00

All Other Red Varietals/Blends - up to $19.99
Ruby Hill Winery 2009 Livermore Valley, Grapeful Red, Red Blend. $15.00


Here is link to all the awards at the 2012 San Francisco Chronicle Wine Competition.

Summary by the San Francisco Examiner.

The Forgotten Grand Prize Award.

Most people reading this blog have probably seen the movie "Bottle Shock" released in 2008. Everyone hailed the wineries this movie was based loosely on, Chateau Montelena and Stags Leap, for winning gold medals in 1976 at the "Judgment of Paris" blind tasting for their 1973 Chardonnay and 1973 Cabernet Sauvignon respectively.

However, in 1889 at the Paris Exposition. Charles A. Wetmore won the Grand Prize award for his wine, Cresta Blanca Sauternes, from his Cresta Blanca Winery in Livermore, CA. Adrian Chauche’s Livermore Valley Monte-Rouge Vineyard and Winery was also awarded a gold medal. Sadly as with many old wineries, Cresta Blanca and Monte-Rouge Vineyard and Winery, stopped producing wine as prohibition was passed in 1919.  

Monte-Rouge Vineyard and Winery burned in 1931. Cresta Blanca stands today as the Wente Vineyards and is registered as a California Historical Landmark #586.

What's happening this weekend in Livermore Wine Country

This is the last weekend to purchase your holiday wine. Here are a few places you might consider making your selection.

Vino Acoustico
Date & Time: Friday, December 16, 2011 (5:30 - 8pm)
Who: Page Mill Winery
URL: www.PageMillWinery.com
Where: 1960 S. Livermore Ave, Livermore, CA, 94550
Cost: $15.00
Come unwind after a crazy week with some wine and snacks and Live Music by KNR band. $10.00 for Underground Wine Club Members or $15.00 for non members

Sparkling Wine on Sale at Ruby Hill Winery
Date & Time: Friday, December 16, 2011 - Saturday, December 31, 2011 (11am - 5:30pm)
Who: Ruby Hill Winery
URL: www.rubyhillwinery.net
Where: 400 Vineyard Ave., Livermore Valley, Pleasanton, CA, 94566
Just in time for Holiday Entertaining! California Sparkling Wine from Ruby Hill Winery Special Holiday Pricing: $11/bottle Case Discount of 10%--you may combine with other wines Club Discounts still apply Open Christmas Even 11am-3pm Open New Year's Eve 11am - 4pm Cheers!

Sparkling Wine Release & Tasting
Date & Time: Saturday, December 17, 2011 (12 - 4:30pm)
Who: Page Mill Winery
URL: www.PageMillWinery.com
Where: 1960 S. Livermore Ave, Livermore, CA, 94550
Cost: $5.00
Come taste our fabulous new sparkling wine made at Page Mill Winery using the Methode Champenoise process! This brut will be part of a special tasting on Saturday ONLY!

New Release and wood fired pizza
Date & Time: Saturday, December 17, 2011 - Saturday, December 17, 2011 (12 - 5pm)
Who: Nottingham Cellars
URL: www.nottinghamcellars.com
Where: 2245 S. Vasco Rd. Unit C, , Livermore, CA, 94550. Be the first to try our 2009 Ralphi s Red Blend! The 2008 Ralphi's which scored 89 Points in Wine Enthusiast and won several medals is nearly sold out! The 2009 picks up right where the 07 and the 08 left off!!! We will also have Ken's Wood Fired Pizza here cooking delicious pizza for you to purchase.

2009 Thatcher Bay Vineyard Merlot Release Weekend
Date & Time: Saturday, December 17, 2011 - Sunday, December 18, 2011 (12 - 5pm)
Who: Occasio Winery
URL: www.occasiowinery.com
Where: 2245B South Vasco Road, Livermore, CA, 94550
Cost: $5.00
Join us for the public release of our 2009 Thatcher Bay Merlot, just in time for the Holidays. Plus, experience the wonders of Ken's Wood-Fired Pizzas, baked onsite!

BYOB
Date & Time: Sunday, December 18, 2011 (12 - 4:30pm)
Who: Page Mill Winery
URL: www.PageMillWinery.com
Where: 1960 S. Livermore Ave, Livermore, CA, 94550
Bring your empty wine bottles and we will fill them with a Cabernet Franc/Petite Sirah blend for just $8.49 each! Don't have empty bottles? We can provide them for just .50 cents. Rinse bottles with hot water, NO SOAP and we'll do the rest! BYOB is the 3rd Sunday of each month and features a different wine each time.

Complimentary Member's Barrel Tasting
Date & Time: Sunday, December 18, 2011 (1 - 4pm)
Who: Occasio Winery
URL: www.occasiowinery.com
Where: 2245B South Vasco Road, Livermore, CA, 94550
Join us as we celebrate year end at the winery, and look back at past vintages with a barrel tasting of Cabernets from some of our favorite vineyards, as well as preview some special future releases.

Evening with Boa Venture de Caires winemaker Brett Caires

I just got the lowdown on the pairing tonight.

Evening with the Winemaker
Brett de Caires
BoaVentura de Caires Winery

Tonight 6:30pm to 8:00pm.
$15.00

First Pairing
BoaVentura de Caires 2009 Cabernet Sauvignon
with Margherita pizza

Second Pairing
Boa Ventura de Caires 2008 "mutt" red wine
with JR's Turkey Chili topped with Blue Cheese crumble

Third Pairing
BoaVentura de Caires 2010 White table wine
with brie and apricot chutney.

This will be a live Webcast.
http://www.ustream.tv/channel/winemaker-s-pour

Evening with the Winemaker - Live Webcast

Brett de Caires, winemaker, from Boa Ventura Winery in livermore, CA will be at the Winemaker's Pourhouse tonight. He will be discussing his wines and will pour samples. This will be a live Webcast for those who are not in the area.



If you go:
Where:
The Winemaker's PourHouse
2241 First Street in downtown Livermore, California Map
http://www.winemakerspourhouse.com

When:
Wednesday, Dec 14, 2011 6:30pm to 8:00pm.

Live Webcast
http://www.ustream.tv/channel/winemaker-s-pour

Wine American Style

This holiday season there has been a lot of talk about buy "American and create jobs". ABC World News had a on going special on this to show that when people bought products from American companies that they featured it would create jobs. Evidently it did.

With that said, buy wine from your local winery. It's made in America and most often it's a small business. You can search for a local winery near you here.