If and when you take a trip to northern California to visit wine country, we hope you take a trip to the city of Livermore. This city is packed full of some of the most luxurious, hidden gems in wine country. Located on the eastern side of San Francisco’s Bay Area, Livermore is in the heart of Livermore Valley American Viticultural Area (AVA). The AVA had a tremendous impact in shaping California’s wine industry and Livermore continues that legacy today through their vast collection of wineries. Today the Sonitrol Security team wants to share the top 7 wineries that we think you should visit on your next trip to northern California.
The Top 5 Wineries to Visit in Livermore, CA
1. Concannon Vineyard
This world class vineyard was established in 1883 has become famously known for their for their clones. It is estimated that 4 out of every 5 bottles of California Cabernet Sauvignon produced comes from their clones. Concannon Vineyard offers private tours and tastings designed to your specific taste and led by one of their wine educators. Along with their prestige wine collection, Concaccon has slew of awards that put them at the top of our must-visit wineries list. The vineyard has been awarded 91 points and the Editor’s Choice Award by Wine Enthusiast Magazine, the Double Gold Medal from the 2017 San Diego Chronicle Wine Competition, and the Gold Medal from the 2016 San Diego Wine & Spirits Challenge. Stop by Concannon Vineyard on your next trip- we promise you won’t regret it!
2. Wente Vineywards
In contrast from Concaccon Vineyard, Wente Vineyards focuses on white wine. Wente Vineyards is the country’s oldest, continuously operated family-owned winery, founded in 1883. Today, over 80% of all California Chardonnay stems from the Wente Clone. Wente Vineyards is recognized as one of California’s premier wine country destinations featuring wine tasting, dining, concert experiences, championship golf and more. Host you next event at Wente and see what this 5 generation family of winemakers has to offer!
3. Retzlaff Vineyards and Estate Winery
Retzlaff Vineyards and Estate Winery is a spectacular location in Livermore. Located off the beaten path but close to town, they are part of of a historic Victorian estate. Retzlaff is nestled among beautiful landscaping and large, sprawling vineyards. At Retzlaff, they have been growing and harvesting grapes for over 30 years using sustainable practices which eliminate the need for chemical intervention. They have been in business since 1976 but were named a Certified Organic Vineyard since 2006, meaning their grapes and wine have no pesticides, herbicides, fertilizers, and are non-GMO. Retzlaff Winery does private gatherings, weddings, and corporate events as well as tastings. Book a tour during your next trip around wine country!
4. McGrail Vineyards
McGrail Vineyards offers a one-of-a-kind Livermore experience featuring panoramic views and award-winning wines. They pride themselves on having 100% of their wines being made with grapes that were sourced in the Livermore Valley. Their unique estate and vineyards provoke a spectacular experiences for guests, including vineyard tours, seated tastings, and bocce ball bookings. Their knowledgeable and friendly staff will provide a tour that is filled with history of McGrail but of Livermore Valley and all of its wine glory. For your next tour of wine country, book a tasting with a group of 8 or more at McGrail Vineyards!
5. Tenuta Vineyards
Tenuta Vineyards puts an emphasis on their customer experience. Their slogan is, “Give us 30 minutes and we will be friends for life”. Tenuta offers a low price of $5 a person to taste and experience their on-site custom wines. They have four different packages that their guests can choose from to experience while touring Tenuta Vineyards, including: Tours, Wine Blending, Cooking Classes, and Meet ups. In addition to these packages, they also offer special occasion events for weddings, business meetings, and other gatherings- but hurry, these events are limited each year. If you want to book your next event at Tenuta Vineyards, be sure to reach out months in advance and stop by to taste their specialty wine selection.
We hope you have enjoyed reading and learning about our top winery choices in the Livermore Valley area. Don’t just take our word for it, we want you to experience what northern California’s wine country has to offer for yourself! If wine isn’t your thing, we still have you covered- check out our list of must-visit breweries in California on our blog.
Contact us today to learn more!