In many respects, Livermore Valley is the unsung historical incubator of California’s wine industry. Valley vintners have been quietly producing world-class wines for more than 125 years, and they’ve contributed many industry-wide innovations and firsts in both wine growing and production.
There are many savvy wine seekers who religiously trek to the valley for weekend getaways, day-trip tasting adventures, and the numerous annual festivals and concerts. Leisurely wending through the Livermore Valley Wine Trail—sans traffic jams and crowds—is rejuvenating and unforgettable.

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While doing my own exploring in the region, I realized something: The Livermore Valley wine experience is not just about wine. It’s really more about partnership and family—husbands and wives, fathers and sons, grandparents and grandchildren, all working side by side. And they’re not simply growing grapes and producing wine. Through this work, they create and strengthen the bonds of culture and family, and, ultimately, a sense of community.It might be surprising to you, but many of these families are not in the business only to produce high-quality wines. Many of them savor the fun and friendships, both old and new. For them, it’s about enjoying fine food, listening to musicians perform everything from reggae to rock n’ roll, and sharing a passion for the arts—from sculpture to oils to photography. Wine functions as the thematic thread—the catalyst, the tie that binds the community together. Ask most Livermore Valley winery owners why they’re in the profession, and the word “fun” will likely show up in their reply.

Welcome to the timeless, off-the-beaten-path Livermore Valley wine country. I hope you’ll enjoy reading about the wineries featured here—the owners, winemakers, and their superb wines. Cheers to seeking and discovering all that you hope to find in this enchanting part of our world.