Summertime in the Vineyards

special advertising feature
Summertime in the Vineyards
29th Annual Harvest Wine Celebration Offers
Winery Fun Over Labor Day Weekend
Livermore Valley Wine Country
Wineries pouring at Concannon
Vineyard:
Hidden Creek
Lavish Laines
Page Mill Winery
Rodrigue Molyneux
CREDIT: STEVEN F. KELLY
Ryhan Estate Vineyards
Stony Ridge Winery
Tamas Estates
The Singing Winemaker
The Steven Kent Winery
Thomas Coyne Winery
Wente Vineyards Estate Tasting
Room
White Crane Winery
Wood Family Vineyards
The Palm Event Center and Mitchell Katz Winery
Wineries pouring at Wente
Vineyards property on Tesla Road:
El Sol Winery
Elliston Vineyards
Les Chenes Estate Vineyards
Little Valley Winery
Murrieta’s Well
Nottingham Cellars
Occasio Winery
About Livermore Valley Winegrowers Association
The Livermore Valley Winegrowers Association
is a 501 c(6) organization that supports the wineries, growers, and members in the Livermore Valley
American Viticultural Area though educational and
marketing programs. For more information, please
visit www.LVwine.org.
• Sunday-only ticket: $45 in advance, $50 at the event
• Monday-only ticket: $40 in advance, $45 at the event
• Non-drinking ticket: $10 (valid both days)
The Harvest Wine Celebration is a fundraiser for
the LVWA. During the event, participating wineries
are open only to ticket holders with event wristbands.
No outside food is allowed and the event is not intended
for children. For more information, please visit www.
LVwine.org or call 925-447-WINE.
Wineries hosting Harvest Wine Celebration festivities at their tasting room locations:
Bent Creek Winery
Big White House & John Evan Cellars
Bodegas Aguirre Winery
Cedar Mountain Winery
Charles R Vineyards
Chouinard Vineyards
Concannon Vineyard
Crooked Vine Winery
Cuda Ridge Wines
Darcie Kent Vineyards
Deer Ridge Vineyards
Eagle Ridge Vineyard
Eckert Estate Winery
Fenestra Winery
Garre’ Vineyard & Winery
La Rochelle Winery
Las Positas Vineyards
Longevity Wines
McGrail Vineyards and Winery
Mitchell Katz Winery
Ruby Hill Winery
L i v e r m o r e Va l l e y ’s
NEWEST HOT SPOT
168143
UNDERDOG WINE BAR
Open Daily, Noon-8pm
4590 Tesla Rd
Livermore CA 94550
925-583-1581
www.UnderdogWineBar.com
info@underdogwinebar.com
@underdogwinebar
Facebook.com/underdogwinebar
Bring this in for a complimentary gift. Expires 9/30/2010
AZ
CREDIT: STEVEN F. KELLY
Thomas Coyne Winery - Contra Costa Home
Winemakers will discuss and demonstrate home
winemaking.
Steven Kent Winery & La Rochelle WineryMeet the winemakers: Steven Kent Mirassou and
Tom Stutz. Wine and cheese Pairing in Barrel
Room $5.
McGrail Vineyards & Winery - The Art of
Music and Wine: meet winemaker, Mark Clarin
and hear his band the Bacchus Brothers.
Fenestra Winery - Anatomy of the Grape: discussion and evaluation of different wine grapes
Garre Vineyard & Winery - Cooking demonstration by Cafe Garre Executive Chef Ty Turner
at 2 p.m.
Cuda Ridge Wines - Blend your own Bordeauxstyle varietals with winemaker Larry Dino.
Deer Ridge Vineyards - Meet Master Gardener
Sharon Wentz and get your gardening questions
answered. Pick your own lavender.
Eckert Estate Winery - Bottle your own Harvest Cuvee: bottles, labels and corks provided, $7
per bottle.
Chouinard Vineyards - Home winemaking and
beer making equipment from Brewmaster in San
Leandro. Wine and food pairings.
Crooked Vine Winery - Meet winemaker Jaime
Dowell for a behind-the-scenes tour of the winery.
Big White House & John Evan Cellars - Aroma
Bar: discover the aromas of different wine varietals.
Meet and adopt dogs from local animal shelter.
Charles R Vineyards - Count the Corks Game:
closest guess wins Charles R T-shirt.
Tickets are available online at www.LVwine.org
and at all participating Livermore Valley wineries,
the Wine Steward in Pleasanton, First Street Wine
Company in Livermore and Bay Area Safeway stores.
Ticket “will call” arrangements vary by purchase
method. Please visit www.LVwine.org for details.
The flexible ticket structure and pricing for 2010
includes:
• Two-day (Sunday/Monday) ticket: $55 in advance,
$65 at the event
© 2010 Underdog Wine Merchants, Livermore, CA
Livermore, Calif.—Livermore Valley Wine Country’s Labor Day Weekend tradition—the Harvest Wine
Celebration—returns to its roots this year with festivities exclusively at local wineries. On Sunday, September
5 and Monday, September 6 between noon and 5 p.m.,
area wineries will offer the region’s best wine, food, art
and music to ticket holders. Bus transportation between
wineries will be available on Sunday only, and wineries
will offer special activities to festival guests on Monday.
Produced by the Livermore Valley Winegrowers Association (LVWA), the 2010 event marks the 29th year
that people have gathered to celebrate the harvest of
wine grapes in this picturesque region.
The winery experience is the centerpiece of the
2010 Harvest Wine Celebration. Thirty participating wineries will be pouring at their tasting room
locations across Livermore Valley, surrounded by
lush vines, local artists, musicians and food vendors.
Eleven more wineries will be pouring and hosting
festivities at either Concannon Vineyard or Wente
Vineyards on Tesla Road. Food at all winery locations
will be locally prepared and moderately priced (under
$8). Admission includes a commemorative Livermore Valley wine glass, tastings of at least two wine
varietals from each participating winery, official event
program and exclusive discounts on wine purchases.
On Sunday, September 5, celebration guests are
invited to ride complimentary “green” shuttle buses
between winery locations. Provided by Bauer’s
Transportation, the biodiesel-fueled buses will travel
on three different routes, each serving eight to ten
wineries. Free parking will be available at Robertson Park, where guests can board buses and transfer
between routes during the day. Bus stops may be as
far as 300 feet from winery locations, so guests riding buses must be prepared to walk up driveways.
Monday, September 6 will feature a more intimate affair, as each winery offers a unique experience
to Harvest Wine Celebration guests. Examples of
Monday-only special events include:
Wente Vineyards - Winery Tour by Karl Wente,
5th Generation Winemaker 12:30 p.m. and 2:30
p.m. space is limited. Sign up in Wente Tasting
Room on Tesla Road.
27
F R I D AY, AU G U S T 1 3 , 2 0 1 0
Livermore
F R I DAY, AU G U S T 1 3 , 2 0 1 0
28 Livermore
special advertising feature
Summertime in the Vineyards
PICAZO Vineyards, perched above the
Livermore Valley foothills
PICAZO Vineyards is family owned and operated,
focused upon crafting extraordinary Bordeaux Cultivars
that express the best of the terroir. Jose and Pam Picazo
along with winemaker Mark Clarin are passionate about
producing great wines to be cherished with family and
friends. We started this journey in 2004 when we purchased a small parcel of land planted to Merlot in the
Livermore Valley. We recognized right away that the
vineyard had great potential and proceeded to produce
our Inaugural vintage Reserve Merlot.
We focused solely on Merlot for the first 3 vintages; fine tuning our growing and vinification
techniques. As 2007 came to be, we decided to
produce a Cabernet Sauvignon from an exclusive
vineyard in the Napa Valley. From there we have
recently added a Sauvignon Blanc to fill out our
portfolio of classically elegant wines. Come join
the Private Cellar and explore the taste extravaganza from PICAZO Vineyards. We invite you to
share our wines with us at our Vineyard Estate by
appointment.
La Rochelle Winery
5443 Tesla Road
Livermore Valley, CA
925.243.6442
www.LRwine.com
We Have a Passion for Pinot!
Open Daily 12:00 to 4:00 p.m.
Bring this ad for Complimentary Wine Tasting
GARRÉ VINEYARD AND WINERY
EXPERIENCE IT!
Come and be apart of the Garré family! Garré
Vineyard and Winery provided a warm and friendly
environment inspired by the Molinaro family’s traditions and Italian heritage. Join in and sample award
winning wines with owner, Bob Molinaro and winemaker, Wayne Re. The Garré family imported their
historic winemaking knowledge and charm from Genoa,
Italy to Livermore wine country, thus creating the popular Garré establishment. To this day, Garré Winery still
is successfully owned by Bob Molinaro and his daughter Gina. Winemaker, Wayne Re has been an integral
part of the rapidly growing production of the quality
wines produced at the winery. Awards include,“Best of
The Bay” for Merlot, Syrah Reserve and Cabernet. The
estate is open for weekend wine tastings, events and also
for lunch and seasonal dinners at our charming café. The
outstanding Mediterranean cuisine at Café Garré, the
summer evening concert series, Wednesday night bocce
ball and the sprawling vineyard grounds, bring in not
only our loyal locals, but people from all over the world.
If you haven’t visited Garré and met Bob and Wayne,
then come on over for a visit with family and friends and
enjoy some wine. Salute! 7986 Tesla Rd, Livermore, Ca
1-925-371-8200
The Newest Buzz in the Livermore
Valley is Nottingham Cellars
Nottingham Cellars takes its name from the history
of the Livermore Valley. Before the town was named
after Robert Livermore in the mid-19th century, it was
known as Nottingham. Steeped in history, the valley is
one of the first commercial wine producing regions in
the country. In fact, it was originally a wine from Livermore that was the first non-French bottle to win the
Grand Prix at the famed Paris Exposition in 1889. It
is from this rich past that Nottingham Cellars draws
its elegant, careful approach to wine.
The winery, with its tasting room having opened
in 2009, quickly established a reputation for excellent
wine made from the finest vineyards in the Livermore
Valley. Nottingham Cellars also presents frequent art
exhibits, live music performances and more. In fact,
they will put on their first annual “Wine & Art Meltdown,” featuring numerous artists, food and music on
the weekend of September 18th. In addition, they will
be participating in this year’s Harvest Wine Festival
over Labor Day Weekend where they will pour some
of their best wine in addition to serving as the host for
the festival’s featured artist, Sylvia Thompson.
Nottingham Cellars was founded by father and son,
Jeff and Collin Cranor. Collin is also the winemaker.
They will be releasing several terrific wines throughout
the rest of the year, including a fantastic chardonnay,
rich cabernets, a petite sirah, and two signature Bordeaux-style blends. These handcrafted wines show
the best of what Livermore has to offer. The winery
presents these graceful wines in a classic, yet friendly
and casual atmosphere. The staff is always happy to
make you feel welcome and share their wines along
with good humor. Nottingham Cellars continues the
long-standing tradition of excellent wine in the Livermore Valley.
The tasting room is located at 2245C Vasco Road
between East and Tesla Avenues in the heart of the
Valley’s wine country. They are open from 2-6pm on
Fridays and Noon-4:30pm on Saturdays and Sundays. Private tastings are available by appointment,
as well.
THE
WINERY
5443 Tesla Road
Livermore Valley, CA
925.243.6440
www.stevenkent.com
AZ
Exceptional Cabernets & Wines for Those Who Know!
Open Daily 12:00 to 4:00 p.m.
BRING THIS AD FOR COMPLIMENTARY WINE TASTING
168113
Livermore
Steven Kent and La Rochelle Winery sit side by side, each
offering their own varietal focus. The Steven Kent Winery
produces extremely small lots of world class wine. Ranging
from just a few barrels of a single-clone Cabernet to larger
multi-source blends, each wine is handcrafted to produce the
truest expression of grape, site, and vintage. Two flights are
offered daily in Steven Kent from 12-4:30. More information
on our flights can be found at www. Stevenkent.com.
Across the driveway you’ll find La Rochelle where you
Summertime in the Vineyards
can sip your way through some of the finest Pinot Noirs in
California. La Rochelle Winery is an artisanal producer with a
goal to produce authentic, site-specific wines that showcase
the multi-faceted beauty of Pinot Noir. We offer two wine
flights each day where you can either enjoy the wines on their
own, or with a cheese pairing. More information on our flights
can be found at www. lrwine.com.
We look forward to seeing you at Steven Kent and La
Rochelle!
Livermore Wine Country Welcomes Back a
New Adventure Company
Livermore Valley Wine and Cycle Tours is
a premier wine-tasting and bicycle tour company in the Livermore Valley. This female-owned
company specializes in an eco-friendly way to
experience the wines and olive oils of the Bay area.
Owners Melanie Harbert and Barbara McKay
have designed a relaxing and fun way to tour the
Livermore Valley and showcase the oldest wine
producing region in California.
There’s Much To See At The LVPAC In The 2010-11 Season
The Livermore Valley Performing Arts Center is giving the
Bay Area multiple reasons to cross the bridge in September,
boasting a diverse lineup with something for everyone. The
genre-fusing, contemporary crooner Spencer Day will dazzle
the intimate 500-seat Bankhead Theater in downtown
Livermore on September 10th. The self-taught Day has an
eclectic sound that reveals the influences of such diverse
composers as Cole Porter, George Gershwin, Joni Mitchell,
Carol King, John Lennon and Paul Simon. Harking back
to a time when ladies were ladies and gentlemen were
gentlemen, Day’s vocals are traditional and familiar, yet
fresh and innovative at the same time.
If your ears crave a different sound, Guitar Player LIVE!
2010 is returning September 17th and 18th for a second
year after its sold
out success in 2009.
Friday night opens
with guitar legends
Ronnie Montrose and
Gary Hoey. Saturday
evening’s event, Guitar
Player Magazine’s
Guitar Superstar
Competition, is
open to electric
and acoustic guitar
players of all styles,
ten finalists will fight it
out in front of a panel
of celebrity judges to see who has what it takes to earn the
title of “Guitar Superstar.” Stay in town both nights for a
rockin’ after-party at the Sapphire Lounge, or catch a late
night guitar flick at the Vine Cinema.
Tours run from 11:00AM – 4:00PM on Saturdays & Sundays. Tours include a guided bicycle tour,
a gourmet picnic lunch and a locally-grown olive oil
tasting . All of this at an affordable value of $75 per
person. Bring your own bike or rent a bike from our
partners at Livermore Cyclery for a nominal fee. On
site delivery of rental bikes is included in our price.
With a minimum of nine different tour routes
through the Livermore wine country, each less than
12 miles long, these tours are unique and designed
for all fitness levels. Learn the history of these famRounding out The Bankhead Theater’s September
schedule are two performances from their World Music
Series. The distinctive Scottish songs of Caledon
(September 23rd) features the three classically trained
tenor voices of Alan Beck, Ivan Sharp, and Jamie
MacDougall. Together, their individual tenor quality and
pitch, blended in perfect harmony, showcases classic
ballads and traditional Scottish songs dating back to the
18th century. The Portugal based, Deolinda, brings their
sweet and catchy or soft melancholic guitar melodies
littered with emotive references to fado and other less
prominent musical traditions on September 25th. For
tickets call 925-373-6800 or www.bankheadtheater.
org. The Bankhead Theater is located between First Street,
Railroad and South Livermore Avenues at the Livermore
Valley Center in Downtown Livermore.
ily-owned wineries and taste what makes Livermore
wine country an undiscovered jewel of California.
For more information and reservations visit the
website at: www.livermorewineandcycletours.com
or call 925-399-6751. The website also offers links
to all the partnering wineries, olive oil farms, local
lodging, restaurants, bicycle shops and many more
local activities. Plan a weekend getaway in Livermore’s beautiful wine country.
RUBY HILL VINEYARD ESTATE
Location:
Between First Street, Railroad and South Livermore Avenues
at the Livermore Valley Center in Downtown Livermore.
Ticket Office Hours:
Tuesday through Saturday: 12:00 Noon to 6:00 p.m.
Visit Cuda Ridge Wines at Livermore’s
29th Annual Harvest Wine Celebration
on Sunday, Sept 5th and Monday, Sept 6th
6BR/6BA/2 half-baths with 7 acres of chardonnay grapes on a 21
acre premium, elevated lot with panoramic views of Mt. Diablo,
surrounding vineyards, and Livermore Valley. Potential boutique
winery! Minutes to 84/580/680 and Downtown Pleasanton
Purchase Tickets at www.lvwine.org
Come visit our tasting room:
Friday – Sunday: 12:00 – 4:30
or call to schedule an appt. 510-304-0914
5385 East Ave., Livermore
167859
Handcrafted, Small Lot, Bordeaux
Style Wines from Premiere Vineyards
of Livermore Valley
29
F R I D AY, AU G U S T 1 3 , 2 0 1 0
ONE SITE, TWO WINERIES, REMARKABLE WINES
special advertising feature
Listed for sale at $3,695,000
Contact Pat Cox, Thecoxteam.com
Alain Pinel Realtors, 925-963-6404
Community discussion
on local topics
Wine Tasting | Wine Club | Special Events | Weddings | Private Parties
AZ
168086
What Italy tastes like...
3053 Marina Avenue, Livermore, CA | (925) 443-1998 | www.rmwinery.com
168009
www.CudaRidgeWines.com
F R I DAY, AU G U S T 1 3 , 2 0 1 0
30
Livermore
special advertising feature
Summertime in the Vineyards
Cuda Ridge Wines Rev’s Up
For Livermore Harvest Wine
Celebration, Sept 5th and 6th
C
uda Ridge Wines is a family
owned winery in the Livermore
Valley dedicated to producing
well-balanced Bordeaux style
wines. This wine making style produces
wines with exquisite complexity and balance which makes them food-friendly
and ideal to share with family and
friends, making every meal a special one.
Cuda Ridge sources fruit solely from Livermore Valley, including their own home
vineyard. The winery is named for the
purple 1970 Barracuda muscle car that
Larry Dino, winemaker, acquired after
an unsuccessful attempt to purchase
vineyard property in a nameless winegrowing region to the north.
Cuda Ridge, located at 5385 East
Avenue in Livermore, is a must stop for
the Harvest Wine Celebration on Sunday and Monday, Sept 5th & 6th. With
purchase of a Harvest Wine Celebration
ticket, Cuda Ridge will pour complimentary tasting of 3 wines; and additional
Great memories are made with
McGrail wine and good friends
tastings for a nominal fee. There is live
music both days, vendors, and fabulous
BBQ menu items available for purchase.
On Monday, you can try your hand at
blending Bordeaux style wines with the
winemaker. During Harvest Celebration
weekend, Cuda Ridge will offer a special
10% discount on purchase of three wines
or more, and 15% discount on case. For
more information on the Harvest Wine
Celebration activities at Cuda Ridge, go
to www.CudaRidgeWines.com.
In Cuda Ridge’s short existence, they
have an impressive lineup of wines. They
are especially proud of the Gold Medal
winning, 2007 Cabernet Sauvignon.
The Petit Verdot has won bronze medals at the Orange County Fair and Best
of the Bay wine competition. As one
customer described the Petit Verdot,
Yummy! Cabernet Franc has become a
fan favorite of Cuda Ridge. Cuda Ridge’s
Cabernet Franc is laden with fragrant
spices, bright fruit and engaging miner-
ality. And, when you visit Cuda Ridge
you will want to try the “beloved”, limited
release, Bien-Aime’ made from the Dino’s
home vineyard.
The Cuda Ridge Tasting room is open
Friday – Sunday, from 12:00 – 4:30,
and if you would like to schedule an
appointment call 510-304-0914.
The McGrail Vineyards and Winery
is a family owned and operated business
specializing in premium Cabernet Sauvignon and Chardonnay in the heart of the
Livermore Valley Wine Country. On the
hilltop of Greenville Road, the vineyard
enjoys the morning fog and afternoon
sun. The winery is a vineyard driven
operation that considers itself a foremost
proponent of the potential of the Livermore Valley. The vineyard is managed
with sustainability and quality in mind.
Discovering McGrail Vineyards tasting room is to uncover a unique winery
where the passion to craft the finest Cabernet Sauvignon is equal to creating an
unforgettable experience where outstanding customer service is a must.
The McGrail family is warm, passionate, and down-to earth. They strive to
take the “snobiness” out of wine tasting.
Intimidation is unheard of and the tasting room feels a bit like home.
The McGrail’s invite you to taste their
small lot wines, picnic, explore the vineyard, and enjoy the panoramic views
from their hilltop tasting room.
Jim and Ginger McGrail, planted the
Cabernet Sauvignon vineyard in 1999
and originally sold all fruit to Steven
Kent Winery. In 2003, the McGrail family along with the help of Rhonda Wood
made a barrel to enjoy with friends and
family. The following vintage one barrel turned into five, and by 2005 the
McGrail’s were starting production on
1,000 cases of wine.
By the end of 2005, the McGrail’s
decided they were going to go into the
production side of the wine business
and decided to start planning for a winery. After almost three years, Jim, Ginger,
and their daughter Heather, finished the
estate tasting room and winery on the
property of the vineyard.
April 2008, marked the Grand Opening of the tasting room and winery.
Private tours and tastings are available
by appointment or you can drop by the
tasting room Friday - Monday 12-4:30.
McGrail Vineyards is located at 5600
Greenville Road, Livermore. For more
information, visit www.mcgrailvineyards.
com or call (925) 215-0717.
Underdog Wine Bar Adds An Exciting
New Stop Of The Livermore Wine Trail
A new destination has opened its doors and outdoor patio for that matter along Tesla Road on the
Livermore wine trail. Located on the recently refurbished Concannon Vineyard, the Underdog Wine
Bar is an exciting new urban lounge with comfortable indoor and outdoor seating. This exciting new
hot spot features an extensive local and international
wine selection and a seasonal small plates menu,
The Underdog Wine Bar has more than 50
wines available by the pour, glass or bottle as well
as a dizzying array of affordably priced flights for
those looking to taste. Whether you’re looking for
the single vineyard designated wines of the famed
local Ruby Hill vineyard or an Alsatian Grand
Cru, Underdog Wine Bar lets guests undertake a
customized enological safari with as much or as little guidance from the knowledgeable staff as they
desire. Underdog Wine Bar’s state-of-the-art Enomatic™ argon dispenser ensures perceptible freshness
for every glass of wine.
The menu at Underdog Wine Bar is carefully
designed to complement the wines. From light hors
d’oeuvres to a satisfying meal, they feature seasonal
small plates made from local produce and expertly
designed by renowned local chef winner Barbara
Llewellyn. A variety of tempting flatbreads, panini
and sliders highlight the menu, while guests can
also nibble at artisan cheeses, tuna tartar and cured
olives.
COME TAKE A RIDE WITH US...
Relax and Enjoy The Wines & Olive Oils Of Livermore Valley Wine Country
AZ
SATURDAY & SUNDAY TOURS AVAILABLE
www.LivermoreWineAndCycleTours.com or Call 925.399.6751
167675
*$10 OFF*
“Underdog Wine Bar is an urban oasis in Livermore Valley Wine Country,” notes manager Jennifer
Franklin. “We wanted to create a unique, stylish and
enlightening food and wine experience for curious
and adventurous customers in our area. With such
a broad wine selection, a complementary seasonal
menu and a contemporary vibe, Underdog Wine
Bar can transport guests to a place of epicurean style
and discovery.”
Underdog Wine Bar has a comfortable layout,
plush furniture and well-appointed booths in the
dining and lounge spaces. An inviting, shaded outdoor terrace has seating for more than 60 guests.
They’re planning a plethora of special events
with a wide variety of entertainment and educational opportunities at Underdog Wine Bar. On
every third Thursday of the month, an individual winery will be featured in an interactive setting
where guests can learn and converse with local and
international vintners. In addition, there will be
live music on Friday nights. Underdog Wine Bar is
located at 4590 Tesla Road, Livermore, CA. Open
daily from 12-8pm. Visit www.underdogwinebar.
com for more information.
About 1983, George Chouinard started what the
family called his Egyptian project--cutting terraces
into the steep hillside in the canyon to plant Cabernet
Sauvignon. The leaner, well-drained soils, good air circulation, and sun exposure on the 35%
slopes provided an ideal, if somewhat
inconvenient location for the distinctive Cabs he wanted to produce.
A “retired” architect, George likes
challenging projects. The winery itself
was to be housed in an old barn build
of hand-cut redwood. George started
remodeling the 85-year-old structure,
with its dirt floor and dilapidated roof.
The results are delightfully eclectic and
a welcome change from the commercial atmosphere of many wineries.
Damian Chouinard became the
Winemaker for the family operation in 1985. A graduate in Enology
and Viticulture from California State
University in Fresno, he apprenticed
briefly in the Champagne District in
France before putting his personal stamp on the wines
produced by the Chouinard family. Awards for his
wines line the walls of the tasting room.
Damian’s artistic talent shows up in other locations
as well. The winery logo design and the native rock
walls framing the vineyards are a few examples. He
also has an unusual talent--he “knaps” arrowheads.
During the springtime, he provides demonstrations
for winery visitors, showing them how the Indians
who originally lived in this beautiful canyon made
arrowheads for deer hunting.
Summertime in the Vineyards
Ruby Hill Vineyard Estates
515 Kalthoff Common
An Italian summer villa & vintner lifestyle, with
sweeping vistas of vines and Mt. Diablo. Nestled in
the rolling hills of the Livermore wine valley & the
Ruby Hill Vineyard Estates on 21 acres, including
more than 6 acres of mature Chardonnay grapes
with options for income producing, management
& harvest agreement under Wente Vineyards.
31
Period architecture, designer finishes; Scortino ironwork, architectural stonework, tumbled
travertine, hardwood flooring, hand-plastered
finishes on exterior/interior, & decorative chandeliers throughout. 7,900 sq ft, 6 bedroom, 6 bath, 2
half bath, office, wine room, bonus room, playroom, exercise room, upper & lower 2 car garages with
shop space, and approved for both 1,200 sq ft guest/care taker house, or garage, and 20,000 sq ft
wine tasting/production facility.
Approximately an hour commute to Silicon Valley and SF, minutes to 84 and 680, and approximately 30 miles to San Jose and Oakland airports.
Pat Cox, Agent pat@patcox.com
Alain Pinel Realtors 925-963-6404
Introducing our inaugural release
2007 PICAZO Napa Cabernet Sauvignon
PICAZO Vineyards
Livermore, CA
Tel: 925.454.0291
168008
info@picazovineyards.com
picazovineyards.com
Taste Our Silver Medal Winning Estate
‘07 Cabernet Sauvignon!
F
• We Host Weddings, Birthday Parties,
Corporate Events & Anniversaries
• Wine, Music & Food every Saturday in
the Tasting Room 12pm–5pm
167650
For the Most Updated Local News
AZ
168003
The winery site is located in Palomares Canyon.
This area was originally a summer hunting grounds
for the Ohlone Indians (Miwoks) and later became
the Cook Ranch. Palomares Canyon supported both
cattle and sheep grazing. In
the 1940s and 50s, Royal Ann
cherries were grown commercially in the canyon.
George, Caroline, and
their two sons, Damian and
Rick, found the property in
1977, and fell in love with the
beauty of the countryside-rolling hills, streams, and
wooded slopes--all within a
few miles of major San Francisco Bay cities.
George, Caroline, and their
sons planted the first grapes
25 years ago with an old garden tractor. Waxed milk
cartons kept the rabbits from
nibbling the young vines. The
canyon floor where the original grapes were planted
was previously used for loading pens for the cattle
and sheep, making the native loam soil even richer.
Sauvignon Blanc vines flourished in the canyon, but
were later grafted over to Chardonnay because of the
region’s tendency to experience late spring frost.
At 1,000 feet above sea level, the vineyards of Palomares Canyon are cooler than much of the Central
Coast region. The new San Francisco Bay appellation
defines the region’s cool, sometimes foggy nights and
warm sunny days.
special advertising feature
F R I D AY, AU G U S T 1 3 , 2 0 1 0
Chouinard Vineyards and Winery,
a gem of a winery near San Francisco Bay
Livermore
F R I DAY, AU G U S T 1 3 , 2 0 1 0
32
Livermore
special advertising feature
Summertime in the Vineyards
TASTE OUR SILVER MEDAL WINNING CABERNET!
Red Feather Winery offers a spectacular
setting for the perfect wedding, birthday party
or special event. The garden area overlooks our
vineyard of Cabernet Sauvignon Grapes along
with the beautiful Livermore Valley. We have
award winning wines for everyone to enjoy
along with a beautiful barrel room for those
small events. Dan and Connie Davis opened
the Winery in 2006 and have enjoyed there
new venture making wine for everyone to
enjoy. Dan and Connie went back to college
to educate themselves in winemaking, vineyard management and event planning. Their
3 sons ( Jeremy, Jon and Jacob) are always
close to help with the winemaking. Their
first grand daughter has her own Name on
the family Dessert Wine “Jaiden’s Port” and
Connie whips up some yummy triple chocolate port brownies for everyone to enjoy
while sipping the wines. Connie is an amazing cook and before you get out of your car
you can smell something always cooking
in the tasting room on the weekends. They
even offer a lunch basket and a snack basket to
enjoy while basking in the views on the patio.
The Winery is on Greenville Road nestled in a
valley of hills surrounded by neighboring wineries. They have 23 acres and have two beautiful
horses pasturing in the back 10 acres. The vineyard consist of 6 acres in front of there ranch
home.
Red Feather Winery was voted Best Win-
ery From the Best of the Bay in 2009 (1st
Place) and 2nd Place in 2010.
Dan and Connie received a Silver for his
2007 Estate Cabernet Sauvignon at the State
Fair in 2010 Dan and Connie received a Silver
for there 2006 Old Vine Zin at the County Fair
in 2009 Red Feather Winery is the first to make
the Estate White Cab...very crisp, not sweet and
is wonderful on a hot summer day like they have
in Livermore. Connie came up with bring back
this wonderful wine that was out in the early 80’s.
Come and taste here cab-tini’s that she blends for
you with her Constance Sparkling Wine.
Come and meet the family dog (jessi) she is
a lab that has enjoyed her life drinking from the
drip irrigation and swimming in the horse trough.
The two blue and gold macaws are always awake
to welcome guests along with Connie’s 4 pigme
goats that help them clean up the weeds between
the vineyard rows. There since passed away old
18 1/2 year old labador, Tazz has his own wine
in his honor, (Razzmatazz) now sold out but no
worries, they make a new blend every 3 months
for everyone to enjoy. Connie even has a Champagne named after her and it’s said that it’s one
of the best Sparkling wines in the valley. They
have a tasting room that is open daily from 12
to 4 and on Friday, Sat and Sundays they are
open from 12 to 6. Music is always flowing from
the barrel room or on the 6,000 sq feet lawn out
in the front garden area. We offer events of all
kinds and sizes here at the winery. From Baby
showers to 80th birthday parties. One weekend a church had mass in the barrel room and
the event was a huge success. Most brides and
grooms that have been married at the winery
are now extended family and come back to visit
and celebrate other special events at the winery.
Every year Dan and Connie have a annual Picking party and usually over 100 people join in on
the harvest of the grapes, grape stomping, BBQ
and wine party. Come and visit the winery when
you can and enjoy the wines and good time that
they have to offer.
Red Feather Winery is located at 5700
Greenville Road in Livermore Valley. For more
information call 510-861-2722 or visit www.
redfeatherwinery.com
It’s all in the family at
BoaVentura de Caires
There are family-run businesses and then
there are businesses that are entirely run by
families, and Livermore’s BoaVentura de Caires
Vineyard is the latter.
Husband and wife Brett and Monique Caires are
hands-on producers of decadent artisanal wines that
accentuate the essential components of winemaking
as art: originality, integrity and complexity.
“We do everything ourselves – picking the
fruit, bottling, blending, hand-labeling, waxing
and corking the bottles,” said Monique Caires.
“We have some volunteers who help, but it’s really
the two of us.”
Bret Caires realized his dream of owning a
winery when the couple purchased a five-acre
property perched atop a sunny ridge in the
southeast corner of Livermore Valley. Wine had
been a staple at Brett’s family dinners, presided
over by patriarch BoaVentura Baptiste de Caires,
Brett’s grandfather and the winery’s namesake.
According to family legend, Brett’s great
grandfather, Antonio Caires, was deported during
Prohibition for winemaking after he brought his
family to America.
A wine trip to Europe further prompted Brett
and in 2002 BoaVentura de Caires released its first
Cabernet to the public. Today the winery specializes
in fine Cabernets but also an exquisite and unique
white table wine made from the Albarino grape.
These days, Brett and Monique host relaxing,
family and pet-friendly wine tastings on the
first weekend of every month and a few other
unscheduled weekends – right on their handsome
lawns overlooking the valley. The tasting room is part
of the barn where the couple produces the wine.
“Our children run around with other kids,
there are lots of things for them to do; there are
tables and umbrellas, hammocks…it’s a very
relaxing couple of days every month,” Monique
said. “People bring blankets and picnic baskets
and it’s very informal and friendly.”
For Brett and Monique Caires it’s a dream
come true – and a dream they enjoy sharing
with others through their hospitality and fine
hand-crafter wines.
BoaVentura de Caires is located at 9309 Tesla
Rd. in Livermore Valley. For more information
or to be added to their email notification list,
visit www.boaventuravineyard.com or call (925)
606-9672.
Wine Tasting | Wine Club | Special Events | Weddings | Private Parties
the Livermore Valley and McGrail Vineyards!
3053 Marina Avenue, Livermore, CA | (925) 443-1998 | www.rmwinery.com
Our tasting room is open: 12-4:30 Friday-Monday
5600 Greenville Road, Livermore, CA
(925) 215-0717
www.mcgrailvineyards.com
167625
By Appointment on Tuesday-Thursday
McGrail Vineyards and Winery
CHOUINARD WINERY
AUGUST 14TH
Dawn and the Von Trapps
4:30-8:30pm
AUGUST 15TH
Cajun in the Vineyard
Fine Living Requires Fine Wine.
AUGUST 22ND
70’s in the Vineyard
Come experience world-class wines at Nottingham Cellars — one of
Livermore’s newest wineries. Enjoy a crisp, refreshing glass of white on our
patio or a rich, flavorful red among the barrels in our cellar. Our full events
schedule blends live music, art and wine in a refined, yet casual setting.
SPETEMBER 10TH,
11TH, & 25TH
Nerve Racking Theatre Nighttime Horror Movies
33853 Palomares Road | Castro Valley, CA
Be the first to know
167997
AZ
AUGUST 29TH
Blues in the Vineyard
COME
EJ
JOIN OUR NEW WINE TASTING ROOM. GO TO CHOUINARD.COM
Mention this ad and receive acomplimentary tasting for two
and 10% off your purchase.
2245C South Vasco Rd., Livermore, CA 94550 • (925) 294-8647
www.NottinghamCellars.com • info@nottinghamcellars.com
168086
What Italy tastes like...
Join us and experience the beautiful views and great wines of
167805