There is no finer experience than walking into a tasting room and being educated about available quaffs by the vineyard/winery owner. I get a special frisse when I’m drinking a beverage produced from fields I have driven by and served by the cultivating artisan. This may have started with visiting my uncle’s dairy farm — I’d romp through the fields, hinder the milking, watch the pasturizing room wash-up, pet some cows and kittens, and later down the most delicious milk in the world at my uncle’s side.
Eagle Ridge Vineyard
10017 Tesla Road
Livermore CA 94550
(925) 443-3375
Saturday & Sunday 12:00 – 4:30pm
No tasting fee
Now as an adult, I delight in walking by the vineyard, peering at the wine-making machinery, smelling oak barrels and grape must, and having a creative genius let me sip their wine. This is why I so often end up in Jim and Cheryl Perry’s tasting room at Eagle Ridge Vineyard. The driveway to the tasting room winds through vineyards that hung heavy with gorgeous grapes this past month. Jim and Cheryl borrowed their grand-dog to aid in removing two does that had found the perfect nesting spot among the overhanging shade and fruit. Definitely pastoral.
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| The Eclectic Bar |
The tasting room is in the front of a large barn that allows one to peak at the oak barrels stacked to the ceiling in the back. There’s a variety of memorabilia and antiques to entertain your eye. The tasting bar has stools, foot rail, and purse hangers (yes!). These are not people trying to hurry you on. Jim is invariably behind the bar, ready to share harvest details, recent releases, and his fabulous ports — MadLyn and MadCait, named after his granddaughters.
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| A Few of the Treasures for Sale |
Cheryl puts out the perfect food pairing for at least one of the pours. There is a table with wine-themed entertaining and decorative items for purchase; I have procured many a gift there. All the wines and ports are made from Livermore Valley grapes. I can seriously not name a favorite, because Jim’s palate apparently matches mine. Eagle Ridge Vineyard was my first and is my favorite wine club pickup.
About the Author: Judi never does anything short, be it children (even at 5' 10", all 3 kids outgrew her), a voicemail message, a menu for family & friends, a day of visiting wineries, or a wine pour. Especially the latter; wine glasses are large for a reason! Her daughter-in-laws and their friends have a measure called The Judi-Pour. That means we have blessedly good relationships, 'cuz her name could be attached to worse. Sparkling wines are my go-to, but there is always a time for a peppery Pinot Noir or a crisp Pinot Grigio. Or a chill Sauvignon Blanc poolside or a toasty Cab in hand while playing bocce or a frizzante after work or.....
