Can a winery founded in the 1880’s still be fresh and new? Concannon Vineyard claims the title “America’s Oldest, Ongoing Winery Under the Same Family Label and Stewardship.” That brings to mind an ivy-covered edifice full of dusty bottles and hidebound tasting rooms. Our recent visit showed us that nothing could be further from the truth.
We love wine. We enjoy a broad range of wine styles, too. In fact, its rare that we encounter a wine style that we can’t find some redeeming elements somewhere. Well, there was that one wine from Phoenix, but that’s pretty much the exception that proves the rule. Our wine appreciation scale runs from “that’s […]
Two wineries in one tasting room? Yes, it’s as great as it sounds! Crooked Vine and Stony Ridge Wineries bring twice the wine tasting fun in a single tasting experience. Positioned conveniently at the start of the Livermore wine trail, these wineries are a great start for so many reasons. On this sunny afternoon, we […]
Page Mill Winery is a great choice if you’re visiting the Livermore Valley or playing tour guide for out-of-town friends. They encapsulate the best aspects of tasting in a small working winery: scenery, architecture, staff, and of course, amazing wine. Only have time to visit one winery? Why not give Page Mill a try! It […]
One of the best parts about wine tasting in the Dundee Hills is…well…the hills. Oregon’s wine country is unlike anything in California. Some of these vineyards are at such great heights you can see Mt. Hood clearly in the distance. We drove up, and up, and up the road and eventually turned off to Durant Vineyards. […]
Cedar Mountain Winery is both old and new at the same time, taking advantage of the best of each. After a not-too-brief hiatus, their tasting room has reopened in a new location. We couldn’t wait to experience again a perennial favorite at the winery: the wine and Halloween candy pairing. Yes, that’s right, Halloween candy! […]
Wine club parties range from fun to fantastic! We measure our interest in joining each wine club primarily based on the reputation of their club parties. This strategy paid off handsomely in our most recent club party at Balletto Vineyards. Great setting, delicious food, fantastic wine, wonderful live band, the list of superlatives goes on […]
Wine club pickups are a lot of fun. There’s the excitement of receiving the very latest wine releases coupled with the rush of buying wine at a substantial discount. Korbel Champagne Cellars makes the most of both emotions. Here’s how our first club pickup in decades went down! A few months ago, we rejoined the […]
Climb to the top of a certain ridge, and you will discover some beautiful things! Beautiful views of the Livermore hills, beautiful grapevines, and (why else would we be there?) beautiful wines. Where can you find this ridge? Why at Eagle Ridge Vineyard, of course! Eagle Ridge Vineyard was one of our very first wineries […]
Life in Livermore is pretty interesting! A jumble of contrasts: cowboys and physicists, freeway mazes and acres of vineyards, soccer leagues for 3 year-olds and a jet-capable airport. All that range can make for a pretty interesting Saturday. On tap for today: air show, wine tasting and fine Italian food. Things are pretty great here! […]
This Blissful Days post is dedicated to the new Mr. and Mrs. Finn! Weddings are the absolute best, so full of family, friends, love and wine! Rob and I attended a good friend’s wedding yesterday that was held at Garre Winery in Livermore inside their stunning events center, Bella Rosa. I couldn’t wait to check out […]