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Livermore Valley Wine Month is back again with a series of events throughout May featuring local wineries.
Celebrated by the Livermore Valley Wine Community, the lineup includes wine tastings, festivals and Uncorked!, described by LVWC officials as being the “region’s premier annual wine showcase.”
Scheduled for May 15 at McGrail Vineyards & Winery, the showcase includes wines that have won a Gold Medal or higher at the California Signature Wine Awards, according to LVWC officials. Set to begin at 6 p.m., Uncorked! will feature an expert-led seminar as well as the recognition of the Livermore Valley’s best red and white wines.
“Livermore Valley Wine Month is about bringing our entire community together, our wineries, restaurants and visitors, to celebrate the wines that define our region,” LVWC Executive Director Brandi Lombardi said in a statement.
Kicking off the highlighted events this month is the Sauvignon Blanc Soirée at Concannon Vineyard. The outdoor gathering includes the namesake wine Sauvignon Blanc with Spanish- and Mexican-inspired appetizers and Spanish guitar music. Held in time with International Sauvignon Blanc Day, the soirée is scheduled to begin at 5 p.m. on Friday (May 1).
To celebrate Mother’s Day, multiple wineries are set to host events during the weekend of May 8-10 such as vineyard picnics, brunches, tastings, live music and food pairings.
Later in the month, during the same weekend as Uncorked!, the Downtown Livermore Street Fest is scheduled to return May 16-17 to the city’s downtown. The annual festival features vendors, live music and outdoor dining. Eight wineries from the Livermore Valley are poised to serve drinks at dedicated tasting lounges. Four local breweries are also set to attend.
Coinciding with International Chardonnay Day, Wente Vineyards is scheduled to host a tasting May 21 within the winery’s caves. Fourteen local winegrowers are set to pour a variety of Chardonnays, from crisp and bright to rich and full-bodied wines. Wood-fired pizza, Pacific Tide tacos and cheese will be served. The event will also feature live music and reflections on the importance of the Wente Chardonnay clone in the Livermore Valley. Dubbed Chardonnay Underground, the event is scheduled to begin at 5 p.m.
Two days later at Pruett Estate Winery, four small-lot wine producers plan to gather for Boutique Barrels of Livermore to showcase a total of 20 wines. Scheduled to begin at noon, the event is set to feature Omega Road Winery, Rosa Fierro Cellars, Sakura Winery and host Pruett Estate Winery.
Rounding out the highlighted events of Livermore Valley Wine Month is the fourth annual Cab Franc-A-Palooza festival at Purple Orchid Wine Country Resort & Spa. The event May 31 is set to feature over 100 Cabernet Franc wines from over 50 producers including those located in California, France and Italy. In addition to wine, the festival will include food trucks and live music. Cab Franc-A-Palooza is scheduled to begin at noon.
“The event reflects the growing reputation of Livermore Valley as a leading producer of Cabernet Franc,” LVWC officials said in a statement.
Throughout the month, select restaurants and bars downtown Livermore offer $15 off a bottle of Livermore Valley wine purchased and consumed on-site. Dubbed Cork & Fork, it is meant to encourage people to wine and dine locally. The program is funded by the office of Alameda County Supervisor David Haubert.
Additional events and promotions are planned by Las Positas Vineyards, Cuda Ridge Wines, Darcie Kent Estate Winery, Del Valle Winery and the newly established Shanti Wines.
For tickets and a full list of events during Livermore Valley Wine Month, visit the LVWC website at www.lvwine.org.
