Livermore Valley

Livermore Valley

Bodegas Aguirre Winery & Vineyards

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For those passionate about California wines and exploring its renowned wineries, the journey of Dr. Ricardo Aguirre is a captivating tale. Enchanted by the serene beauty of the Livermore Valley vineyards, Dr. Aguirre envisioned a future steeped in viticulture. In 1986, he acquired 32 acres of land nestled among the picturesque rolling hills of East Tesla Road, right in the heart of this flourishing wine region.

By 1996, Dr. Aguirre took a significant step forward by commissioning Wente Vineyards to plant and cultivate 12 acres of grapes, with an equal split between Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot. Although already a seasoned connoisseur of fine wines, his initial aim was to produce and sell premium wine grapes. However, as he witnessed the exceptional quality of the grapes flourishing in his vineyards, he felt a calling to become a winemaker himself.

In 2000, he embarked on this new path by crafting his first single barrel of wine, a delightful blend of Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Syrah, Petite Sirah, and Zinfandel. Dr. Aguirre's journey embodies the spirit of innovation and passion that defines the California wine experience, inviting enthusiasts to discover the fruits of his labor in the stunning Livermore Valley.

Caddis Wines

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Although Caddis is new it is quickly becoming one of my favorite wineries in Livermore. The winemaker Chris has had years if experience in the Livermore Valley and it shows in his wines. It's no surprise the Caddis took home a number of Chronicle wine awards, their wines is phenomenal! Caddis is located next to Wood Family and are only open a select amount of days throughout the year. Just a quick update. Caddis Wines now has two locations, in Livermore and Sonoma. 

Caddis Sonoma Plaza
Guests are invited to enjoy a tasting of small lot wines from Sonoma County and the Livermore Valley. Caddis Sonoma Plaza is open daily from 11 AM to 5 PM, with extended hours on occasion. While walk-ins are welcome, reservations are recommended. Parties are limited to a maximum of 8 guests.

Caddis Livermore
Currently, Caddis Livermore is open for public tastings on 7 weekends each year. For more details on tastings and openings throughout the year, visitors should check the Special Events tab. Any questions can be directed to (707) 931-6939.

Read our guide to Livermore Wines and Wineries

 

Grape Cluster - Pixabay

Flipflop Wines

cluster of grapes

Winemaker James Foster’s love for the land began as a child growing up on the family farm, the historic Roseland Plantation in Eufaula, Alabama. As a teenager, his love for the land spread to the vine: spending many summers as a “cellar rat” in various wineries, James had a full vineyard-to-bottle view of winemaking. Inspired to learn more, he studied Enology at Fresno State University, then honed his winemaking skills over the last 13 years at The Wine Group. Along the way, he has partnered with grower-winemakers from around the globe on a portfolio of varietally and regionally expressive, exceptional wines at all price points. Since 2009, James has worked with a team of winemakers on crafting flipflop wines. By collaborating closely with partner winemakers at the source, he is able to stay true to each wine’s varietal character.

Read our guide to Livermore Wines and Wineries

Tesla Vintners

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Tesla Vintners, the home of The Singing Winemaker, is located at 5143 Tesla Road, the geographical center of the Livermore Valley Wine Country. Our tasting room is open from 12:00 pm to 5:00 pm on Fridays, Saturday from 12:00 pm to 6:00 pm, and 12:00 pm to 5:00 pm on Sundays.

Page Mill Winery

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After 35 years of production there have been many changes at Page Mill, but our focus remains constant..... "Peace through wine, one glass at a time" Page Mill Winery offers more than a dozen wines from local vineyards as well as appellations across the state. The winery is located in the Livermore Valley within minutes of the downtown shopping district

Retzlaff Vineyards

wine swirling in a glass - Saman Teher - Pixabay

Much of the beauty of Retzlaff Vineyards lies in its commitment to organic practices. As a pioneer in organic grape growing, Retzlaff stands out as the only California Certified Organic vineyard in the greater San Francisco Bay region, making it a must-visit for wine lovers.

The vineyard’s dedication to organic methods, along with meticulous canopy management and vineyard health, results in wines of exceptional quality. Visitors can savor the authenticity and complexity of wines crafted from grapes that are free from chemical residues.

The clean, bright, and evenly ripened fruit translates into fresh, delightful wines that showcase the true nature of each grape varietal. The winemaker often likens their approach to savoring an organic, sun-kissed peach plucked directly from the tree, striving to ensure that each berry in the vineyard embodies that perfect peach experience. For California wine enthusiasts, a visit to Retzlaff Vineyards promises not only exquisite wines but also a deep appreciation for the beauty of organic viticulture.

Image  - Saman Teher - Pixabay

Boaventurea de Caries Vineyards

Cluster of grapes - Pixabay

Brett Caires, a self-made realtor, chef, and winemaker, hails from the stock of wine connoisseurs. BoaVentura Baptiste de Caires, Brett’s grandfather and the winery’s namesake, handed down a passion for relishing good wine. Brett recalls family meals with his Oakland, California-based grandparents, where wine was always a staple at the dinner table: “The table was set with glasses of wine, port, and milk.” To boot, according to family legend, Brett’s great grandfather, Antonio de Caires, was deported during Prohibition for winemaking after he brought his family to America. A devotion to his family heritage was a natural inspiration for Brett to cultivate his own knowledge of winemaking.

Through the influence of family, friends, and fellow winemakers, including Karl Wente, Noah Taylor, and Bob Taylor, Brett learned about the art of making wine. On a trip with Karl to Europe in 1997 – through France, Greece, Portugal, and England – he sampled regional wines, amassing knowledge that would later help him produce his first Cabernet, made available to the public in 2002.

On April 29, 1999, Brett realized his dream of owning a winery when he and his wife, Monique, purchased a five-acre property perched atop a sunny ridge in the southeast corner of Livermore Valley, California.

Mitchell Katz Winery

red wine swirling in the glass - Saman Teher - Pixabay

Mitchell Katz Winery has been a family affair from the beginning. With help from his wife, Alicia, production has grown to 8,000 cases a year. The winery was started in 1998 in memory of Mitchell's grandfather who passed at the age of 96. Mitchell also named one of his creations, a blended wine, after his youngest son, Wesley. Mitchell and Alicia consider their venture to be a living memorial to the man that devoted more than a half century to home winemaking.

Image- Saman Teher - Pixabay

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