Livermore’s West Side Wine Trail
The Bay Area seems to have a never ending supply of great wine and wine experiences. Whether it be the luxurious lure of the Napa Valley, the historic charm of Sonoma, or the revitalized Healdsburg the North Bay is a well established destination. Mix in the Santa Clara Valley and the Santa Cruz Mountains, a short jaunt South leads to lots of interesting wine travels. But let’s talk Livermore – and maybe we should call it the “Easy East” because of its proximity to San Francisco, San Jose, and Oakland – just 45 minutes or less from any of the Bay Area’s largest cities.
Livermore is by no means a new wine region – after all, it’s home to Wente Vineyards, the oldest continuously operating, family-owned winery in the United States. But Livermore, like many of its wine valley neighbors, is a growing home to many up-and-coming wine projects that are more than worth a look. And the West Side Wine Trail is the perfect way to spend a day trip experiencing some of these fun wineries.
Whether you’re planning on soaking up the sunshine and sipping your wine on patios, seeking out exciting wine varietals, or grabbing a picnic table and taking in the scenic countryside with your friends or family, you’ll have everything you need on the West Side Wine Trail.
If you’re a fan of Bordeaux varietals, you’ll love the wines coming out of Cuda Ridge. Home to one of the better Merlot’s we’ve had in a while, this family owned winery really understands how to treat the noble five. Named after a 1970 Plymouth Barracuda (pictured below) that’s as purple as Petit Verdot, Cuda Ridge is also home to a relaxed, hospitality driven wine experience. Be sure to taste your wines on the patio and take in the beautiful surrounding vineyards. You won’t leave this place without at least a few bottles of wine, and you shouldn’t because you’ll want to revisit these time and again.
Just a couple of minutes down the road will land you at Las Positas Vineyards. It’s no wonder why this gorgeous little gem hosts what must feel like a wedding a week throughout the year. In addition to the venue, you’re bound to find a wine that suits your tastes because these field blenders have over 20 different wines available. Albariño, Verdigris, Barbera, Meritage, Petite Sirah – you name it and you might find it, including bubbles. Another spot that’s driven by its hospitality, you’ll also love their unique food and wine pairing experiences – did someone say cheesecake bites and wine?!
Pack your picnic provisions and swing into Fenestra Winery. You can easily spend half a day at this classic winery lounging in the grasses and sipping on Graciano (our favorite of the wines we tried). The tasting room is housed inside the winery itself, which was built in 1889, and is a treat to explore for its living history. You’ll have plenty of wines to try, and whether you need a refreshing white to sip in the sunshine, a light bodied red to pair with your picnic, or a dessert wine to keep things sweet the whole menu is available to you.
A stop into Dante Robere does not go unrewarded. Owners and winemakers, Dan and Bob (where Dante Robere gets its name) have put together a special family owned and operated winery, producing very high quality wines and procuring an experience that makes you feel like you’re part of their family. Make it a point to have a tasting or a glass while sitting on the lovely patio, and be sure to get your hands on the white Melange, the Zinfandel, and do a side-by-side comparison of the two Estate Syrah’s. Definitely a winery to watch and enjoy in the years to come.
