It’s time to taste Livermore Valley wines
September is California Wine Month. We’ve been hunkered down for six long months and this is my 312th Wine Line column. So what do these events have in common? Well, wineries will be celebrating and we haven’t been to a real winery (not virtual) in forever. And finally, I need some substance for this column. Truth be told, I’m terrible with fiction. So here’s the escape plan.
We’re taking a day off from crossword puzzles, cork projects, jig saw puzzles, walking, reading newspapers and books, ZOOM tastings, TV binge watching and naps. We’re so excited! We are going to Livermore Valley, one of the oldest wine regions in California with grapes planted in 1846 by Robert Livermore. Two family wineries, Wente and Concannon were founded in 1883 and the fifth generation continues to make award-winning wines.
A wine tasting trip to Livermore is easy-peezy. Go to www.lvwine.org/events/ for a map and a general overview of the region. Next, call or go online to setup your tasting appointments. All tastings are outside and seating is limited. Relax and sleep in, have a late breakfast and enjoy your day off. Leave a little later so you’ll miss the morning traffic. There are more than 50 wineries, so visiting their webpage is a good idea.
The local wineries racked up plenty of Gold Medals in the 2020 S.F. Chronicle Tasting. In the Sunset International Tasting, Golds Medals went to Retzlaff Vineyard’s Merlot and Merlot Rose, BoaVentura de Caires’ DePorted and Peppers Rosado, Double Gold to Garrre Vineyard’s Profound Secret and a Double Gold and Best of Class to Las Positas Vineyard’s Verdelho,
You don’t need to pack a lunch, you’ll have 150 restaurants to choose from. Ask your wine hosts for their favorites. We plan to head home about 2 pm, in time for a nap. Stay tuned for a full report on our escape to Livermore.
What’s On Our Table
The Steal: The 2018 Esteban Martin Garnacha-Syrah Blend from Spain scored 92 points and is $4.99 at the Grocery Outlet. It’s a bold red wine with a bit of heat on the finish. The 92 point rating and $4.99 price reeled me in.
The Deal: If I owned a restaurant, the 2016 Columbia Crest Cabernet Sauvignon would be my house red. At $6.99, the Columbia Valley Cabernet is the real deal.
The Splurge: The 2017 Concannon Vineyards Mother Vine Cabernet Sauvignon has a touch of Malbec and Petite Sirah. It is full bodied with red berry flavors, round tannins and perfect for a NY Steak. The SRP is $45. Cheers!
Questions? Comments? Find me on Facebook or at rgwinton@yahoo.com.