From laidback wine tasting on a countryside patio to elegant tasting rooms, the wineries in Livermore Valley offer amazing variety. Whether your ideal tasting experience includes live music, a winery tour, or perhaps a walk through the wine-making process, Livermore has it all. Below you will find a comprehensive guide to some of the most unique wine tasting experiences in Livermore Valley, but if you are looking for more, download our free Livermore Vacation Guide! It is full of recommendations on vineyards, wineries, restaurants, cafes, and more.
Your Ultimate Guide to Wine Tasting in Livermore
Livermore Wineries
Fenestra Winery
Fenestra Winery is Livermore Valley’s first family-owned boutique winery. Built in 1889, this charming winery provides beautiful picnic grounds, bordered by a creek with stunning vineyards views. It is one of our favorite tasting rooms for celebrations throughout the seasons. Whether you are visiting during the winter holidays or the peak of summer, you can always look forward to plenty of fun events.
Wente Vineyards
Wente Vineyards was founded in 1883; it is the oldest, continuously operated family-owned winery in the country! Sustainable walking tours and private cave tastings are some of our favorite ways to enjoy this winery. In addition, the restaurant at Wente offers an award-winning menu that is carefully crafted with only the freshest local ingredients. The seasonal menu at Wente Restaurant changes daily.
If you happen to visit during the summer, the Concerts at Wente Vineyards are always one of the Livermore Valley’s top attractions and highlights! (If you would like to save money on tickets and lodging for this amazing concert series, take advantage of our Wente Concert Series Package.)
The Singing Winemaker
The Singing Winemaker is one of the most fun and memorable wineries that you can visit in Livermore Valley. From the handmade decor to the singing winemaker himself, Steve Powell, this eclectic tasting room knows the importance of incorporating art into the winemaking process. If you are searching for a unique tasting with great wine and lovely music and art, then The Singing Winemaker won’t disappoint. In addition, this one-of-a-kind winery is dedicated to providing wine for all palates, so there is something here for everyone!
San Jose Wineries
Travieso Winery
At Travieso Winery, partners Mats and Ray built their business on the foundation of California grapes. Mats is a physician, and his first batch of wine came out of a half ton of grapes that was gifted to him from one of his patients. He and Ray, a marine geologist, made wine in Ray’s living room for the first time, and that is when Travieso was born! Located in Campbell, the tasting room is still convenient for wine tasting in San Jose.
Lohr Vineyards & Wines
Jerry Lohr was an early pioneer of winemaking in the California Central Coast. At J. Lohr you can learn as much about the history of California winegrowing as about the wines themselves. At this wine tasting in San Jose, you’ll follow their beginnings, four decades ago to present. Their vineyards include more than 1,300 acres of cool-climate estate in the Arroyo Seco and Santa Lucia Highlands regions of Monterey County, over 2,300 acres in Paso Robles, and 33 acres in Napa Valley. Better still, the wines of J. Lohr come out of sustainably farmed estate fruit.
Divine Winery Tasting Room
If your idea of the perfect day includes an elegant tasting room with affordable flights of wine and interesting stories behind each bottle, make your way over to the Divine Tasting Room. Located in the heart of downtown San Jose, Divine Winery is proudly regional and offers fine wines that are not available in stores. Formerly Sherman Cellars and Red Light Wine Room, this one-of-a-kind winery offers award-winning handcrafted wines that are sourced from the greater Bay Area wineries, including Livermore Valley, the Sierra Foothills, and beyond.
Pleasanton Wineries
Ruby Hill Winery
Ruby Hill Winery was established in 1887. It is a family-owned and operated winery in the heart of Pleasanton, CA. At Ruby Hill Winery, you will find a 150 acre vineyard planted with 11 distinct varietals. Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc, Zinfandel, Sangiovese, and Petite Sirah are just a few wines that you can enjoy! Ruby Hill Winery operates with the mission of becoming a full estate winery. Today, 98 percent of the grapes used are grown in their very own vineyard.
Make the most of your visit to this winery by scheduling a tour. Tours are the perfect way to learn about the history of Ruby Hill Winery and catch a glimpse into the winemaking process. The tour at Ruby Hill Winery also includes a visit their sister winery, Rubino Estates Winery!
If you choose to embark on the winery tour during your visit at Ruby Hill Winery, then Rubino Winery is your second stop! You could easily spend a day here and still have plenty to do. In addition to a beautiful tasting room, Rubino also houses an elegant library room, barrel room, bocce ball court, and picnic areas.
You are missing out during your trip if you don’t take the Duck Boat Tour. This adventurous tour guides visitors through the vineyard and also includes a flight of wine, a sit-down food pairing, and a tour of the production facility. Remember to stop by the gift shop before you leave and take home a bottle of award-winning wine!
Tips for Your Visit
- If you plan to embark on a winery tour, we recommend wearing something casual and comfortable. Vineyards can be muddy during the winter, so heeled shoes are discouraged.
- A few little tastes can quickly add up. Chances are that you will taste more than you expected, so always have a designated driver.
- This list of wineries is just the beginning of what you\’ll find in Livermore! One of our favorite ways to get a true taste of Livermore is with the Livermore Wine Trolley. This winery tour is only 10 minutes away from The Purple Orchid Resort & Spa.
Stay in the Middle of It All
Only minutes from San Francisco, San Jose, Walnut Creek, and Oakland, Livermore Wine Country is a paradise that is only a stone’s throw away. Surrounded by spectacular gardens and olive orchards, a stay at the Purple Orchid Resort & Spa is the perfect complement to any Bay Area getaway.
Each of our suites enjoy their own fireplace and Jacuzzi tub. In addition, daily gourmet breakfast, a luxurious spa, and a complimentary wine and olive oil hour are just a few amenities that our guests enjoy! If you are ready to plan your next Wine Country getaway, check our availability and book your stay today. We can’t wait to welcome you to Livermore Valley!
Pair your wine tasting trips with a visit to one of Livermore Valley’s award-winning restaurants. Read our blog on Livermore’s top restaurants for a few local recommendations!