If a trip to the South of France tops your wish list for a romantic rendezvous but doesn't exactly match your budget don't fret. We are helping you get a taste of France in your own backyard. In this week's Wine Wednesday, Monique Soltani heads to Les Chênes Estate Vineyards for a sneak peak of their Valentine's Day extravaganza. Amor de Les Chenes 12 to 4:30 p.m. on Saturday, Feb. 11 and Sunday, Feb. 12. Les Chenes Estate Vineyards 5562 Victoria Lane, Livermore, CA, 94550

The 2008 McGrail Cabernet Sauvignon Reserve can add another award to its resume. After taking top red-wine honors in the 2012 San Francisco Chronicle Wine Competition — considered the largest competition of American wines — the Livermore-produced Cabernet Sauvignon recently received more praise at the Cabernet Shootout wine competition. The wine received a women's choice award in the Cabernet challenge. This year the competition partnered with the Bay Area Wine Society, according to Wine Oh.tv. For further details on the competition and results, view the Wine Oh.tv report here.

Happy Whiskey Wednesday! Hmm. We can get used to that! Monique Soltani in her Wine Oh.tv website shows how Concannon Vineyards is branching out with an Irish whiskey release. Concannon Irish Whiskey will feature a pinch of Petite Sirah in a collaboration with one of Ireland's legenday distilleries. It can be found at specialty shops and fine liquor stores with the suggested retail price of $24.99 for a 750 ml bottle. For more information, visit the Wine Oh.tv site here.

This family run winery started making wine in 2004 and hasn't looked back since. With 100 percent of their grapes sourced from the Livermore Valley, Charles R Vineyards shows us why this soil is so special it should be celebrated. Monique Soltani shows us why one of the valley's greatest grapes gets its very own day. Upcoming Events: 3rd Annual "Cab-Stravaganza!" Date & Time: 12 to 4:30 p.m. Saturday Who: Charles R Vineyards Where: 8195 Crane Ridge Road, in Livermore Cost: $5 Join us for this red wine lover’s favorite event. What’s better in the middle of winter than a hearty glass of Cab? If…

Add McGrail Vineyards & Winery's 2008 Livermore Valley Cabernet Sauvignon Reserve to your wine collection if you haven't already done so. The Livermore-produced Cabernet Sauvignon was named top red wine in the 2012 San Francisco Chronicle Wine Competition — considered the largest competition of American wines. Monique Soltani in her Wine Oh.tv website interviewed Mark Clarin, winemaker at McGrail Vineyards & Winery. Here's his reaction to the good news: My first reaction is shock. I am humbled by the accolades. I am thankful to be a part of a great family striving to grow the best Cabernet …

2012 marks a century since Wente brought Chardonnay to California. In this week's Wine Wednesdays, Monique Soltani heads to Wente Family Estates and finds out how the grape ended up in the Golden State. 

It was a love affair with the, Little Grape that Could, that started it all. Tom Doczy's passion for Petite Sirah was the inspiration behind his business. In this week's Wine Wednesdays, Monique Soltani heads to John Christopher Cellars and shows us the secret to his success after more than three decades in the wine business. John Christopher Cellars Blacksmith Square, 25 S. Livermore Ave, Suite 103 Phone: 925-456-WINE (9463) Hours: Thursday, Friday: 2 to 6 p.m., Saturday, Sunday: 12 to 6 p.m. Recipe Recommended by JCC to pair with their Petite Sirah: Hearty Beef Stew Clove Scented Beef from…

Livermore Wine Country has its very own cookbook. Fifteen years ago local vintners got together to dish the secrets to their culinary creations — and today they are sharing them with you! In this week's Wine Wednesdays, Monique Soltani heads to Cedar Mountain Winery and shows us what's cooking in wine country. The Cooking a Honker cookbook is available at local Livermore wineries as well as on Amazon.com.

Call it a blast from Livermore Wine Country's past: Cooking a Honker, was published in 1996 and it's coming back to life just in time for the holiday shopping season. In this week's Wine Wednesdays, Monique Soltani chats with wine legend Jim Concannon and finds this cookbook does more than just dish out recipes, it takes you on a trip back in time. Honkin’ Holiday Food Fest: 12 to 5 p.m., Sunday Les Chenes: Sugar-Browned Potatoes with 2010 Estate Rose of Mourvedre Longevity: Tomato Basil soup paired with 2009 Tempranillo from Frydendal Vineyards in Livermore McGrail Vineyards: Turkey and …

Livermore Valley Wine Country is toasting to an annual tradition festive enough to make even the greenest Grinch change his tune from Bah, humbug to Ho Ho Ho! In this week's Wine Wednesdays, Monique Soltani shows us how Holidays in the Vineyards has Santa Claus coming to town...literally!  Holidays in the Vineyards Date: Saturday, December 3 & Sunday, December 4 Time: 12 to 5 p.m. Cost: Tasting fee varies by winery Location: Participating Livermore Valley Winery tasting rooms Participating wineries include: Bent Creek Winery, Big White House, Bodegas Aguirre Winery, Cedar Mountain Winery, …

Nothing makes a Thanksgiving meal better than a bottle or two of Livermore's finest wine. If you're still stuck on what to sink your teeth into this Turkey Day you're in luck. In this week's Wine Wednesdays, Monique Soltani heads to Zephyr Grill & Bar for a non-traditional take on Thanksgiving!

Call it a one-stop shop for Livermore Valley Wine Country. In just 30 days two women turned their dream of opening a locals only food and wine hot spot into a reality. In this week's Wine Wednesdays, Monique Soltani shows us what's on tap at The Winemaker's Pour House! Featured Livermore Valley Wineries: Big White House Boaventura de Caires Bodegas Aguirre Winery Charles R Vineyards Chouinard Winery Concannon el Sol Winery En Garde Fenestra John Evan Cellars Little Valley Winery La Rochelle Las Positas Vineyards Occasio Page Mill Winery Retzlaff Winery Rodrigue Molyneaux Ruby Hill Winery …

This local winery was first rooted in Merlot but has since become one of the Valley's best Bordeaux blends. In this week's Wine Wednesdays, Monique Soltani heads to PICAZO Vineyards Italian villa-style where they are blending wine, culture and cuisine. PICAZO private visits are by appointment at their vineyard site in Livermore, or at their cave in Napa, where they produce wines, feature private tours, and offer barrel and vintage tastings.

Nottingham Cellars is getting national attention and helping spread the good word about Livermore's good wine. In this week's Wine Wednesdays, Monique Soltani shows us why critics agree this young winery is simply supreme! Wine Enthusiast Magazine Scores: 90 points 2008 Supremacy, 87 points 2009 Petite Sirah Casa De Vinas, and 89 point scores on the 2009 Chardonnay, 2008 Reserve Cab, 2009 Reserve Petite Sirah, and 2008 Ralphi's Red Blend. The Scores and review will be published in the December 1st issue, and will be available online at winemag.com in December. Nottingham Cellars Tasting Room…

Livermore wineries are acting ladylike in more ways than one and proving women and wine blend better than champagne and strawberries. In this week's Wine Wednesdays, Monique Soltani features the Lipstick Ladies Wine Tour and shows why there is more to this event than just lip service. Saturday, Nov. 05, 2011 Locations: Les Chenes, McGrail Vineyards, Nottingham Cellars, Occasio Winery, Rodgrigue Molyneaux, Retzlaff Times: 12 to 5 p.m. Admission: $5 tasting fee/winery Contact: Heather McGrail Phone: 925-215-0717 Ladies, grab your girlfriends & spend a day of pampering and picking up your …

With the launch of Kissos 2007 Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon, Paris Georgallis' dream of opening a winery became a reality.  In this week's Wine Wednesdays segment, Monique Soltani shows us how the vitner brought his love for bordeaux to the Tri-Valley.  Kissos Wines can be found locally at these establishments: Cellar 9 RestaurantDublin, Californiacellar9restaurant.com First St Wine CompanyLivermore, Californiawineco.com

Founded in 1998, Rodrigue Molyneaux is a well known family winery across the Livermore Valley but their new label might make you do a double take.  In this week's Wine Wednesdays, Monique Soltani heads to Rodrigue Molyneaux and finds out why this longtime Livermore favorite decided to get a fresh new face lift focusing on their Italian wines and letting their breathtaking scenery take center stage.Wine by Candlelight Saturday, Oct. 15th Executive Chef Tracy Flores will be working a flambé station with fresh fruits, crepes and a nearby chocolate fountain with fruits and sweets. Paired with …

In 1998 this winery started out honoring a legacy of a loved one and then quickly created a legacy of their own. In this week's Wine Wednesdays, Monique Soltani heads to Mitchell Katz Winery and shows how for more than a decade they have been focusing on producing a good product at an affordable price. Mitchell Katz Winery1188 Vineyard AvePleasanton925-931-0744 Tasting Room Hours: 12 to 5 p.m., Thursday – Sunday, and 12 to 6 p.m. on Friday. For questions or information, please contact: events@mitchellkatzwinery.com

Since 1996 this local winery has been advocating the advantages of Livemore's amazing wine-growing region. In this week's Wine Wednesdays, Monique Soltani introduces us to Wood Family Vineyards and their female winemaker who is used to flying high.

They might be new the new tasting room in town but the mastermind behind En Garde Winery has three generations of winemaking in his roots. In this week's Wine Wednesdays, Monique Soltani introduces us to the Hungarian native by birth and Livemore winemaker at heart. En Garde Winery Tasting Room Open at Tenuta Vineyards every Saturday and Sunday from 12 to 6 p.m. or by appointment. Located at 633 Kalthoff Commons in Livermore. Featured wines: 2009 Rose of Pinot Noir - Russian River Valley  2008 Pinot Noir - Russian River Valley  2008 Pinot Noir Reserve - Russian River Valley 2007 Malbec - …