Livermore Harvest Wine Festival: Five Things You Need to Know

The 2013 Livermore Valley Harvest Wine Celebration kicks off its 32nd year this weekend.

If you haven't bought tickets, they are still available for the $55 price online until Saturday, Aug. 31 at noon. After that, they can be purchased at the participating wineries for $65.

Livermore Patch caught up to spokeswoman Tami Kelly to talk about the festival, what's new and, in her opinion, five things not to be missed. Here's what she had to say. 

Five things about the festival not to miss, according to Kelly.

1. Great wine. The climate and soils of Livermore Valley allow our wineries to grow and make a wide variety of award-winning wines. Be sure to look for and try varietals you've never tasted before.

2. Live music. Almost every winery will have live music on Sunday, so get out there and dance and request your favorites.

3. Local Artisans. This is the perfect time to start (and maybe even finish) your holiday shopping. Guests will find a wide range of handmade gifts, from soaps and local honey to jewelry, wall art and wine barrel furniture.

4. Freshly prepared festival food. Come hungry! Guests will find a wide selection of food sold by local vendors, including wood fired pizza, BBQ, tapas, pulled pork and tri-tip, oysters and cupcakes.

5. Free bus rides. On Sunday only, guests can ride complimentary shuttle buses between the wineries. The buses will travel on two different routes, each serving at least 14 winery locations. Free parking will be available at Robertson Park in Livermore, where guests can board buses and transfer between routes during the day.