By Julia
It’s been a month since Carl and I attended the 31st Annual Harvest Wine Celebration that took place the Sunday and Monday of Labor Day Weekend, September 2nd and 3rd. How did time go by so quickly? School started, jobs evolved, the mom-taxi became, once again, the ever-present occupation, yes September flew but the memories of the Harvest Wine Celebration remain a perfect memory. In all actuality, this is “technically” the first time we attended the event as participants. In the past, we have been working the event in one form or another. The Harvest Wine Celebration is an event that encapsulates what the Livermore wine community is all about. This is an event that is a perfect introduction to those unfamiliar with our beautiful wine region known as the Livermore Wine Country.
The Livermore Valley Winegrowers Association hosted this event that included 40 of Livermore’s best wineries. Each winery that participated had a choice to either pour at Wente or Concannon or to host at their own locations. Those that chose to participate at their own home base winery also invited several local vendors to join them. Those participating at Wente Vineyards were el Sol Winery, Elliston Vineyards, Les Chenes Estate Vineyards, Little Valley Winery, Murrieta’s Well and Westover Vineyards. With 6 wineries to choose from, we had to narrow it down. Of course, we had to visit Hal at el Sol. If you haven’t ventured out to el Sol Winery on Lupin Way then you have definitely missed out. Hal specializes in a wide range of varietals from sparkling wine to Tempranillo. The fun, friendly and relaxing atmosphere is a breath of fresh air. As you sip on his wines, don’t forget to take an impromptu tour of his cellar or browse around in the tasting room with all of the cool eclectic art and jewelry that is offered. We also were able to imbibe in the tastes of Murrieta’s Well, and Little Valley.
Our next visit was at Crooked Vine Stony Creek Winery. It was not a hard sell to visit here. First of all we love the wines this duo of wineries have to offer. Secondly, our Bryersantís partners in crime were offering the heady aromatic tastes of Ken’s Wood Fired Pizza.
Thirdly our across the street neighbors were hosting a booth that offered the blingy cool wine attire and accessories of Bling Gems 4 U, and last but certainly not least, our fourth great reason to come was for Sparkling Hair Tinsel by Jenny….Guess who between Carl and I received a little sparkle in the old salt and pepper? The other vendors that attended were Bracelet Bar Jewelry and music by Rovetti and the Meatballs.
Next on our list, was Concannon. With breathtaking views and superfluous gardens, Concannon is always a great spot to visit on your road to introducing yourself or others to the Livermore Valley wine region. Participants joining this elite crowd were Auburn James, Bodegas Aguirre, En Garde, Page Mill, Thomas Coyne, and Rodrigue Molyneaux. Such a luxury to be able to have all of these fine wineries together at one place. Of course we cannot forget about Concannon’s mother ship wines as well as Darcie Kent‘s brand new flagship tasting room that have spectacular offerings. Wish we could have stayed here all day and maybe next year we might. With food offerings from Cabana Dave’s and arts and crafts from Copper Iris handmade copper jewelry, Beauti Control skin wear, Stonewear Jewelry, and Bella Dina Jewelry, hopefully your tummy was happy and your Christmas list lightened.
With Sunday’s summer sun starting to fade and with our own energies beginning to lessen, we decided to go to one last winery for Sunday. This choice was made for two reasons. First was that this winery is only open on special occasions and second was that we happen to LOVE the wines this winery produces. Wood Family Vineyards was the last one we were able to partake in on Sunday. What a crowd! Rhonda Wood hosts Wood Family Vineyards at her home. What a wonderful experience! When you get to go to Wood Family Vineyards, you feel like you are at home or at least home away from home. As a guest here, you always feel like part of the family invited over for a visit. Wood family had several wines offered as well as some fabulous vendors including Fine French Garlic Graters and Grape Jewelry. Food by Chef’s Touch Catering and music by Patty and Abigail. As we sat on Rhonda’s porch we were able to sip on some fantastic wines and take in the breathtaking Livermore Valley view.
The following day I had the pleasure of pouring at Longevity Wines. As usual the wines were fabulous and the vendors perfect. With the Winemaker’s Pour House, Julre-ology, Blue Dragon Alpaca Wear, and Cookie Lee Jewelry with Leslie Takemura the food and vendors could not get any better. Of course Press-ton, the dog, was there to answer any questions or give you a quick smooch and woof to greet you.
By the time we had finished our weekend, we had not been able to participate in all that this wonderful event had to offer. With so many offerings to choose from, there was no way to be able to visit every one. Our only justification of this was that we would have to visit those other participating wineries separately on other occasions. A realization that was sad at the time, but great when you think that we can only look forward to great tastes ahead. We have all year open and we are ready to go out and taste what our own backyard has to offer!!! What a luxury this is. Livermore Valley Wine Country is a luxury to live in. Those that live far from this ideal community have something to wish for. Not all regions are a perfect setting for producing such great wine making grapes as the Livermore Valley. With hot summer and fall days and cool evenings, Livermore is an ideal location to make perfect wines. If you missed this event, don’t worry you can always attend next year. But why wait? Every weekend is a chance to taste all that Livermore has to offer! From great Sauvignon Blancs to outstanding Barberas and fabulous Ports and everything in between, Livermore has it all. Next time you have an inkling to check out some wineries, please consider Livermore. You have not tasted wine until you have been fully submerged in all of Livermore’s offerings.
