By Rachel
It’s summertime and the living is easy in Livermore wine country. The kids have been released from school about a week and already I’ve taken advantage of so many good experiences that come with the privilege of wine country living.
It started with spending Memorial weekend under the shade of a romantic grape arbor taking in the stunning views of bursting vineyards and rolling hills at the elegant Concannon Estate. My favorite wines here currently are the Crimson and Clover and the Chardonnay. By the way have you seen the new Darci Kent tasting room? Wow! It is stunning! But really, this whole property is gorgeous and historic and they’ve done a beautiful job on the addition of the Underdog Wine Bar and outdoor seating. It’s really incredible and a great place for families too with plenty of space on the lawn to get out and run around or toss a ball. Concannon is a must visit.
Then, the last day of school let out and some of us moms and kids from our school headed straight to a local park with our picnic to sit around, talk, and toast the start of summer with a crisp refreshing 2011 Longevity pink Pinot Grigio under the shade of a wisteria while the kids ran around and did their own celebrating.
There was a crackling backyard fire under the stars with a bottle of 2007 Charles R Syrah and good friends. On a little side note, let’s not forget the grilled s’mores. Have you ever wrapped a s’more in foil and toasted it in the fire? Yum! This is really the best way to eat them! Trust me!
This evening I’m really looking forward to Wine-Down Friday at Crooked Vine starting at 6:30. I’m going to spend a girl’s night out with Jenny listening to a live band, The Muddy Roses. I believe there will also be the savory scent of barbeque in the air. Sounds like a great time doesn’t it?!
Or, this Saturday, you could join some of us at Longevity on South Vasco for the Annual Salsa Throw Down. Talk about a mouth-watering good time! Come out and vote for your favorite homemade salsa and enjoy more mouth-watering barbecue and great wine! No need for a reservation. This is only a small sample of all the great things going on everyday around the Livermore wineries this summer.
Livermore is in its prime and it’s the perfect time to get out here to see and taste what many of us cannot stop raving about. Some of you have lived here for a while and never knew how many great little wineries there were. Well what are you waiting for? Even if you don’t really like wine, like I use to, it’s so much more than that! The people, the experiences, and the wine is second to none. It’s about celebrating life and a slower pace. If you don’t care for huge crowds and over priced tasting fees’s, then Livermore is the perfect alternative to Napa. Livermore is how wine tasting should be!
Let us know what your plans are for this summer in Livermore. I’m looking forward to spending my summer getting back out to some of the places we haven’t been to in a while. With over 50 wineries it’s a big task, but one we enjoy.
I encourage you take a little time this summer to enjoy your family and friends and build great memories together where ever you may be. Cheers and many blessings!
