Around-the-World Tastes at Wine Bar

Last year, a new wine bar opened on the grounds.

A scant few months later, in October, the was named a Sunset Magazine's "Editors Pick." The bar features wines from Livermore, including Darcie Kent Vineyards, and other popular choices from California, such as Cupcake Vineyards.

They serve small-lot imports from around the world, including Helfrich from Alsace, France; Chockstone from The Grampians, Australia; and Kallfelz from Mosel, Germany.

Underdog has one of the Bay Area's largest Enomatic® wine-serving systems, which dispenses 48 wines from the bottle. By using inert gases, the system ensures that each glass of wine tastes like the bottle was just opened for up to three weeks. You can choose wines by the varietal or by the brand.

The bar's gourmet tapas and bar snacks were designed by Barbara Llewellyn, an award-winning chef from Oakland. Many of the ingredients are local and are updated each season. Selections include sautéed crab cakes, a tower of ahi tuna tartar and mini cheeseburgers. And there's home-made ice cream made with wine for dessert.

By pairing flights of wine with small plates, visitors can enjoy lighter fare or a full meal. 

The Underdog Wine Bar's calendar includes "Tasty Tuesday," with a 2-ounce pour of all specialty wines $2, and "Wine Wednesdays," which include a complimentary pour of a specialty wine with each glass of wine purchased. On the third Thursday of the month, a featured winemaker discusses winemaking styles. Guests receive a complimentary sampling of wines.

Upcoming events include Taste Of Tri-Valley Restaurant Week (Sunday-Jan. 30) and a Valentine's Day Romantic Menu on Feb. 14.

Underdog Wine Bar is at 4590 Tesla Road in Livermore (on the grounds of the Concannon Winery) and is open seven days a week, Thursday-Saturday noon to 10 p.m. and Sunday-Wednesday noon to 8 p.m.