Out and about on a sunny fall afternoon exploring some wonderful, off the beaten path, wineries of the Livermore Valley.
Tucked back in a little industrial portion of Livermore, is a hidden gem of a winery, Rosa Fierro Cellars, a boutique winery specializing in high quality, small lot wines made from award winning vineyards in Livermore and Napa Valleys. Rosie, the winemaker, is often there, and able to talk about the wines and share her knowledge. Open for tasting Friday afternoon through Sunday. Rosa Fierro Cellars 346 Earhart Way, Livermore, CA 94551.
Another lucky tasting stop was McKahn Family Cellars, having a wonderful reputation for fine Rhone varietals. We were not disappointed. From the minute we stepped into the tasting room through a tour of the facility, we were treated like members of the family. Denise was fabulous and very generous with her time and knowledge of the region and the McKahn story. All of the staff was welcoming. We loved the seated tasting with table service. We took home some fine wine and will definitely be back some day. Open for tasting Friday afternoon through Sunday. McKahn Family Cellars 2245 S Vasco Rd Ste A, Livermore, CA 94550, b/t Graham Ct & Garaventa Ranch Rd.
Off the beaten path, down a quiet country road, and worth the drive is another wonderful find. Here you will have a table, and the wine will come to you. So much more relaxing and leisurely than the normal standing at the bar! The wines are good, and the on-site honey is a very nice addition, as well. Open for tasting Saturday and Sunday. El Sol Vineyard 8626 Lupin Way, Livermore, CA 94550, at Greenville Rd.
Not in an area you would typically think of for a winery, is another notable find, Leisure Street Winery, where the wines are super tasty, and they have a really good variety. The owners are often there and are very nice and easy to talk to. Appointments for Thursday-Friday, Saturday and Sundays from (12-5). Leisure Street Winery 8953 Tesla Rd, Livermore, CA 94550, b/t Jerrold Rd & Cross Rd.
Tucked away in the hills of Sunol, you can find Elliston Vineyards, where hand-crafted wines have been a long-standing tradition dating back more than 125 years. The property – with its historic stone mansion, lush grounds, and secluded Terrace Room offers a unique and picturesque atmosphere that is sure to provide an enjoyable and memorable experience for any occasion. Open for tasting Saturday and Sunday. Elliston Vineyards, 463 Kilkare Rd, Sunol, CA 94586
Also located in the rolling hills of Sunol is Nella Terra Cellars, a boutique winery located on 100 acres. Due to the unique and cool climate of their vineyards, Nella Terra is one of the only wineries in the Livermore Valley that produces pinot noir on their property, and they take pride in growing their own high quality grapes. This beautiful hillside winery makes you feel as if you are in your own little vineyard oasis, complete with a lagoon and breathtaking views. Contact winery for tasting days and hours. Nella Terra Cellars, 5005 Sheridan Rd., Sunol, CA 94586
