(From left) Jessica Carroll, owner and winemaker at JMC Cellars; Father Augustine Joseph from St. Charles Borromeo Catholic Church in Livermore; Rabbi Laurence Elis Milder, Ph.D. from Congregation Beth Emek; Pastor Steve Wilde from First Presbyterian Church of Livermore and Brandi Lombardi, Executive Director of the Livermore Valley Wine Community. (Photo by Katie Watts-Whitaker)
(From left) Rabbi Laurence Elis Milder, Ph.D. from Congregation Beth Emek and Jessica Carroll, owner and winemaker at JMC Cellars. (Photo by Katie Watts-Whitaker)
(From left) Kelli Urban and Celeste Cassa from Del Valle Winery. (Photo by Katie Watts-Whitaker)
(Left to right) Darin Winton, owner and winemaker of Cellar 13; Larry Dino and Margie Dino, owners and winemakers at Cuda Ridge Wines. (Photo by Katie Watts-Whitaker)
Local clergy recently gathered in the vineyards for the Livermore Valley Wine Community’s annual Blessing of the Grapes.
As a kickoff to the harvest season, the ceremony Aug. 26 at JMC Cellars in Livermore was also meant to bring good fortune in the grape pickings.
The blessing follows a centuries-long tradition, practiced by many religions in wine-making regions of the world.
Jude began working at Embarcadero Media Foundation as a freelancer in 2023. After about a year, they joined the company as a staff reporter.
As a longtime Bay Area resident, Jude attended Las Positas...
More by Jude Strzemp
We believe everyone should have access to information. That’s why we’re dropping our paywall during this election season to make critical information available to all.