September 03, 2004

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Publication Date: Friday, September 03, 2004

Wine country magic

Make this a weekend of wine.

Pay your money and take your seat to be shuttled from winery to winery for the 23rd annual Livermore Valley Harvest Wine Celebration, taking place Sunday and Monday, Sept. 5-6. Each of 24 wineries at 22 tasting rooms will host its own slate of events - tastings, seminars, entertainment, food, cooking demonstrations, arts and crafts, and children's activities.

Twenty-two live bands will entertain with tunes from country to rock to jazz and R&B at venues in Livermore, Pleasanton, Sunol and Castro Valley. There is so much to see - and to taste! - that the sponsoring Livermore Valley Winegrowers Association suggests spending one day visiting the wineries on the west side and the other touring those to the east.

There are four main bus hubs for the event, which also will offer pickup for will-call tickets: ¥ Downtown Hub 2205 Railroad Ave., Livermore ¥ Wente Vineyards Estate 5565 Tesla Road, Livermore ¥ Fenestra Winery 83 Vallecitos Road, Livermore ¥ Elliston Vineyards 463 Kilkare Road, Sunol

Buses run from noon to 5 p.m., and 54 shuttles will be travelling between the wineries over five routes.

A two-day ticket is $35 in advance and $40 during the event, and covers wine tastings at all participating wineries, shuttles, a wine glass and a printed program. A Monday-only pass is $30, and a non-drinking pass is $5. Wristbands will be issued and those wearing a "designated driver" wristband will receive free soda and water.

Purchase tickets online at www.livermorewine.com or call the Livermore Valley Winegrowers Asociation office at 447-WINE (447-9463). Tickets are also available at the Wine Steward, 641 Main St. in Pleasanton; telephone 600-9463. -Dolores Fox Ciardelli

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