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Break out the Merlot — Gov. Jerry Brown has proclaimed September as California Wine Month, according to Wine Institute and California Association of Winegrape Growers.
This marks the seventh year that the California government has recognized the wine industry and its contribution to the Golden State with its many wineries, grape growers and vintners.
On Wednesday, Brown officially proclaimed next month as California Wine month, which includes a month of events across the state.
Locally, the Livermore Valley Winegrowers Association is offering the 30th Harvest Wine Celebration next weekend. Between noon and 5 p.m., Sunday-Monday, Sept. 4-5, wineries will offer Livermore Valley’s best wine, food, art and music to ticket holders.
On Sunday, guests are invited to ride shuttle buses between winery locations. The buses will travel three different routes, each serving six to 11 wineries. Free parking will be available at Robertson Park in Livermore, where guests can board buses and transfer between routes during the day.
Bus stops may be as far as 300 feet from winery locations, so guests riding buses must be prepared to walk up driveways.
On Monday, guests will enjoy a more intimate affair, as wineries offer different wine experiences, such as winemaking demonstrations or tasting of wine varietals to highlight the local winery experience.
Thirty-two participating wineries will be pouring at their tasting room locations across Livermore Valley, with local artists, musicians and food vendors. Eleven more wineries will be pouring and hosting festivities at either Concannon Vineyard or Wente Vineyards on Tesla Road.
Food at all winery locations will be locally prepared and moderately priced (under $8). Admission includes a commemorative Livermore Valley wine glass, tastings of at least two wine varietals from each participating winery, anofficial event program and exclusive discounts on wine purchases.
Tickets are available online at www.LVwine.org, at all participating Livermore Valley wineries, the Wine Steward in Pleasanton, First Street Wine Company in Livermore and Bay Area Safeway stores.
According to the Wine Institute and the California Association of Winegrape Growers, California has more than 4,600 grape growers and accounts for about 90 percent of wine production in the United States.
the last time I went was a few years back and had an older person with me-while the buses are great service-99% of the people riding them are VERY VERY rude and have NO RESPECT for older people. we had to wait for at least 4 buses to get on one heading to the next winery since none of the “baby boomers” wanna be wine snobs couldn’t not let us on the bus. the weather outside was over 85 degrees. i finally had to contact an official and he couldn’t understand why we were still waiting for a bus-I made a scene (I didn’t give a crap who was listening ) but it got us a seat on the very next bus.
anther year, this was even earlier but still with the older person, we got stuck at Thomas coyne winery since all the seats were taken on the very last bus since once again-they refused to let on a senior citizen-the wine docent tried to tell us we would have to walk or take a cab back into town to get our car (cabs were not readily available back then). I once again caused a stink and they were not happy and they sent out a great big bus just for the 4 of us.
Ever since those two times, I have only gone once more and drove instead of taking the bus. handicap parking I got more respect from the winery personel then from the visitors. all they care about is themselves and no one else.
so be aware if you are going with a older person, drive your own car.
Pick the best wine to accompany: http://ihopeyouarehungry.blogspot.com/2010/09/grilled-baby-octopus.html
Greek & French style cooking, yum yum plenty! I mean it. When my grandmother was alive, she would always serve squid or octopus with wine. I prefer cold beer eventhough I don’t drink, I do when I eat squid or octopus. It seems to taste better.
yum yum plenty…
Correction: Greek & Basque style seafood…HOORAY!
Should ever want to learn about Basque seafood, I suggest you visit Donostia/San Sebastian and take a week long cooking class. This is the best place to visit if you want the very best in Basque seafood. It will put you in dreamland! http://www.foodandwine.com/articles/basque-country-cooking
Seafood is very expensive in the bay area but it is possible to make soups that are so tasty that you will drool when you see and smell the food.
no kidding…
cholo-do you know of any good Greek eateries in the East Bay? I missed the Greek festivial in Oakland this year and have been craving Greek food ever since. thanks
It’s worth driving to Los Gatos if you want Greek food: http://www.diodeka.com/pdf/dinner_menu.pdf
Kokkari in SF is good…we usually order several seafood dishes and share…I prefer the whole fish and the lamb chops
The Basque Cultural Center in South SF is good…home style cooking.
Sea Salt in Berkeley has good sea food.
MEZES in San Francisco voted Best Greek: http://mezessf.com/ tasty…nobody seems to use enough cinnamon…