A Food & Wine Odyssey in Tri-Valley, California

Tri-Valley, California is a haven of artisan vintners and undiscovered culinary talent.  Home to the Livermore Valley Wine Country, Tri-Valley is an affordable and authentic destination.

EAT: Passionate Chef’s Pair with Passionate Winemakers
Attend a winemaker’s dinner at one of Tri-Valley’s restaurants. Local chef’s are very passionate good food and wine, many feature regular winemaker dinners, including the Restaurant at Wente Vineyards. Nestled in the Livermore Valley Wine Country, the restaurant’s Executive Chef, Arthur Wall works with fifth Generation winemaker, Karl Wente to create an exquisite menu. LEARN: Calling all Food Network Junkies.
Novice cooks and culinary superstars alike will delight in learning new culinary skills at Pans on Fire in Downtown Pleasanton. This cookware shop also has a full kitchen in the back, and offers a variety of themed cooking classes year-round. But be warned, only those that cook are allowed to savor the fruits of their labor! Best of all, you can bring your wine with you.

DO: Linger over fresh fruits and vegetables
Stroll through the Tri-Valley’s farmer’s markets and enjoy fresh produce and great atmosphere. The cities of the Tri-Valley embrace their agricultural roots, by offering weekly farmers markets complete with live music, food vendors and a bounty of seasonal fruits and vegetables.

San Ramon (May-Oct)
Saturday, 9am – 1pm
Forest Home Farms. 19953 San Ramon Valley Blvd.

Danville
Saturday 9am – 1pm
Railroad & Prospect St.

Pleasanton
Saturday, 9am – 1pm
Main & W. Angela St.

Livermore (May-Oct)
Thursday, 4 pm – 8 pm
Carnegie Park at 3rd & J St.

Livermore (Nov-Apr)
9 am – 1 pm
2nd St. between J&K St.

DO: Taste Liquid Gold in Wine Country.
The olive tree, its branch, and its magnificent golden oil have served mankind for centuries. It’s only fitting that this splendid fruit should find a place of distinction in the wine country. Long known to be a wine region, Livermore is quickly gaining a reputation for delivering some of California’s best olive oil. For over a century, the warm, dry summers and temperate winters have made Livermore Valley the perfect locale for producing olives that yield great tasting oil.
Indulge in a tasting at Olivina in Livermore or Eckert Estate Winery. Visitors can purchase local olive oil at farmers markets and winery tasting rooms.

TASTE: Explore the wine varietals of Livermore Valley
Livermore Valley Wine Country is the perfect place to discover that both wine and food gain layers of complexity and become more delicious when paired with each other Head to Steven Kent Winery and experience the “Tasting at The Table” for a food and wine pairing. If you love pinot noir, head to Steven Kent’s sister winery, La Rochelle for a chance to explore the delicious relationship of food and wine through their tasting flights. Reservations are required at both wineries, and are $30 per person for non-club members.

Other wineries of note include the historical Concannon Vineyards, home of the Petite Sirah. They have a newly remodeled tasting room and an expansive lawn perfect for picnics. For a complete list of the over forty-five Livermore Valley wineries, go to www.visittrivalleyca.com.

STAY: A Night Amongst the Vines
Spend the night in the midst of the vineyards at Deer Ridge Vineyards- Winery Estate & Gathering Place. The Winemaker’s Guesthouse, a 2-bedroom cottage adjacent to the winery is the perfect place for a weekend stay. Best of all, guests are invited to volunteer in the tasting room for one hour as part of their wine country experience.

Those looking to get pampered can check in at The Purple Orchid Inn & Resort. This rustic inn is located in Livermore Valley Wine Country and features ten well appointed guest rooms, a day spa and an outside pool with waterfall. Be sure to book the Day SPA Sampler for only $215.00, it includes a Swedish Massage, Rejuvenating Facial, Spa Lunch and a glass of wine.

GO: Experience the Harvest
The 28th Annual Livermore Valley Harvest Wine Celebration on Labor Day Weekend (Sep 5-7, 2009) showcases Livermore Valley wines and their unique personalities during the peak of Harvest Season. Each winery offers complimentary wine tasting of at least 2 different varietals and hosts a unique party and experience for guests to enjoy the great wines, fun people and good times!

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Taylor Alison Swift (born December 13, 1989) is an American singer-songwriter. Recognized for her songwriting, musical versatility, artistic reinventions, and influence on the music industry, she is a prominent cultural figure of the 21st century.