Livermore Valley Terrain (Back to overview)
The terrain of Livermore is made of well drained, gravelly soils. Water is not forthcoming to the thirsty vines because it is not retained well in the soil.
The Role of Livermore Terrain on Wine Production
This stresses the plant and forces vineyard roots deep into the ground. Because every living organism’s primary goal is to reproduce, the vine rations its energy away from its leaves and into its grapes.
Despite the fact that Livermore has excellent terrain for grape growing, suburban encroachment has made it less cost economical. Sky-high land prices throughout the San Francisco Bay Area have caused many landowners to develop homes an commercial buildings on their property.
Thankfully, the Livermore Valley Winegrowers Association was established in 1981 with the goal of, “promoting our thriving wine country.” The group puts a high priority on limiting the development land that has traditionally been used to grow vineyards. Carolyn Wente, of Wente Vineyards, is the leader of the association.
Livermore Valley and other Bay Area Wineries
jking7433 said:
Many San Francisco Bay area locals are unaware or unfamiliar with the Livermore valley. Most of the winieries are located off of 580 just past Pleasanton. If you ever feel like taking a wine tasting trip and don't feel like dealing with the traffic and tourist (and in my opinion many elitist tasting room staff) of Napa and Sonoma, try out the Livermore valley. Concannon and Wente are the two oldest and most well known of the area, but there are also over 70 other small wineries in the area. Every time I go I find a new winery to try. My favorites (as of right now) are Thomas Coyne, Big White House, Charles R, Bent Creek, Deer Ridge, and Les Chenes.
Posted 68 days ago.