Livermore Valley

About Livermore Valley

The Livermore Valley is one of California's oldest and most historically significant wine appellations, and one of its most overlooked. Charles Wetmore planted the first commercial vines in 1882, importing cuttings directly from Château d'Yquem and Château Margaux, and the valley quickly became one of California's foremost wine regions before Prohibition disrupted everything.

The geography is distinct and compelling: the valley sits in a natural wind corridor where cool marine air funnels in from San Francisco Bay each afternoon, moderating the warm summer days and extending the growing season in ways that produce beautifully balanced fruit. The well-drained, rocky soils are ideally suited to Cabernet Sauvignon, Petite Sirah, and, uniquely, a range of Italian varietals that thrive in the warm-day/cool-night climate.

Today the Livermore Valley Winegrowers Association represents over 50 wineries producing everything from world-class Cabernet Franc to genuinely authentic Italian varieties like Barbera, Sangiovese, Primitivo, and Nebbiolo, making it California's most compelling Italian-varietal wine region outside of the Sierra Foothills.