TASTE Livermore Valley Wine Experience 2025: The Ultimate Wine & Food Weekend in the Tri-Valley
If you’re seeking a wine and food weekend that celebrates region, terroir, creativity, and community, look no further than TASTE: The Livermore Valley Wine Experience, taking place October 16–19, 2025. Nestled just 40 miles east of San Francisco, the Livermore Valley region has long been a hidden gem in California wine culture, and TASTE brings its finest expressions to center stage. This four-day affair invites wine lovers, foodies, and curious travelers to immerse themselves in Livermore Valley’s vineyards, winemakers, chefs, and stories.
Over the course of Thursday through Sunday, guests will traverse a curated itinerary of pairing competitions, vineyard walks, cooking classes, varietal showcases, elegant dinners, and whimsical soirées — all set against the sweeping hills and vines of Livermore. With more than 40 wineries in the Livermore Valley appellation, the 2025 TASTE weekend promises to be a compelling showcase of what makes the Livermore appellation so special: its climate, its soils, its community, and its sense of place.
In this article, we’ll walk you through each day’s highlights, spotlight must-attend events, and give you a sense of why Livermore is earning growing recognition in the wine world. Whether you’re a local to Livermore or traveling from afar, this is your guide to making the most of TASTE 2025.
Why Livermore? The Valley That Inspires TASTE
Before diving into the schedule, it’s worth pausing to reflect on Livermore itself. The Livermore Valley is one of California's oldest wine regions, combining historic roots with contemporary innovation. Over 40 wineries in Livermore now cultivate their grapes, each contributing to the diversity of styles, expressions, and terroirs within the valley. TASTE is designed to bring that multiplicity of voices to light.
Livermore's climate is influenced by a mix of marine breezes from the San Francisco Bay and warming daytime sun, yielding grapes with a balance of ripeness and freshness. The soil diversity—ranging from gravelly alluvial terraces to sandy loams and rocky ridgelines—gives winemakers in Livermore versatile tools to craft wines with character. But equally important: Livermore has a tight-knit wine community. Small and large producers alike collaborate, share knowledge, and rally behind events like TASTE that put the region on the map.
TASTE gives both longtime residents and new visitors a chance to taste Livermore not just in a glass, but across food pairings, vineyard soils, local chef interpretations, guided hikes, and more. With each sip and bite, you hear the story of Livermore told through the senses.
Day 1: Thursday, October 16 — Taste Our Terroir: The Competition That Defines the Weekend
TASTE begins on Thursday evening at Livermore’s Wente Family Vineyards — but this year, in a fresh location: the Terrace Lawn at Wente. This premiere evening is known as Taste Our Terroir, the signature food and wine pairing competition that has become a staple of the Livermore wine calendar.
Twenty teams — each pairing a Livermore Valley winery with a local Livermore restaurant — will compete to create the perfect bite. These teams are tasked with matching culinary ingenuity to vinous expression, crafting dishes that capture the essence of Livermore wines. The competition features three blind-judged categories: Best Classic Pairing, Most Innovative Pairing, and Judges’ Best Pairing. Esteemed judges Keith Beavers (Tastings Director at VinePair), Chef Emily Lim (James Beard Award nominee), and Clive Pursehouse (US Editor for Decanter) will decide the winners. As guests, you’ll also get to cast your own vote for People’s Choice Best Red and Best White Pairings.
Every guest can sample all 20 pairings, and enjoy a decadent dessert spread. VIP ticket holders receive special privileges: early access, an extra hour to mingle, a private lounge, sparkling wine upon arrival, and side conversations with each winery-chef team. This is more than a competition — it’s a celebratory introduction to all things Livermore.
From this first night onward, the tone is set: TASTE is about telling Livermore’s story through flavor, toasting both the tradition and the innovation that define the valley.
Day 2: Friday, October 17 — Vineyard Walks, Cheese, Seafood & Masquerade
Friday delivers a range of experiences that let you sink deeper into Livermore life, from landscape walks to cheese pairings to elegant evenings.
Valley Views & Vines: Murrieta’s Well Hike & Sauvignon Blanc Tasting
Start your day at Murrieta’s Well, located on Mines Road in Livermore. From 10 AM to 12 PM, join a scenic vineyard hike guided by local ambassadors. As you stroll through estate vines, learn about Livermore’s vine-growing practices, climate, and watershed. Along the way, raise your glass to Sauvignon Blancs from Livermore’s cellar doors, paired with charcuterie in the Murrieta’s Well tasting room. This event offers intimate views of how Livermore terroir shapes some of its signature whites.
Cheese & Wine Pairing — Del Valle Winery
From 1 PM to 3 PM at Del Valle Winery in Livermore, immerse yourself in a six-course cheese and wine pairing. Del Valle, Fenestra Winery, and Garré Vineyard & Winery team with The Cheese Parlor for this experience beneath a lush Sangiovese arbor. Cheese and wine sleuths collaborate to bring out subtle textures and affinities. It’s a sensory exploration deeply rooted in Livermore, where local producers join hands to showcase regional nuance.
Ocean & Vine: Sauvignon Blanc & Seafood Social
Between 4 PM and 6 PM, gather at The Purple Orchid Wine Country Resort & Spa in Livermore for Ocean & Vine. This stylish social pairs Sauvignon Blancs from eight wineries in the Women’s Wine Collective with seafood bites. Sample coastal flavors against Livermore wines, all while enjoying vineyard views and relaxed elegance. It’s a signature varietal celebration highlighting how Livermore whites can speak to freshness, acidity, and sea breeze inspirations.
Moonlit Masquerade at McGrail
Night falls, and the magic arrives at McGrail Vineyards in Livermore from 7 PM to 10 PM. Don your finest mask (black and white attire suggested) and step into the Moonlit Masquerade. The evening begins with a performance by the Livermore High School Orchestra, and evolves into dancing under the stars with DJ Michael Ramponi supplying the beat.
Sip pours from eight distinguished Livermore wineries, including a blind tasting of library Cabernets. You can vote on your favorite — prizes await. Local sweets by Bluebirds Chocolate will be available for purchase. It’s elegance, mystery, and community all in one night, set amid vineyard silhouettes and starlit skies — a quintessential Livermore evening.
Day 3: Saturday, October 18 — Signature Experiences, Bubbles & a Grand Dinner
Saturday is loaded with headliner events that let you taste, tour, celebrate sparkling wines, and dine under the stars — all with a Livermore signature touch.
Taste YOUR Terroir — Guided Vineyard Tour, Tasting & Picnic
From 11 AM to 1 PM at Casa de Viñas Vineyard in Livermore, join legendary grape grower Julio Covarrubias for an intimate exploration of the vines. He will share his farming philosophy, stories of Livermore’s vineyards, and behind-the-scenes insight into crafting wine from those very plots. The tour is paired with a tasting of wines grown on-site, followed by a picnic lunch from Charming Fig under a shady oak. It’s a personal, relaxed way to live Livermore from vine to glass.
Sip. Savor. Stomp.
From 12 PM to 2 PM, head to Del Valle Winery in Livermore to embrace harvest spirit. This playful event pairs a family-style brunch (with six gold-metal wines) with a grape stomp — get messy! Roll up your pants, jump in a vat, and stomp grapes near the vines. You’ll also receive a commemorative T-shirt. Expect joyful chaos, conviviality, and a strong sense of connection to Livermore’s harvest roots.
A Sparkling 007 Affair
Between 3 PM and 6 PM, journey to a private Livermore estate (Kent Family) for a Bond-flavored sparkling wine experience. Swim in glamorous vibes, sip Blanc de Noir and Grüner Veltliner plus comparative sparkling wines, enjoy caviar pairings, and descend into the family’s wine cellar for a rare vintage Sauternes tasting. With Livermore’s charm and dramatic setting, it’s a sparkling afternoon to remember.
LVVC Winemaker Dinner
Saturday night culminates in an elegant six-course farm-to-table dinner from On the Vine Catering, held at The Purple Orchid Resort & Spa in Livermore. Opening with a VIP reception at 5 PM, guests can chat with members of the Livermore Valley Vintners Collective (LVVC). Dinner begins at 6 PM, paired with a collaborative 2022 red blend made exclusively from Livermore fruit. Dishes are paired thoughtfully with wines from Fenestra, JMC, Las Positas, Rosa Fierro, Wood Family, and Page Mill. A limited set of six-bottle LVVC blends will be available for purchase that night. This dinner is a grand statement of Livermore’s winemaking unity and gastronomic vision.
Day 4: Sunday, October 19 — Unwind, Reflect & Savor Final Pairings
Sunday offers a gentler pace but no less adventure. It gives you a chance to reflect, taste, walk, stretch, and celebrate Livermore one more time before the weekend closes.
Puppies, Wine & Yoga, Oh My!
From 10 AM to 12 PM, head to Fenestra Winery in Livermore for a soulful experience of yoga, wine, and puppies. Greeted by adoptable pups, enjoy a light breakfast and sparkling or white wine while you move through gentle yoga poses in a scenic Livermore vineyard setting. This is a restorative, playful send-off to TASTE, blending wellness and whimsy against Livermore’s oak-studded landscapes.
Foodie Face-Off: Red vs. White Pairing Challenge
From 11 AM to 1 PM at Cuda Ridge Wines in Livermore, take part in a spirited tasting duel: eight wines (four red, four white) paired with four creative dishes. Winemakers Larry Dino (Cuda Ridge) and Brent Amos (Las Positas) lead the commentary, suggesting which style pairs best with each course. As guests, you’ll vote red or white champion. It’s a lively finale to Livermore’s weekend of tasting.
Cluck Cluck Cab Franc: TOT Unplugged Edition
From 12 PM to 3 PM at McGrail Vineyards in Livermore, you’ll experience a relaxed, open-house edition of “Taste Our Terroir” centered on Cabernet Franc — a signature red of the Livermore Valley. Thirteen Livermore wineries will pour Guild-certified Cabernet Francs, while food trucks and vendors offer bold chicken-based bites. Sample smoky barbecue, Asian fusion, artisan pizzas, Halal favorites, and more, all designed to pair with Livermore’s Cab Francs. Cast your vote for the most exciting bite. This event captures the convivial spirit of Livermore, putting terroir and flavor front and center.
Forest to Glass
From 3 PM to 5 PM back at Purple Orchid in Livermore, wrap up the weekend with an immersive culinary and wine pairing focused on mushrooms and foraged ingredients. Led by winemaker and mycologist Julie Schreiber, this “forest to glass” session explores how Livermore wines interact with earthy mushrooms and wild flavors. Taste small bites paired with wines and deepen your understanding of how terroir, soil, and vine come to life in every sip.
Why You Should Attend TASTE in Livermore
1. Deep Connection to Terroir
Few experiences allow you to drink place in such an immersive way. Every TASTE event is rooted in Livermore soil, climate, and community. When you hike vineyards, you feel the slope, the breeze, the sun. When you sip wines, you taste Livermore. When you dine, you experience how local chefs interpret Livermore wines. It’s terroir, expressed through all five senses.
2. Wide Variety, One Region
Unlike large multi-region wine festivals, TASTE focuses entirely on Livermore. You get to sample dozens of styles within one valley—from crisp Sauvignon Blancs to expressive Cabernet Francs, bold blends, sparklings, and more. You witness the richness of Livermore’s diversity within a cohesive identity.
3. Access to Winemakers & Storytellers
TASTE gives you behind-the-scenes access. You’ll meet growers like Julio Covarrubias, converse with winemakers at dinners, chat with participating teams at the competition, and explore vineyard practices during hikes. In Livermore, wine is personal, and this weekend is a chance to engage with the people behind the bottles.
4. A Mix of Elegant & Playful
From masquerades to grape stomps, from yoga with puppies to gourmet dinners under the stars, TASTE blends sophistication and fun. That duality reflects Livermore itself—a region that holds tradition dear but is never stuffy. Whether you’re dancing under moonlight or hiking through vineyard rows, you’ll feel spirited, grounded, and delighted.
5. Supports Local Culture & Community
TASTE is also community building. Local chefs, caterers, food trucks, chocolatiers, boutique wineries—all benefit from the attention and collaboration. The event uplifts Livermore’s hospitality economy and helps raise the profile of the region in the broader wine world.
Tips for Getting the Most out of TASTE in Livermore
Plan ahead: Many events (like the hike, the picnic, or the sunset dinner) sell out quickly. Lock in tickets early.
Mix your experiences: Don’t skip contrasting events — walk the vineyards one minute, dance at the masquerade the next.
Ask questions: Winemakers and chefs are eager to talk. Ask about soils, aging, pairings, philosophy — it enriches every pour.
Pace yourself: Four days of wine and food can be intense. Hydrate, snack, rest between events.
Stay local: Consider staying in one of the hotels in Livermore — you’ll cut travel time and soak in the evening ambiance.
Use your vote: Whether it’s People’s Choice, blind tasting awards, or pairing challenges, your voice matters.
Bring home memories: Enjoy your commemorative glass, take notes, and pick up bottles (especially the limited LVVC blend) to extend the weekend beyond closure.
Featured Highlights & Why They Matter in the Livermore Story
Taste Our Terroir: The Centerpiece
This competition embodies the spirit of TASTE and Livermore. By pitting food and wine teams head-to-head over what defines “the perfect bite,” you see how chefs and vintners interpret Livermore terroir differently—and beautifully. The competition builds excitement, community, and creative expression in one room.
Vineyard Walks & Tours
Walking among vines at Murrieta’s Well or Casa de Viñas grounds you in Livermore’s land. These moments of quiet perspective let guests trace the physical contours, listen to stories, smell soil, and literally walk the slopes that produce the wines in your glass.
Varietal Showcases: Sauvignon Blanc & Cab Franc
Livermore’s signature varietals shine here. The Ocean & Vine social places Sauvignon Blanc front and center, paired with seafood, accentuating its freshness and regional signature. Meanwhile, the Cluck Cluck Cab Franc event underscores Cab Franc as one of Livermore’s red champions. These events reinforce the identity of Livermore wines and teach attendees why these grapes thrive in the valley.
Sparkling & Experimental Events
The 007 sparkling affair, forest-to-glass mushroom pairings, and cooking classes bring sophistication and novelty. By pushing boundaries, these events show that Livermore is not just about tradition—but about experimentation and evolving expression.
Winemaker Dinner & Collective Vision
The LVVC Winemaker Dinner exemplifies cooperation in Livermore. When vintners unite to produce a regional blend, they highlight their shared commitment to place and quality. Dinner events like this cement the idea that Livermore is more than individual labels—it is a community with a voice.
Whimsy & Community: Yoga, Puppies & Grape Stomps
Events like yoga with puppies and grape stomping are joyful, approachable, and inclusive. They soften the formality, remind us wine country is playful, and connect guests to the warmth of Livermore hospitality.
What to Expect — A Sample Itinerary for Wine Enthusiasts
Here’s a sample outline for someone dedicating the full weekend to TASTE in Livermore:
Thursday evening: Arrive early, check into a Livermore hotel or inn, perhaps explore a local tasting room. Head to Wente for Taste Our Terroir competition. Enjoy pairings, chat with chefs and vintners, and vote.
Friday morning: Wake up leisurely, perhaps enjoy breakfast in downtown Livermore. Drive to Murrieta’s Well for the hike and Sauvignon Blanc tasting. In the afternoon, enjoy the cheese event at Del Valle. Later, relax at the Ocean & Vine social, then head to the Masked Masquerade at McGrail.
Saturday: After breakfast, join the Casa de Viñas vineyard tour and picnic. Next, have fun tasting, stomping, blending at Del Valle. In the afternoon, attend the sparkling 007 affair. In the evening, dress up for the grand LVVC Winemaker Dinner at Purple Orchid. Sip wines from across Livermore, dine in style, and socialize under the stars.
Sunday: Begin slowly with yoga, puppies, and wine at Fenestra. Continue to the Red vs. White challenge at Cuda Ridge. At midday, join Cluck Cluck Cab Franc at McGrail for relaxed, flavorful tastings. End with Forest to Glass at Purple Orchid — a final reflection on how the land and wine harmonize in Livermore.
Afterwards: Bring home wines (especially that LVVC blend), stay another night in Livermore if possible, and plan a future return to your new favorite wine region.
Where to Stay in Livermore Valley When Attending TASTE
Planning to make the most of your TASTE Livermore Valley weekend? From boutique hotels to elegant wine country resorts, Livermore offers a variety of comfortable and convenient places to stay—each just minutes from local wineries, restaurants, and downtown entertainment.
Courtyard by Marriott – Livermore
Start your Livermore wine country experience at the Courtyard by Marriott, where you can sip a glass of local wine right in their Courtyard Bistro. The hotel’s friendly staff can recommend top Livermore wineries, nearby restaurants, and local attractions to round out your stay.
Address: 2929 Constitution Dr, Livermore, CA | Visit Website
Fairfield Inn & Suites Livermore
Conveniently located near Livermore Casino, Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory, and Bodega Aguirre Winery, this Marriott hotel offers modern amenities including refrigerators, microwaves, and complimentary Wi-Fi. Guests enjoy easy access to San Francisco Premium Outlets—perfect for a little post-wine tasting shopping.
Address: 2625 Constitution Dr, Livermore, CA | Visit Website
Hawthorn Suites by Wyndham Livermore
Located in the heart of Livermore Wine Country, Hawthorn Suites offers all the comforts of home, including complimentary breakfast, Wi-Fi, and the warm hospitality the Wyndham brand is known for. Enjoy a Clean & Safe stay while exploring the best of historic Livermore Valley.
Address: 1700 N Livermore Ave, Livermore, CA | Visit Website
The Purple Orchid Wine Country Resort & Spa
For a truly luxurious stay, unwind at The Purple Orchid Resort and Spa. Nestled on 23 scenic acres in the heart of Livermore Wine Country, this resort features elegant accommodations, rejuvenating spa treatments, and an on-site olive orchard that produces award-winning olive oil. Perfect for couples or those seeking a serene escape between tastings.
Address: 4549 Cross Rd, Livermore, CA | Visit Website
The Rose Hotel – Pleasanton
Prefer to stay closer to downtown Pleasanton? The Rose Hotel offers boutique-style charm with deluxe rooms and suites, a full bar featuring local Livermore Valley wines, and access to a full-service athletic club. Enjoy complimentary continental breakfast before heading out to explore nearby wineries and restaurants.
Address: 807 Main St, Pleasanton, CA | Visit Website
The Broader Significance of TASTE for Livermore’s Wine Identity
TASTE is more than a fun wine weekend — it’s a mechanisms for defining and elevating Livermore as a serious wine region.
Branding: By showcasing 20+ wineries under one curated umbrella event, Livermore gains unified visibility in the regional and national wine conversation.
Education: Through workshops, guided tastings, and speaking opportunities, visitors learn about Livermore’s soils, climate, practices, and challenges.
Collaboration: Winemakers, chefs, vendors, and hospitality teams converge around TASTE — building relationships, sharing audiences, and strengthening the Livermore wine ecosystem.
Market exposure: For smaller wineries in Livermore, participation in TASTE opens doors to new customers, media attention, and direct sales.
Cultural legacy: With decades of past TASTE weekends behind it, Livermore continues to build its reputation as a dynamic wine region, while preserving community traditions.
In short, TASTE helps define what Livermore stands for in the wine world: quality, creativity, terroir-driven wines, and a warm, collaborative spirit.
Looking Ahead: What TASTE May Mean for the Future of Livermore
The 2025 edition of TASTE has the potential to push Livermore further into the spotlight. As visitors, critics, media, and wine lovers descend on the Livermore Valley, the impressions they take home may influence how they regard the region in future tasting decisions. A well-executed TASTE weekend can:
Encourage more vineyard development in Livermore, backed by rising recognition.
Attract new winemakers and investments into Livermore.
Inspire more regional events (harvest festivals, wine walks, educational seminars) throughout the year.
Spark deeper wine tourism infrastructure (lodging, culinary offerings, guided tours) in Livermore.
Strengthen the identity of Livermore wines so consumers seek them out after TASTE.
By investing creativity, collaboration, and hospitality into TASTE, the Livermore Valley community is shaping its own trajectory in California’s wine landscape.
Final Thoughts: Savoring TASTE & Livermore
As October approaches, wine lovers and culinary adventurers have much to anticipate. TASTE: The Livermore Valley Wine Experience is more than a festival — it’s an invitation to live a weekend through the lens of Livermore: its hills, its vines, its people, its ambition. Over four days, you’ll taste the soils, walk the rows, sip with winemakers, dine under stars, and let your senses map the unique fingerprint of Livermore.
Whether you're a lifelong Livermore resident or visiting for the first time, TASTE offers a rare, full immersion. You’ll leave with memories, flavors, friendships, and perhaps a few bottles that forever remind you — this is Livermore.
So, raise your glass, mark your calendar, and get ready: October 16–19, 2025 is your chance to experience TASTE — in Livermore style, through Livermore wines, and in the heart of Livermore Valley Wine Country.
