Livermore, California, Boasts 27th Annual Harvest Wine Celebration

Livermore, California - The weather was a mild 87 degrees with a slight breeze as the city went on to celebrate its 27th Annual Harvest Wine Celebration. Forty three wineries participated in the event which is held every year on the Sunday and Monday of Labor Day weekend to raise funds for the the Livermore Valley Winegrowers Association, a non-profit organization supporting the wineries, growers and members of the Livermore Valley Appellation. A $55 ticket ($50 advanced purchase) provided access to complimentary wine tasting of at least 2 varietals at all the participating wineries for both days and included a souvenir wine glass. Additional varietals were also available for tasting for an additional fee of about $5 at each winery - or free if you're a member of their wine club. Are you a non-drinker or a designated driver? Then that's $10 for both days which is the same price for kids' admission.

People from all over the Bay Area and beyond swooped in this Labor Day weekend to this valley which is home to Concannon Vineyards, makers of America's first Petite Sirah as well as other fine wine makers such as Wente Vineyards, Steven Kent and La Rochelle to name a few. Complimentary shuttle buses were provided to bring guests along seven different routes with multiple wineries on each route. Since parking was somewhat limited at each winery, people were encouraged to park at Robertson Park and take a shuttle from that location. What was new this year was that Robertson Park was also host to 5 wineries sampling their varietals with a live band providing entertainment.

The atmosphere was festive at the wineries as the mild weather contributed to the well-attended celebration. Guests enjoyed not only a wide variety of entertainment all day from live bands at each of the participating wineries but also delectable dishes sold by first-rate local restaurants. Various vendors were also featured at each winery selling various wares ranging from unique lines of clothing and accessories to decors to gourmet food. If you were on the lookout for that special kind of olive oil or balsamic vinegar that you're having a difficult time finding, the Harvest Wine Celebration would be the place to find it. People were dancing to the beat of the band at Wente Vineyards and at Crooked Vine/Stony Ridge while picnic blankets were laid out on the lawn beneath the arbor of trees at Concannon Vineyards. Everyone was taking in the beautiful sunshine and the light breeze and partaking of the festivities that lasted from 12pm to 5pm on both days.

Good food, good time and, most of all, good wine made the Livermore's 27th Annual Harvest Wine Celebration an event which is worth looking forward to spending a leisurely Labor's Day afternoon.