Visit Tri-Valley: Golf, hiking, biking and more.

Home to the beautiful cities of Danville, Dublin, Livermore, Pleasanton and San Ramon, Tri-Valley is the perfect destination for outdoor enthusiasts. Visit Tri-Valley and discover endless possibilities. http://www.visittrivalley.com.

Getaway package pairs enterainment and wine country charm

Escape to Tri-Valley’s renowned Livermore Valley wine country for an overnight performing arts experience! With top-tier tickets, fine dining, overnight accommodations and other amenities, the Livermore Valley Wine Country Escape package is ideal for visitors in search of an enjoyable getaway.

The new package is available for ten upcoming performances at the Bankhead Theater including dance, theater and comedy, as well as a broad range of music from the crystalline voices of Chanticleer and rich soul vocals of Lizz Wright, to the festive sounds of Mariachi Sol de Mexico and infectious country rock of Pure Prairie League.

The Wine Country Escape combines a pair of tickets for the performance, a gourmet three-course dinner for two at Sanctuary Ultra Lounge across from the theater with appetizer, salad, entree and a glass of Livermore wine, and an overnight stay (double occupancy) at the nearby Hawthorn Suites by Wyndham. A complimentary bottle of award-winning Livermore Valley wine, a wine tasting card for use at local wineries, and a Livermore Downtown Guest Pass for discounts at participating businesses are also included.

A $370 value, the two-person Livermore Valley Wine Country Escape is available on a limited basis for the unbeatable price of $259.

This special package is offered in conjunction with several upcoming performances at the Bankhead Theater:
• Alonzo King LINES Ballet – Contemporary Dance with Global Artistry & Vision
Saturday, April 28 at 8:00 p.m.
• Pure Prairie League – One of Country-Rock’s Pioneering Forces
Thursday, May 17 at 7:30 p.m.
• Chanticleer “Love Story” – A Glorious Evening of Sheer Vocal Perfection
Sunday, May 20 at 2:00 p.m.
• Buffalo Rome Rodeo Weekend – Country Western Music with a West Coast Feel
Friday, June 8 at 8:00 p.m.

Visit Tri-Valley, California: Livermore Valley Wine Country

Conveniently located 33 miles from San Francisco, Tri-Valley’s Livermore Valley Wine Country has a long history of winemaking tradition and more than 50 wineries.

For an affordable weekend adventure, visit Tri-Valley and the cities of Danville, Dublin, Livermore, Pleasanton and San Ramon. Check out our website for info on attractions, places to stay, events and exclusive deals!

Garden Trail Opens in Livermore Valley as area wineries mark Earth Day

Several Livermore Valley wineries celebrated the opening of the Drought Resistant Garden Trail with a sign installation and toast at Rodrigue Molyneaux Winery on April 12. Developed in cooperation with the Alameda County Master Gardeners, the initial phase of the new trail includes the first of many local winery and event center gardens to feature native, drought resistant plantings.

Lisa Meier of Las Positas Vineyards, Jim Ryan of Concannon Vineyard, Linda Ault of Cedar Mountain Winery, Chris Chandler of Livermore Valley Winegrowers Association, Nancy Rodrigue of Rodrigue Molyneaux, Glenn Matthews of Wente Vineyards and Shari Wentz of Alameda County Master Gardeners.

The gardens are open to the public and are a great way to experience Earth Day in Tri-Valley. Participating wineries include:

• Cedar Mountain Winery: A wide perennial garden flanks both sides of the barrel room. The garden is filled with roses; especially captivating is the climbing rose Altissimo. Hardy penstemon and sages also fill the beds.

• Concannon Vineyard: Playful topiary is the obvious theme of these gardens, where even mature Fruitless Mulberry trees are trained into arches and orbs. Drought resistant New Zealand flaxes, purple hopseed and daylilies are scattered among the olive trees. Concannon was one of the first wineries in Livermore Valley to use roses as detectors of molds and mildew in the vineyard.

• Las Positas Vineyards: Many drought resistant grasses, including California fescue and Mexican feather grass are planted in this extensive landscape that also features Teucrium chamaedrtys (germander).

• Rodrigue Molyneaux Winery: Avid gardener and winery owner Nancy Rodrigue is challenged by lack of sun in her landscape that features many garden “rooms.” With the advice of master gardeners, she has replaced ground covers with ceanothus and native deer grass. A border that runs along an outdoor seating area has been replanted with honey bush mahonia and various colored leafed heuchera that add color.

• Wente Vineyards Estate Winery: A former parking lot at Wente’s Tesla Road location is now planted with hardy trees, shrubs and perennials that welcome guests to picnic. Outside the winery, white oleander and olive trees under planted with rosemary, lavender and agastache repeat in drifts along Tesla Road. Coffeeberry and heleanthemum are highlights of a corner garden in this lush space that features native and drought resistant plants.

• Martinelli Event Center: Property given to the Master Gardener Program by the county in 2000 now blooms as an example of beautiful landscaping in a dry summer garden. The University of California Alameda County Master Gardeners Livermore Demonstration Garden is divided into six areas: an oak garden, a flower garden, a dry creek bed garden, a garden that attracts hummingbirds and butterflies, a wind garden and example of gardening on a berm.

Livermore Valley's winery garden trail.

Several other Livermore Valley wineries are actively working with the Master Gardener Shari Wentz to design and plant drought resistant gardens that will be included in future phases of the wine country trail.

“Although the program is still in the beginning stages, the Livermore Valley Winegrowers Association and Alameda County Master Gardeners are excited about this cooperative effort and its potential,” said Wentz.

All of the gardens on the Drought Resistant Garden Trail are open to the public and the Master Gardeners Livermore Demonstration Garden hosts monthly classes. The Master Gardener program is part of Cooperative Extension, the outreach arm of the University of California through its Division of Agriculture and Natural Resources. Master Gardeners are trained volunteers who provide residents of Alameda County with information to help them garden in schools, backyards, nursing homes and other locations. Inspired by Earth Day on April 22, wineries around the state of California are celebrating ”Down to Earth Month” with hands-on workshops, eco-tours, green-themed events, special offers and tastings of eco-friendly wines. Explore “Down to Earth” events at and plan a visit just as California vineyards are coming alive with spring.

Iconic Livermore Winery celebrates heritage with Irish Whiskey

Livermore Valley’s Concannon Vineyard, America’s first Irish-American winery, pays homage to the family’s Irish heritage by introducing Concannon Irish Whiskey. The whiskey, aged in casks from the winery’s iconic Petite Sirah has essence of Concannon’s wine.

St. Patrick’s Day festivities throughout Tri-Valley

Several new and long-standing events will delight visitors and locals across the Tri-Valley this year. The Irish spirit will be celebrated throughout the region’s downtowns and wine country. Here are some highlights of the exciting festivities:

The City of Dublin hosts its 29^th annual St. Patrick’s Day Celebration on Saturday, March 17 and Sunday, March 18 in the Civic Plaza. This admission-free event is perfect for the entire family. The festival promises an authentic Irish experience with three stages of entertainment, an Irish tea cottage, carnival rides, crafts and more. The Dublin Lions Club Parade kicks off Saturday at 9:30 am and the Shamrock 5k is Sunday morning. 

Downtown Pleasanton gets the holiday started early with the first-ever St. Patrick’s Day Brew Crawl on Friday, March 16. Enjoy local craft beer and appetizer tastings in at several downtown Pleasanton businesses. Tickets are available online and at several downtown locations for $30 pre-sale and $35 at the door. The last downtown brew crawl sold out in advance, so get your tickets quickly!

Livermore Valley wine country gets in the St. Patrick’s Day spirit with several wineries holding special events. Gold on Greenville Road invites you to taste the Gold Medal-winning wines from the San Francisco Chronicle Wine Competition at participating wineries on Greenville Road. Bent Creek Winery will showcase its 2009 Cabernet Sauvignon and 2009 Zinfandel Port, Charles R Vineyards highlights its 2009 Zinfandel, McGrail Vineyards & Winery for its 2008 Cabernet Sauvignon Reserve and Wood Family Vineyards showcases its 2009 Zinfandel. This is an admission-free event, but a $5 tasting fee applies at each location.

Cedar Mountain Winery and Eagle Ridge Vineyard will also have special Irish-themed events and wine pairings during the weekend.

For a complete list of St. Patrick’s Day events in Pleasanton, Livermore, Dublin, San Ramon and Danville visit the CVB event calendar. Make it a St. Patrick’s Day weekend getaway and book an overnight stay at one of Tri-Valley’s hotels.

Winemaker Dinner Celebrates Livermore Valley’s San Francisco Chronicle Wine Competition Winners

The 2012 San Francisco Chronicle Wine Competition proved to be a breakout year for Livermore Valley wineries. With 143 award winners from the region, critics, wine experts and consumers are taking notice of the recent success from the Livermore Valley.

Now you have the chance to celebrate Livermore Valley’s big winners during an intimate winemaker dinner to be held Friday, February 24th at Wente Vineyards. This is sure to be a memorable evening highlighting the award-winning wines, smartly paired with tempting courses from The Restaurant at Wente Vineyards. The gourmet menu includes:

2009 Cuda Ridge Wines Merlot, Best of Class- paired with ahi tuna carpaccio, black olives, pickled red onions, fried caper berries, micro greens and herb oil.

2009 Bent Creek Cabernet Sauvignon, Best of Class- paired with creamy herbed polenta, wild mushroom- oven dried tomato ragout, charred red peppers and focaccia crisp.

2008 Wente Vineyards Nth Degree Syrah, Best of Class- paired with smoked grimaud farms guinea hen confit, braised white beans, radicchio, bacon broth.

2008 McGrail Vineyards Cabernet Sauvignon Reserve, Red Sweepstake Winner- paired with mesquite grilled flat iron, carrot puree, roasted cipollini and salsa verde.

A dessert reception will follow with specially selected wine from each winery.

The evening kicks off at 6:30 pm with a welcome reception. The winemaker dinner and dessert reception will immediately follow from 7:00- 10:00 pm at the Wente Vineyards Event Center. A limited number of tickets are available for purchase online for this intimate evening.

According to Heather McGrail of McGrail Vineyards, the Livermore Valley Winemaker Dinner is just one example of the collaboration evident among wineries throughout the region.

“Everyone was very excited about the results from the San Francisco Chronicle Wine Competition and Larry Dino from Cuda Ridge winery approached us about partnering for a winemaker dinner,” said McGrail. “Fortunately, most Livermore wineries enjoy working together and believe in the philosophy that working together creates greatness.”

McGrail Vineyards Winemaker, Mark Clarin, also agrees that the results from the San Francisco Chronicle Wine Competition are just the beginning of great things to come for the Livermore Valley.

“The Livermore Valley has a rich and long history of producing exceptional wines over the past 150 plus years. Among the varieties historically recognized are Sauvignon Blanc and Petite Sirah,” said Clarin. “As we have moved into the 21st Century we are proving that many noble grape varieties can produce outstanding wines including our Cabernet Sauvignon. Livermore Valley AVA – We are cooler than you think.”

Exclusive offer for visitors during Livermore Valley Barrel Tasting Weekend

An annual favorite, Livermore Valley Barrel Tasting Weekend is happening at more than 30 wineries throughout the region on Saturday, March 31 and Sunday, April 1. Visitors who book an overnight stay in Tri-Valley durning Livermore Valley Barrel Tasting Weekend can take advantage of an exclusive limited-time offer. Travelers who book an overnight stay at a participating hotel in Pleasanton, Livermore, Dublin, San Ramon or Danville are eligible to receive a $50 Visa card to spend during their stay.

Here’s how it works: simply book a hotel room and fill out the request form online. You will receive your Visa card upon hotel check in. This offer is valid on reservations booked from Friday, March 30- Sunday, April 1, 2012. All requests must be received by 9 am on Friday, March 30 to ensure delivery.

Enjoy this exclusive deal to make Livermore Valley Barrel Tasting Weekend an exciting and affordable weekend getaway. A growing Livermore Valley wine country tradition by the Livermore Winegrowers Association, Barrel Tasting Weekend, offers the chance to immerse yourself in Livermore Valley wines while traveling from winery to winery throughout the valley. Taste barrel samples (and often the same wine already in the bottle, from an earlier vintage) at the more than 30 participating wineries. Take advantage of exclusive deals will be offered on pre-purchased “futures” that haven’t even been bottled yet. Tickets for this event are available online for $30 in advance and $35 at the door.

Taste of Tri-Valley Restaurant Week kicks off this weekend

Taste of Tri-Valley Restaurant Week 2012 gets under way this weekend, starting with a Kick Off Party at Underdog Wine Bar at Concannon Vineyard on Friday, January 20.

Partygoers will be treated to an intimate event with live entertainment, food and wine. Acclaimed Bay Area chef, Barbara Llewellyn, has a tempting menu of decadent hor d’oeuvres, delicious dessert bites, and seasonal small plates made from local produce. Award-winning wine and a bubbly toast make for a perfect evening in Livermore Valley wine country evening.

Tickets are available online or by calling 925-583-1581. Use code UWBPARTY for an exclusive $20 discount on ticket prices.

The culinary celebration of the region doesn’t stop there. Enjoy exclusive prices on pre fixe menus all week long at thirty participating restaurants from Pleasanton, Livermore, Dublin, San Ramon and Danville.

From upscale wine country restaurants to charming downtown cafés and innovative local favorites, visitors to Tri-Valley can explore the region’s diverse culinary offerings without breaking the bank during Taste of Tri-Valley Restaurant Week. The eight-day celebration provides food lovers the opportunity to dine at Tri-Valley’s vibrant and distinctive eateries for a fraction of the normal expense.

Taste of Tri-Valley Restaurant Week is Saturday, January 21- Sunday, January 29, 2012. Thirty restaurants throughout the region are participating with $15 2-course lunches and 3-course dinners for $20-30. The challenging part will be deciding which restaurants to visit!

Here’s a current list of participating restaurants.

Anarkalee Restaurant, Pleasanton
$15 Lunch | $20 Dinner   

Baci Bistro & Bar, Pleasanton
$15 Lunch | $30 Dinner

Blue Agave Club, Pleasanton
$30 Dinner 

Cafe Main, Pleasanton
$15 Lunch | $20 Dinner For Two  

Campo di Bocce, Livermore
$15 Lunch | $20 Dinner 

Chicago’s Metropolitan Deli, Pleasanton
$15 Lunch | $20 Dinner

Coco Cabana, Dublin
$30 Dinner 

Eddie Papa’s American Hangout, Pleasanton
$15 Lunch | $30 Dinner 

El Charro Mexican Food & Cantina, Livermore
$15 Lunch | $20 Dinner For Two 

El Nido Mexican Restaurant, Danville
$15 Lunch | $30 Dinner  

Esin Restaurant & Bar, Danville
$30 Dinner    

Faz Restaurant, Pleasanton
$15 Lunch | $30 Dinner  

Garre Vineyard and WInery, Livermore
$15 Lunch 

Great American Grill, Livermore
$15 Lunch 

The Hop Yard Alehouse & Grill, Pleasanton
$15 Lunch  

The Hop Yard Alehouse & Grill, San Ramon
$15 Lunch 

Maria Maria, Danville
$15 Lunch | $30 Dinner 

McNamara’s Steak and Chop House, Dublin
$30 Dinner 

Milano Joe’s Cucina Italiana, Livermore
$30 Dinner 

Nonni’s Bistro, Pleasanton
$30 Dinner

Porter’s Restaurant at Poppy Ridge Golf Course, Livermore
$15 Lunch 

Patrick David’s – An American Bistro, Danville
$15 Lunch | $30 Dinner   

Norm’s Place, Danville
$15 Lunch 

The Restaurant at Wente Vineyards, Livermore
$15 Lunch | $30 Dinner  

Sanctuary Ultra Lounge & Restaurant, Livermore
$20 Dinner 

Stixx and Steaks, San Ramon
$15 Lunch | $20 Dinner 

Stomp! Wine Lounge & Restaurant, Danville
$15 Lunch | $20 Dinner  

Tomo Sushi Bar & Grill, Pleasanton
$20 Dinner  

Underdog Wine Bar, Livermore
$15 Lunch | $30 Dinner  

Yiping Restaurant, San Ramon
$15 Lunch | $20 Dinner   

Check out the Tri-Valley CVB website for a sneak peak at the tempting menu selections to look forward to.

Chef Secrets from Faz- Pleasanton

Faz- Pleasanton showcases simply elegant Mediterranean cuisine prepared with fresh, quality ingredients. Set in a unique dining room with redwood grove in the heart of the restaurant, a wood burning oven produces fragrant pizzas and flatbreads.

Chef Faz Poursohi is sharing the recipe for his delicious Grilled Avocado with Jumbo Prawns, which will be featured on the restaurant’s upcoming Taste of Tri-Valley Restaurant Week menu.

Chef Faz Poursohi's Grilled Avocado with Jumbo Prawns

Chef Faz Poursohi’s Grilled Avocado with Jumbo Prawns

Serves 4 people

Chipotle Aioli – filling for center of grilled avocado half

Blend in small blender or hand held emulsion blender

2 cups mayonaise                                                                               

1 small green onion diced fine                                         

8 sprigs cilantro – leaves only – chopped                                  

2 Tbls or ¾ oz chipotle pepper juice or pepper             

¼ cup Lemon Juice                                                                 

1 small clove garlic                                                           

Touch of salt and pepper                                                                     

Chili Lime Vinaigrette – dressing for baby greens

1 cup orange juice

½ cup raspberry vinegar

Juice of 2 limes

1 tablespoon sugar or more depending on tartness

1 cup corn oil

pinch of crushed dry chilies

pinch of salt & pepper

Grilled Avocado

2 ripe avocados skin on cut in half

salt and pepper

Directions

Oil fruit side – Grill over hot coals or on grill pan, fruit side down, until nice grill marks appear.  Turn over and grill skin side.

Baby Greens and Mango

Toss 4 cups of baby greens with chili lime vinaigrette. Divide onto 4 plates

Dice 1 ripe mango 

Jumbo Prawns (butterflied)

Oil prawns slightly and grill over hot coals or use grill pan.  Sprinkle with salt and pepper. Place grilled avocado half on tossed dressed salad greens, sprinkle with diced mango and place two grilled prawns opposite avocado.  Fill center of avocado half with 1 tablespoon of chipotle aioli. Garnish with wedge of lime.

More than 30 restaurants will showcase local ingredients and signature dishes at Taste of Tri-Valley Restaurant Week, happening January 21- 29, 2012. A complete list of participating restaurants and pre fixe menu details is available online.