The Livermore Appellation has many beautiful wineries, and my next stop is one such example. Mark Piche, along with his wife Jenni, operate Elliston Vineyards. The winery is located in Sunol California, nestled in the foothills between the East Bay and Tri-Valley of the San Francisco bay area. The cute hillside road that leads up to the winery leaves one anticipating around each corner. The mansion that sits centrally on the property is the initial impression, and it’s a grand one. It is one of the oldest local wineries dating back to 1890. The grounds are beautiful, lush and green. A wonderful patio area adjacent to the mansion allows one to sit and soak up the surroundings.
The tasting room is located within the mansion on the main floor. Current selections in the whites include a Chardonnay, Pinot Blanc, and 2005 Pinot Grigio. Another white, or should I say bubbly, is one of Elliston’s top sellers. Mark says their sparkling wine is refreshing and fruit-forward, and the price is right. For the red wine lover, a couple of options. A 1999 Captain’s Claret blended with 70% Merlot, 19% Cabernet Sauvgnon, and 11% Cabernet Franc is a complex start. Two Cabernet Franc’s are on the menu, a 1999 and 2000. A 1999 Merlot rounds out the tasting. Winemakers are Claude Bobba and Mitchell Katz. If that’s not enough for you, Little Valley Winery is also pouring their wines at Elliston’s tasting room.
Mark is really excited about winemaker’s dinners at the mansion. It is a dining experience, pairing interesting dishes with fabulous wines. He tells me it was a staple in the Elliston program some years ago. Because of frequent requests stirring up, he told me that the winery is starting the events again. Keep posted to the website for more details at www.elliston.com.
If you are looking for a romantic wedding or beautiful event, look no further than Elliston. Accommodations up to 225 inside and outside are available. Elliston has teamed up with Scott’s Seafood. With a wonderful menu provided by one of the finer seafood restaurants in the bay area, and a wonderful setting, the evening would surely be unforgettable.
Hours of operation: Saturday –Sunday 11:00-5:00. 463 Kilkare Rd. Sunol, Ca 94586
Weddings and Banquets Inside and out accommodations up to 225, Scott’s seafood caterer. 925-862-2377
Tri-Valley California Wine Blog 