The easternmost AVA in the San Francisco Bay Area is the Livermore Valley. It’s moderate climate made it a magnet for early Bay Area Wineries. There was a time when the region’s wines were the most famous in all of the state.

Livermore Valley put California on the international wine map in 1889, capturing America’s first gold medal at the Paris Exposition. The winemaking history here is long and fascinating, beginning in 1844 when Robert Livermore (an English sailor) jumped ship and planted the first vineyards. The Wente and Concannon vineyards, established in the 1880s, are still industry leaders in production today.

The climate of Livermore is affected by both coastal and inland influences. Inland heat from the Central Valley makes its way into the wine region and the weather is usually sunny during the growing season. At the same time, cool winds from the Bay moderate temperatures, especially in the evening and overnight.

The terrain of Livermore Valley was recognized very early as being suited for high-quality grapes. Despite the region’s well-drained soils, Livermore Valley has been transformed from a largely agricultural region to a suburb of San Francisco over the past few decades. Fortunately, Livermore Valley wineries have made significant progress in preserving the vineyards that remain. Concannon and Wente are the historic stalwarts in the region with newer, smaller producers such as Murrieta's Well continuing the proud traditions. (Wine/Appellations)