Perfect Wines for Chilly Nights

edited by Madelyn Miller, the TravelLady 

The Livermore Valley Wine Winter Starter Kit was designed to make it simple for wine enthusiasts near and far to celebrate with festive wines this holiday and winter season, the Starter Kit contains top picks from the valley’s winemakers themselves.

Tri-Valley residents who shop and buy locally will find comfort in sipping local wines. While beyond the backyard, people who expect wines that are undiscovered yet delicious, will appreciate the introduction to many of the boutique wines found in the Livermore Valley.

Located only an hour from three major airports (SFO, SJO, OAK), 42 Livermore Valley wineries are nestled amongst stunning rolling hills, making California’s Tri-Valley region an ideal destination for wine vacations.

From vine to table, many of the wines born in the Livermore Valley are undiscovered gems, while others stem from historically significant, familiar labels, such as Concannon Vineyards, or Wente Vineyards – the country’s oldest continuously operated family-owned winery.

Winemaker Recommendations

As the days grow brisk and the nights chilly, it’s no surprise that the valley’s winemakers and executives behind the Winter Starter Kit are lining up for reds, with Rhone-style wines, such as Syrah and Petite Sirah, grabbing their attention.

Concannon Vineyard was the first winery to release Petite Sirah in 1964. An iconic label for Rhone varietals, their Petite Sirah is a favorite of Winemaker Wayne Re of Garré Winery & Vineyard, “It has an excellent nose and fruity flavor that goes well with either red meat or poultry.”

White Crane Winery Winemaker Nick Nardolillo recommends Wood Family Vineyards Syrah,“It’s a great red wine that pairs well with a lot of Holiday dishes.”

“I recommend Garré Syrah. It shows some really nice cooler climate tendencies with a touch of red berries on the nose, hints of creaminess and just a touch of bacon,” said Nicolas Tucker, director of marketing, Underdog Wine Merchants. “It went nicely with the spaghetti bolognese that I had at Garré’s café this week.”

Chris Graves, Winemaker for Ruby Hill Winery, founded in 1887, recommends La Rochelle 2007 Pinot Noir Classic Clones, “It’s lovely, elegant, yet rich pinot, great pairing for most winter dinners, including turkey, fish or game. Delicious wine!”

Another fan of Wood Family Vineyards is Heather McGrail,Owner, McGrail Vineyards and Winery, “Wood Family Old Vine Zinfandel is a great wine to enjoy while sitting by the fire, relaxing and unwinding from the hectic holiday buzz. This wine doesn’t need to be paired with food, but it also compliments most meals.”  

“Cabernet works during the winter months, in my opinion, because of the classic flavors associated with this wine. I appreciate BoaVentura’s estate grown cab. Currant, plum, black cherry and subtle spice coupled with soft jammy notes create a supple elegant wine that works in harmony with the holiday theme,” offers Rodrigue-Molyneaux Winery’s Dan Silva, apprentice winemaker and tasting room manager.

Most Wines Are Under $25

Wallet-minded consumers will be pleased to note that all of the 15 wines in the Starter Kit are under $50, and within this affordable lot, 7 wines are under $20, while the bulk of them, 12 wines, are priced at $25 or less. Considering that the winemakers were asked to select their favorite wines — with no regard for price — consumers can have confidence that affordability is not at the expense of quality.

Livermore Valley Wine Winter Starter Kit & Holiday Gift Guide

For more information on visiting Tri-Valley, California, and its stunning, affordable Livermore Valley Wine Country, stop by the bureau’s website: http://www.trivalleycvb.com.

Madelyn Miller visited the Tri-Valley and loved the wines. Read her stories on www.travellady.com, www.carladynews.com, www.yogayaya.com, www.chocolateatlas.com, www.cocktailatlas.com, www.teaatlas.com, www.coffeeatlas.com