Cedar Mountain Winery in Livermore is Closed
Cedar Mountain Winery
Cedar Mountain Winery was a small, family-owned operation in Livermore, known for its gravelly soils, cool coastal breezes, and premium varietals like Cabernet Sauvignon and Chardonnay. Specializing in handcrafted, small-lot table wines and award-winning Ports, the winery emphasized estate-grown and locally sourced grapes from Livermore vineyards. Its Ports, in particular, earned national acclaim, with owner and winemaker Earl Ault once ranked among the top five Port producers in the United States.
Cedar Mountain was celebrated for its seamless fusion of art, food, and wine. Earl, a multifaceted artist and former mountaineer, created the winery’s distinctive labels—each a watercolor or photograph capturing the rugged beauty of Cedar Mountain, which rose dramatically behind the property. His wife Linda, an accomplished amateur chef, elevated tastings with thoughtfully paired gourmet bites, showcasing the wines’ versatility and enhancing the sensory experience for visitors.
The winery produced around 25,000 cases at its peak but focused on quality over quantity, fostering a welcoming, inspirational atmosphere for visitors and fellow winemakers. It also pioneered sustainable practices, becoming the first Certified Green Winery in Livermore Valley by incorporating drought-resistant native plants, recycling, and eco-friendly production methods.
History - Tesla Road
Cedar Mountain Winery's story is deeply tied to the Ault family's passion, and the revival of Livermore's wine industry in the late 20th century. In 1988 the Aults purchased a 20-acre property at 7000 Tesla Road in Livermore. The site, overlooking the namesake Cedar Mountain (visible from their kitchen window), was planted entirely in Chenin Blanc vines—a common varietal in the region's earlier era. The long, olive-tree-lined driveway became an iconic approach, evoking Livermore's rustic heritage. The couple grafted the Chenin Blanc vines to a mix of Chardonnay and Cabernet Sauvignon, laying the groundwork for premium wines.
Cedar Mountain Winery was officially established in 1990, with production initially taking place in their garage. As one of the area's "founding families" of modern winemaking, they quickly became mentors to newcomers, crushing up to 250 tons of grapes annually and bottling for other local wineries. The Tesla Road facility evolved into a full winery and tasting room, hosting decades of visitors amid horse pastures and vineyards. The Aults expanded their portfolio to include Sauvignon Blanc, Syrah, and Ports, earning gold medals and national recognition.
History - Reuss Road
Seeking a scaled-back lifestyle to focus on artistry and small-batch wines (without the demands of a large vineyard), the Aults sold the Tesla Road property in 2013 and moved to a compact two-acre site at 10843 Reuss Road. This modern, single-story home lacked vineyards but allowed for intimate production of Ports and table wines. They broke ground on a new tasting room in January 2014, partnering temporarily with downtown Livermore's Swirl on the Square for pours. The move emphasized handcrafted quality, with tastings in a serene, art-filled space and outdoor picnics encouraged. The Reuss Road era solidified Cedar Mountain's reputation for excellence, with weekends drawing crowds for Ports, Syrahs, and food pairings.
By 2023, after 33 years of operation, the winery had become a Livermore staple, with wines available in stores nationwide. Cedar Mountain closed its doors on January 14, 2024, as Earl and Linda retired. The decision marked the end of an era for Livermore's wine community, with the Aults celebrated for their mentorship, sustainability, and joyful spirit.
The former Cedar Mountain property on Tesla Road was acquired by Darcie Kent Vineyards in 2013. Fifth-generation vintner and artist Darcie Kent transformed the site into her family's estate winery, renovating the historic Bing's Barn into an art-filled tasting room surrounded by 70 acres of estate vineyards on Crane Ridge. Her original paintings adorn the walls, capturing the vineyards' spirit, much like Earl Ault's labels once did. Visitors to this haven enjoy panoramic views and intimate tastings. The olive-lined driveway remains a signature welcome, bridging the site's winemaking legacy.
Cedar Mountain Winery Photo Gallery
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| Cedar Mountain Winery (Tesla Road) Photographed by Kim Giancaterino |
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| Cedar Mountain Winery (Tesla Road) Photographed by Kim Giancaterino |
The Wine Seeker's Guide to Livermore Valley
by Thomas C. Wilmer
The Wine Seeker's Guide to Livermore Valley by Thomas C. Wilmer
Featuring Cedar Mountain Winery (page 13)
Cedar Mountain Winery (Reuss Road)
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