Eagle Ridge Vineyard in Livermore is Closed
Eagle Ridge Vineyard
Eagle Ridge Vineyard was a charming, family-operated boutique winery perched in the low foothills at the eastern edge of Livermore Valley, offering a secluded, adventure-like escape via a winding, half-mile dirt road—affectionately dubbed the "Disneyland E Ticket" ride. The road delighted visitors with breathtaking 180-degree vistas of the valley's rolling vineyards, distant Mount Diablo, and sun-drenched hillsides. At 10017 Tesla Road in Livermore, the 10-acre property featured estate-grown vines planted across varied slopes, emphasizing sustainable practices like solar-powered barrel storage (a pioneering installation in 2006 that made it the valley's first eco-friendly winery of its kind). The tasting room, doubling as a cool, spacious 3,000-square-foot barrel room, exuded a laid-back, down-home country vibe with exposed beams, rustic charm, and an ever-expanding, eclectic collection of vintage wine collectibles, antiques, and artifacts.
Open weekends with complimentary tastings, Eagle Ridge welcomed three generations of family involvement, creating a kid-friendly haven with outdoor picnic spots, fascinating nooks for little ones to roam, and a whimsical entry graced by bird sculptures crafted from tractor parts and gears. The winery specialized in small-lot, Livermore-sourced wines that highlighted the region's gravelly soils and Mediterranean climate—bold, varietal-driven expressions like the flagship Petite Sirah (inky, full-bodied with blackberry, plum, pepper, and mocha notes, perfect for hearty meals), crisp Pinot Grigio (melon-citrus refreshment bridging Chardonnay and Sauvignon Blanc), jammy Zinfandel, structured Cabernet Sauvignon, and playful offerings such as the Raptor blend (Zinfandel-Cabernet-Petite Sirah fusion) and MadLyn Port from local Carter Vineyard grapes. Affordable and award-winning, these wines embodied a commitment to exceptional, terroir-true Livermore fruit, fostering intimate gatherings, retirement parties, and casual barbecues in an unpretentious space that felt like a warm family extension rather than a commercial venue.
Eagle Ridge Vineyard History
Eagle Ridge Vineyard's story unfolded as a serendipitous evolution from hobbyist passion to celebrated Livermore staple, mirroring the valley's own resilient arc as one of California's oldest wine regions. In the mid-1980s, Livermore residents Jim and Cheryl Perry—wine enthusiasts with a longtime history in the valley—began collecting fine California wines and artifacts as a casual pursuit, amassing a trove that would later infuse their winery's soul. By 2001, seeking rural respite from suburban life, they acquired a modest three-acre plot on South Livermore Avenue, transforming former horse corrals and weed-choked fields into two acres of Petite Sirah vines. Inspired by the bald eagles' symbolic return to nearby Del Valle Regional Park in 1996 (a nod to environmental recovery), they christened the nascent vineyard "Eagle Ridge," envisioning small-lot production from local fruit to capture Livermore's unique essence: warm days moderated by bay fog, yielding concentrated, flavorful grapes.
The venture took flight in 2003 with the vineyard's establishment and expanded dramatically in 2007 when the Perrys relocated to the Tesla Road site, opening the tasting room and cementing their role as family stewards—three generations pitching in from vine-tending to pours, with Cheryl often hosting snack pairings and Jim, the hands-on winemaker, personally guiding guests through flights. Early focus remained on Petite Sirah (first vintage 2004), but diversification followed: Pinot Grigio debuted in 2006, Zinfandel and Cabernet Sauvignon soon after, alongside blends and ports, all estate or Livermore-grown to honor the AVA's heritage. Accolades poured in, including a 2015 San Francisco Chronicle Wine Competition gold for the 2010 Petite Sirah and bronze for the 2013 Pinot Grigio.
For nearly two decades, Eagle Ridge thrived as a hidden gem, sharing space with Dante Robere Vineyards until 2015 and building a devoted wine club. Eagle Ridge was often the go-to for introducing newcomers to Livermore's "wines with character." Though the gates are closed now, Eagle Ridge's legacy soars in Livermore's narrative. It's a heartfelt testament to hobby-turned-heritage, where personal passion outshone commercial scale, leaving indelible imprints on palates and the region's soaring spirit.
Eagle Ridge Vineyard Photo Gallery
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| Eagle Ridge Vineyard Photographed by Kim Giancaterino |
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| Eagle Ridge Vineyard Photographed by Kim Giancaterino |
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| Eagle Ridge Vineyard Photographed by Kim Giancaterino |
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| Eagle Ridge Vineyard Photographed by Kim Giancaterino |
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| Eagle Ridge Vineyard Photographed by Kim Giancaterino |
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| Eagle Ridge Vineyard Photographed by Kim Giancaterino |
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| Eagle Ridge Vineyard 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 Eagle Ridge Vineyard (page 45)
Wine Tasting at Eagle Ridge Vineyard
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