Welcome to Livermore Valley Wine Country
Home to 5,000 Acres of Vineyards and More than 50 Wineries
Livermore Valley is one of the oldest and most historic wine-growing areas in California. Centered around the city of Livermore, this American Viticultural Area (AVA) features rolling hills, scenic canyons, and gravelly soils that stress the vines to produce flavorful grapes.
Influenced by cool marine breezes and fog from the Pacific Ocean and San Francisco Bay, the valley's unique east-west orientation creates a moderate Mediterranean climate with warm days and cool nights. These conditions are ideal for premium varieties like Chardonnay, Cabernet Sauvignon, Petite Sirah, and Sauvignon Blanc. The region is especially renowned as the genetic birthplace of many of California's Chardonnay and Cabernet Sauvignon vines, tracing back to pioneering clones from Wente and Concannon.
With over 50 wineries, Livermore Valley offers an approachable, welcoming experience—often with winemakers themselves attending to guests. It's a hidden gem just under an hour from San Francisco, blending rich history, award-winning wines, and intimate hospitality amid beautiful vineyard landscapes.
In 1889, Livermore Valley scored a legendary upset when a white wine called Cresta Blanca took home the Grand Prix at the Paris Exposition. It was the first time a California wine beat the French at their own international competition. This historic win put American wines on the world map and helped launch California’s reputation as a serious wine region.
Wente Family Vineyards
The Oldest Continuously Family-Owned and Operated Winery in America
 |
| Wente Family Vineyards Photographed by Erik Wait |
Livermore, California ... My Home Town
San Francisco East Bay Area
My parents moved our family to Livermore when I was three years old. Back then just a few wineries dotted the landscape. Today, thanks to the efforts of the Livermore Valley Winegrowers Association, vineyards and wineries are prevalent throughout the community. Some of the kids I grew up with are now winemakers themselves, sharing in a tradition that has its roots in the 1840s when local rancher Robert Livermore planted the first commercial vines.
Livermore's beautiful downtown area is steeped in history, reflecting the cattle and wine industries that created a thriving community. A very eclectic selection of restaurants and retail shops offer everything from home decor to gift items, fine wines, and of course, western wear.
Livermore (Images of America)
by Livermore Heritage Guild and John Christian
In this compact volume from Arcadia Publishing's esteemed "Images of America" series, the Livermore Heritage Guild—veterans of local preservation efforts since 1972—delivers a vivid snapshot of California's Tri-Valley gem from the mid-20th century onward. Co-authored with John Christian, the book chronicles Livermore's metamorphosis from a post-Depression ranching hub to a suburban powerhouse fueled by federal labs and wartime ingenuity.
These images capture the grit of tuberculosis sanatoriums, the sprawl of vineyards yielding to tract homes, and community cornerstones like fire stations and Main Street parades. The format is straightforward—photo-heavy with concise captions—making it less a narrative memoir and more a visual timeline for history buffs or newcomers.
Ellen Rowe Concannon Victorian House (Built in 1885)
A Breathtaking Backdrop for Ceremonies, Luncheons, Sunset Dinners
 |
| Concannon Vineyard Photographed by Erik Wait |
Livermore, California
Established in 1869 by William Mendenhall
Livermore has deep historical roots, originally part of Mexican land grants in the 1830s and 1840s. The valley was named after Robert Livermore, an English-born rancher who settled there in the 1840s, received Rancho Las Positas, and became a prominent local figure until his death in 1858. Robert Livermore's ranch was a popular stopping point for prospectors and businessmen traveling to and from the Mother Lode gold country.
Modern Livermore was established in 1869 by William Mendenhall, a Quaker settler from Pennsylvania who had arrived in California years earlier. Mendenhall, a businessman and landowner in the valley, planned and registered a 100-acre townsite on November 4, 1869, naming it in honor of his friend Robert Livermore. This coincided with the arrival of the Western Pacific/Central Pacific railroad connection, which Mendenhall helped facilitate by donating land for the right-of-way, depot, and yards.
The railroad transformed the region into a key agricultural and transportation hub. Prior to Mendenhall's townsite, a small community called Laddsville had emerged nearby in 1864, but it was absorbed into Livermore after a fire in 1871 and the railroad's growth. Livermore was officially incorporated as a city on April 1, 1876, becoming the oldest city in the Livermore Valley. In its early decades, the city prospered as an agricultural center, with a strong mercantile sector and as part of one of California's oldest wine regions. Pioneer wineries like Wente and Concannon were established in the late 19th century.
After World War II, Livermore evolved significantly with the establishment of the Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory in 1952 (on a former naval base) and Sandia National Laboratories in 1956. These facilities turned the city into a major science and technology hub, driving rapid population growth—from about 4,000 residents in 1950 to 40,000 by 1970—and integrating it more deeply into the Bay Area's innovation economy.
Today, Livermore blends its historic western ranching and wine heritage with modern research prominence, remaining the eastern gateway to the Central Valley.
Wente Family Vineyards
5050 Arroyo Road, Livermore, California 94550
 |
| Wente Family Vineyards Photographed by Erik Wait |
Livermorium by Steve Cooley
MP3 Song from the Album The Elements
MP3 Song from the Album The Elements
The chemical element livermorium, which appears in the periodic table, was named for the Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory, one of the city’s largest employers.
Livermore, California Centennial Light
The Handmade Bulb's Longevity is Due to the High Quality of its Manufacture
Livermore's World Famous Centennial Light Bulb
The Centennial Light Bulb Has Been Illuminated Since 1901
The Centennial Light, located at Livermore-Pleasanton Fire Department Station #6 in Livermore, California, is recognized as the world's oldest known continuously operating incandescent light bulb. Manufactured by the Shelby Electric Company in Ohio in the late 1890s, this hand-blown, carbon-filament bulb (now emitting a soft ~4-watt glow) was first installed and lit in 1901 after being donated to the local fire department. It has remained illuminated for over 124 years (approaching its 125th anniversary in 2026), with only brief interruptions for relocations, renovations, or rare power issues—never burning out.
Mythbusters Visit the Livermore Centennial Light Bulb
Children's Books About the Centennial Light
The Firehouse Light by Janet Nolan
The Little Light Shines Bright by Juliette Goodrich
Guinness World Records acknowledges the Centennial Light Bulb's extraordinary longevity, and a live webcam allows global viewers to watch this enduring symbol of durability in action.
Livermore Fire Department Wall Mural
Mural Adjacent to First Street in Downtown Livermore, California
 |
| Photographed by Kim Giancaterino (June 2012) |
Firefighter's Parade
Created by Local Artists Vera Gordeev Lowdermilk and Kean Adair Butterfield
This vibrant mural depicts a nostalgic scene of a community firefighters' parade, featuring antique fire trucks (including a 1919 Ford Model-T chemical truck), firefighters, spectators, families, and elements of early 20th-century Livermore life. It captures the spirit of community pride, parades, and local history. Dedicated on September 21, 2010, the mural remains a beloved piece of public art enhancing downtown Livermore's colorful streetscape.
The wall mural, known as the "Firefighters' Parade," adorns the side of the historic old firehouse building in downtown Livermore, California, at the corner of First and McLeod Streets.
Concannon Vineyard Grape Arbor Picnic Area
A Unique Space for Business Gatherings, Bridal Showers, Birthday Parties
 |
| Concannon Vineyard Photographed by Erik Wait |
Bill Owens
The Photographer Who Put Livermore, California on the Map
Suburbia by Bill Owens
American Photographer, Photojournalist, Brewer and Editor
 |
| Suburbia by Bill Owens |
As he explained in an Art a GoGo interview: The photographs for “Suburbia” weren’t done by accident. I put together a shooting script of events that I wanted to photograph … Christmas, Thanksgiving, Fourth of July, Birthday’s, etc.
I got a small grant, and began taking photographs every Saturday for a year, so basically “Suburbia” was shot in 52 days.
After I finished the photographs, I realized that I had a book, but I never set out with the intention of doing a book.
Since that time, his photos have been exhibited in museums and galleries throughout Europe and North America. Many Suburbia photographs are available at the Bill Owens website. The site features photos from the author’s other works, including Our Kind of People, Working, and Leisure.
Bill Owens Quote Courtesy of Doug Lang, Art a GoGo
More Books by Bill Owens
Leisure (2004) and Working (2009)
Bill Owens
I got a small grant, and began taking photographs every Saturday for a year, so basically “Suburbia” was shot in 52 days. After I finished the photographs, I realized that I had a book, but I never set out with the intention of doing a book.
I got a small grant, and began taking photographs every Saturday for a year, so basically “Suburbia” was shot in 52 days. After I finished the photographs, I realized that I had a book, but I never set out with the intention of doing a book.
Wente Family Vineyards
The Estate Has Remained in the Hands of the Wente Family Since its Founding
 |
| Wente Family Vineyards Photographed by Erik Wait |
A Bounty of Flavorful Projects for Any Palette
by Cyndy Lyle Rymer and Jennifer Rounds
I purchased Wine Country Quilts at one of the Livermore wine festivals, and even had it signed by the authors. Don’t worry if you’re not into quilting. It’s worth adding this beautiful volume to your library for the photos alone. Several Livermore Valley wineries are featured, including Thomas Coyne Winery, Livermore Valley Cellars, Fenestra Winery, and Wente Vineyards. The artwork of Livermore artist and winemaker Darcie Kent is also featured.
The book features 15 nature-inspired quilt projects, ranging from pieced and appliquéd designs to easy fusible-web techniques, including stunning medallions and mini-quilts with wine labels. Additional extras include tips for wine-tasting parties, recipes, tabletop ideas, wine glass charms, quilt shop listings, and special events, making it ideal for quilters who appreciate wine-themed décor or want adaptable projects for any fabric palette.
Concannon Vineyard - Established in 1883
4590 Tesla Road Livermore, California 94550
 |
| Concannon Vineyard Photographed by Erik Wait |
Sandra Irwin
United States Naval Academy - Annapolis, Maryland
United States Naval Academy - Annapolis, Maryland
 |
| Sandra Irwin Oil on Canvas by Margaret Holland Sargent |
Notable Livermore Residents
Max Baer - Boxing Heavyweight Champion
Bill Owens - Photojournalist, Founder of Buffalo Bill's Brewery
Tamara E. “Tammy” Jernigan, Ph.D. - NASA Astronaut
Peter J.K. “Jeff” Wisoff, Ph.D. - NASA Astronaut
James DePaiva - Actor, One Life to Live
Jill Whelan - Actress, The Love Boat
Sandra Irwin - First Woman Plebe, U.S. Naval Academy, Annapolis, Maryland
The Magnificent Max Baer
The Life of the Heavyweight Champion and Film Star
The Life of the Heavyweight Champion and Film Star
Max Baer
I define fear as standing across the ring from Joe Louis and knowing he wants to go home early.
I define fear as standing across the ring from Joe Louis and knowing he wants to go home early.
NASA Astronauts Tammy Jernigan and Jeff Wisoff
The Coolest People on Earth Live in Livermore
See the Coolest People on Earth Live in Livermore Collection
The Coolest People on Earth Live in Livermore Tote Bag
The Coolest People on Earth Live in Livermore Throw Pillow
The Infamous Misspelled Mosaic
Gracing the Entrance of the Livermore Civic Center Library
 |
| Image Used Under Creative Commons from squidish (Flickr) |
Naïve Art Mosaic is Titled "The Doors"
Characterized by a Charming, Childlike Simplicity and Vibrant Colors
Imagine everyone’s surprise when the Livermore public library unveiled a 16-foot diameter mosaic peppered with misspelled words! The story, bouyed by national media coverage, piqued the curiosity of visitors, anxious to spot all 11 errors.
Artist Maria Alquilar felt the people of Livermore just “didn’t understand art.” Even so, one must wonder if William Shakespere or Albert Eistein would be amused. The artist reluctantly corrected the mistakes, though several are captured for posterity in the photo gallery below.
Livermore Library Mosaic Gaffes
Since Repaired at an Additional Cost of $6,000 to the City
Mosaic Misspelling Photos Courtesy of joelt (Flickr)
 |
| Eistein (Einstein) |
 |
| Nefertite (Nefertiti) |
 |
| Shakespere (Shakespeare) |
 |
| Thesues (Theseus) |
 |
| Virgen (Virgin) |
The vibrant ceramic tile artwork features a whimsical design with a central "tree of life" motif surrounded by colorful icons, animals, and figures representing branches of knowledge such as science, art, literature, history, and philosophy. It incorporates names and images of historical figures and cultural terms, rendered in a folk-art aesthetic.
Altamont Pass
The Altamont Pass Wind Farm was One of the First in the United States
 |
| Image Used Under Creative Commons from Mary Madigan (Flickr) |
Altamont Speedway Free Festival
December 6, 1969
The Altamont Pass area was also home to the Altamont Speedway, best known for being the site of the Altamont Free Concert. The December 1969 event was headlined by one of the most popular rock groups of the time, The Rolling Stones. Sadly, the festival is remembered more for the violence than the music.
The concert was originally intended to take place at Golden Gate Park in San Francisco, but problems with the city and police departments derailed that plan. When Dick Carter offered his Altamont Speedway, the festival was relocated with barely two days to prepare. In addition to The Rolling Stones, the lineup of performers included Santana, Jefferson Airplane, The Flying Burrito Brothers, and Crosby, Stills, Nash & Young. The Grateful Dead were also scheduled to perform, but changed their minds when the crowd became unmanageable.
The event was attended by more than 300,000 fans, a number well above all projections. Regrettably, the Hell’s Angels were in charge of protecting the stage. Armed with pool cues and knives, the Hell’s Angels attacked several spectators. One died as a result of his injuries. The Altamont Free Concert was truly one of the darkest moments in rock and roll history. In the film Gimme Shelter, concert footage is interspersed with images of violence and an out of control crowd. The motorsports race track operated under several names and closed in October 2008.
Gimme Shelter (1970 Documentary Film)
Chronicling the Rolling Stones' 1969 U.S. Tour Which Concluded with the Disastrous Altamont Free Concert
The Coolest People on Earth Live in Altamont
See the Coolest People on Earth Live in Altamont Collection
The Coolest People on Earth Live in Altamont T-ShirtThe Coolest People on Earth Live in Altamont Long Sleeve T-Shirt
Celebrate the United States Semiquincentennial (1776 - 2026)
July 4, 2026 marks the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence. The Semiquincentennial serves as a nationwide commemoration of the country's history, resilience, and evolution over two and a half centuries. Click on the banner to see our state pride shirts for All 50 States.
Welcome to Livermore Valley
Known for its Mediterranean Climate and Pioneering Family Brands
 |
| Photographed by Kim Giancaterino |
Visit the Livermore Valley Wine Country
Livermore Valley Wine Country Shopping
Disclosure: As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases. This means that–at zero cost to you–we will earn an affiliate commission if you click through the link and finalize a purchase.
