Wine Varietals: Cabernet Sauvignon, Chardonnay, Merlot, Pinot Noir, Rose, Petite Sirah, Viognier, White Sparkling Wine, GSM (similar to a Rhone Valley Blend)
In Sunol (Images of America), local historian Victoria Christian assembles a captivating black-and-white portrait gallery of this quiet Alameda County hamlet. Spanning from the 1850s Ohlone era to the mid-20th century, the book’s 200+ vintage photographs—many from private family albums—trace Sunol’s evolution from remote rancho to railroad stop to cherished rural enclave.
Standouts include rare shots of the 1883 Sunol Water Temple, the bustling Niles Canyon train depot, and the once-thriving Glen Eden nudist resort! Concise captions weave personal anecdotes with solid context, revealing how Sunol dodged urban sprawl while preserving its train tracks, general store, and small-town soul.
Nella Terra Cellars Wedding The Stunning Wedding of Sarah & Christopher at Nella Terra Cellars
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.
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.
Little Valley Winery Little Valley Winery was a boutique winery and tasting room that brought a distinctive Spanish flair to California's Livermore Valley wine country. This was primarily through its focus on Tempranillo, a bold red varietal native to Spain. Known for its approachable, high-quality wines, the winery emphasized small-batch production and fun, thematic labeling to appeal to both wine enthusiasts and casual sippers. It operated a charming tasting room in downtown Pleasanton, offering visitors an intimate space to sample wines alongside boutique accessories and espresso drinks. The winery's ethos blended Livermore's historic viticultural roots with innovative, playful expressions, making it a beloved spot for locals and tourists seeking a relaxed wine experience.
Key Wines and Innovations Little Valley produced two primary labels:
Little Valley: The core lineup highlighted serious yet accessible wines like their signature Tempranillo. This full-bodied red featured rich fruit flavors with spicy and earthy notes, adapted to Livermore's Mediterranean-like climate for a distinctly Californian twist. It became a staple for those exploring Spanish-inspired varietals in the region.
White Rabbit: A whimsical sub-label reserved for "fun wines" evoked a sense of adventure and playfulness (inspired by the Alice in Wonderland character). These included experimental and lighter styles, appealing to a broader audience for casual gatherings.
Little Valley Winery also pioneered sparkling wines in Livermore Valley, introducing effervescent options that added a celebratory dimension to the area's traditionally still-wine focus. Their almond and raspberry sparkling varieties—fruity, refreshing, and subtly sweet—gained popularity for weddings, toasts, and special occasions. These bubblies were often praised for their unique flavor profiles and approachability. The winery's closure saddened locals, who missed the friendly atmosphere, the fantastic sparkling wines, and the "White Rabbit" mystique.
The Wine Seeker's Guide to Livermore Valley by Thomas C. Wilmer
Thomas C. Wilmer's concise guide offers practical gems like detailed directions, tasting room hours, maps, lodging picks, and a restaurant roundup, all wrapped in gorgeous photos and a wine-centric history of milestones (think Wente's Chardonnay clones and Concannon's Petite Sirah legacy).
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.
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.
