Located just 35 miles east of San Francisco, the Tri-Valley offers Instagram-worthy views, award-winning wineries, and Michelin-starred restaurants. This bustling Bay Area region attracts the culinary prowess and cultural diversity of its better-known Bay Area neighbors while holding true to its farm-to-table heritage and small-town charm.
The Livermore Valley AVA, nestled within the Tri-Valley, features nearly 60 wineries spanning from brand names like Wente Vineyards to smaller family-owned and operated labels like Wood Family Vineyards. While this tucked-away wine region remains a hidden gem, the Livermore Valley is actually one of the oldest wine regions in California. In 1889, Livermore Valley won America’s first international gold medal for wine at the Paris Exposition, making waves in the wine world.
Today, the Livermore Valley Wine Country upholds its world-renowned reputation while maintaining a laid-back, “California” atmosphere. Whether you’re looking for an elegant food and wine pairing, a breath-taking view, or a place where you can picnic with friends, there’s something here for everyone. Not sure where to start? Visit various wineries by hopping on the Livermore Wine Trolley or booking an electric winery bike tour with Pedego Livermore.
Being so close to one of the most famous foodie cities in the world, the Tri-Valley has naturally become a culinary melting pot of talented gastronomic minds with the most delicious intentions. Whether you’re a fan of fusions, comfort foods, or ethnic cuisine, the Tri-Valley’s diverse restaurant scene has plenty of options – even for picky eaters. For starters, brunch at Denica‘s Real Food Kitchen and try their Ube, Matcha, or Guava pancakes. For lunch, head to Danville Harvest and make sure to try their famous hush puppies complete with their housemade honey butter. At the end of the day pull up a seat at Sabio on Main, where you can taste their farm-to-table efforts in their upscale fare. Pair their Spanish-Californian cuisine with a glass of local Livermore wine or their award-winning Tennessee Tiki cocktail.
The Tri-Valley’s temperate weather and convenient proximity make it an ideal destination for outdoor events, festivals, and fairs throughout the year. The Alameda County Fair is ranked among the top 50 fairs in the U.S. and features nightly concerts and horse racing at America’s oldest one-mile dirt track. Looking for a live performance? Head to the Bankhead Theater for a variety of world-class productions, or snag a ticket to the Livermore Shakespeare Festival to watch a classic play underneath the stars in the vineyards. Other annual events like Dublin’s St. Patrick’s Day Parade, Livermore’s Pride Parade, and the Scottish Highland Games are also worth penciling into your calendar.
While it’s perfectly plausible to wine and dine your way through the Tri-Valley, there are other ways to experience the rich history and cultural offerings of this region. Take a stroll through Livermore to see how many larger-than-life murals you can take pictures with throughout the city, or keep count of how many art installations in Dublin you can spot in one day. It won’t be challenging; public art is riddled throughout the region in the form of statues, mosaics, murals, light installations, fountains, and more. There’s also a wealth of museums and art galleries in the Tri-Valley. If you’re not sure where to start, theBlackhawk Museum is a Smithsonian-affiliate with five unique galleries to explore: The Classic Car Collection, The Spirit of the Old West, Into China, Art of Africa, and World of Nature.
With 40 lodging options to choose from, Tri-Valley hotels are Clean + Safe Certified to ensure a safe and fun escape to the “Sunny Side of the Bay.”