ACES contest winner will enjoy barrel tasting in Livermore this weekend

Congratulations to John Bird who will be enjoying the Livermore Valley Winegrowers’ 10th annual barrel tasting this weekend compliments of the growers and ACES.

Bird was selected to receive four complimentary tickets to the two-day event. Tickets are good for both days so it’s an ideal opportunity to visit some of the smaller Livermore Valley wineries. Thirty wineries are participating in the barrel tasting that runs from noon to 4:30 p.m. each day.

The association has added a new spin this week with hand-painted barrels being raffled off at 15 participating wineries. People can enter the drawing for $20 per ticket at each of the wineries. The drawing winner will receive the barrel and a case of wine.

Also new this year are brunches (reservations required) being offered at Garre Vineyards and Las Positas Vineyards which has partnered with the Zephyr Grill and Bar.

In addition to the barrel tasting, wineries also have a variety of activities planned ranging from live music, to blending wine to lawn games.

Participating wineries, breweries and distilleries include: 3 Steves Winery, Bent Creek Winery, Big White House Winery and John Evan Cellars, BoaVentura de Caires Winery, Cedar Mountain Winery, Charles R Vineyards, Concannon Vineyard, Crooked Vine Winery, Cuda Ridge Wines, Dante Robere Vineyards, Darcie Kent Vineyards, Eagle Ridge Vineyard, Ehrenberg Cellars, Eckert Estate Winery, el Sol Winery, Fenestra Winery, Garré Vineyard & Winery, Las Positas Vineyards, Leisure Street, Longevity Wines, McGrail Vineyards and Winery, Mitchell Katz Winery, Murrieta’s Well, Nottingham Cellars, Omega Road Winery, Occasio Winery, Page Mill Winery, Retzlaff Estate Winery, Rodrigue Molyneaux, The Singing Winemaker, The Steven Kent Winery, Vasco Urbano Wine Co., Wente Vineyards, Winemakers Studio and Wood Family Vineyards Distilleries: Sutherland Distilling and Eckert Estate Winery & Artisan Spirit Distillery Breweries: Working Man Brewery and Beer Baron.

Advanced tickets ($45) are available online at www.lvwine.org or can be purchased at participating wineries. Tickets are $55 the day of the event.