While I love exploring the hundreds of wineries between Napa and Sonoma counties, there's also a treasure trove of tastings just 50 miles or so to the south.

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In Livermore Valley, you'll be among some of California's oldest vines and cascading fields of farm lands and ranches. Wineries in Livermore were among the first to bottle varietals of Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc, and Petite Sirah. However, it's a Merlot that caught my attention in this region — namely, the 2019 Merlot at Murrieta's Well.


With cuttings from Chateau d'Yquem and Chateau Margaux in hand, Louis Mel, ami to Ernest Wente, purchased this gorgeous estate and its land in 1884. Those original vines still grow on the estate today, as a part of the Wente family's sprawling dominion since 1940. Murrieta's Well is actually one of California's original wine estates, and a visit here brings you into the tasting room, hosted inside of the original gravity flow winery building erected by Louis Mel in the 1800s. 



                                                                           

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However, it was a
Merlot that caught
my attention in this
region — namely,
the 2019 Merlot
at Murrieta's Well.



                                                                           




The perfect backdrop to a day trek with friends, date, or family gathering, Murrieta's Well offers a pristine setting for some truly delicious sips and snacks. Definitely plan to order a charcuterie at least for your table, and you'll want to arrive early enough in the day if you don't want the flow of truffled tater tots to run dry.



While visiting the wine valley in fall is the perfect time of year to catch peak harvest season, Livermore is beautiful year-round. From history and hiking to gourmet drinking, dining, and farmer's markets, you're certain to find your favorite piece of California's oldest wine region.





📍 Murrietta's Well
3005 Mines Rd, Livermore



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