Livermore: The Steven Kent Winery; things to do

Greater East Bay

The Steven Kent Winery  

5443 Tesla Rd., (925) 243-6442.

*The Barrel Room  Tasting daily 12-4:30; no tour.  Reservations required. 

Here since 1996, the small-lot Steven Kent Winery focuses on Pinot Noir.  We sampled a light, crisp 2016 Lola Sauvignon Blanc 

 

Lola Sauvignon Blanc at The Steven Kent Winery Barrel Room
in Livermore, California

and a lovely, earthy 2014 Ghielmette Cabernet Sauvignon in the Barrel Room.

Ghielmette Cabernet Sauvignon at The Steven Kent Winery Barrel Room
in Livermore, California

Owner Steven Mirassou says, “We want to make wines that are beautiful.”  And they do.  Should you decide to linger, picnic tables shaded by several olive trees are just outside.

owner Steven Mirassou at The Steven Kent Winery Reserve Room
in Livermore, California

tasting at The Steven Kent Winery Barrel Room in Livermore, California

 

not much for kids at The Steven Kent Winery Barrel Room
in Livermore, California

*The Reserve Room  ((925) 243-6440) is located in a smaller back building.  

 

The Steven Kent Winery Reserve Room in Livermore, California

Special tastings of the winery’s most limited collector wines are available in the Reserve Room.  Incredibly enthusiastic owner-winemaker Steven Mirassou focuses on Cabernet but also makes a delicious Chardonnay and Vincere, and he is not above naming a vintage for his grandma (Merrillie) or his cat (Lola).  Steven is also articulate and mesmerizing, which shouldn’t be surprising because he does have a masters degree in literature.  By the way, this winery is named after his first and middle names, because for legal reasons he can’t use the Mirassou name. 

More things to do in Livermore.

More ideas for exploring Northern California. 

image c2017 Carole Terwilliger Meyers  

Livermore: Casa Orozco; restaurant review

Greater East Bay

Casa Orozco  

325 S. L St./3rd St, (925) 449-3045. L-D M-Sat; $$.

 Located on the outskirts of downtown, the Casa Orozco  restaurant features a large open dining room plus a cozy bar extension. Margaritas are refreshing and varied and include a jalapeno-cucumber version. Lunch specials include pozole, tortilla soup, and huaraches, plus a veggie-friendly chile relleno or flauta stuffed with mashed potatoes. Shrimp enchiladas and seafood tacos are always good choices, as are dishes featuring shredded chicken, and specialties include a deep-fried chimichanga, enchiladas verdes, and tacos al pastor. Chips and both mild and hot red salsas are complimentary.


More things to do in Livermore.

More ideas for exploring Northern California.

image ©2013 Carole Terwilliger Meyers

Livermore: La Rochelle + The Steven Kent Winery; things to do

880 South

Steven Mirassou, who owns both of these wineries, says, "The wine business is like the fashion business, but it doesn’t move as quickly. People are always looking for new things."

La Rochelle

(MOVED TO KENWOOD)
5443 Tesla Rd., (925) 243-6442. Tasting daily 12-4:30; no tour.

 
The La Rochelle winery focuses on Pinot Noir. In addition to a regular tasting, a flight tasting paired with a food platter is offered in its relaxing tasting room; reservations are not necessary.

The Steven Kent Winery  

5443 Tesla Rd., (925) 243-6440. Tasting daily 12-4:30; no tour. 

The Steven Kent Winery operates on the same property. Incredibly enthusiastic owner-winemaker Steven Mirassou focuses on Cabernet but also makes a delicious “Merrillie” Chardonnay and Vincere, and he is not above naming a vinatage for his grandma (Merrillie) or his cat (Lola). Picnic tables are shaded by several olive trees.


More things to do in Livermore.

More ideas for exploring Northern California.

image ©2011 Carole Terwilliger Meyers
updated September 15, 2017 here

Livermore: Underdog Wine Bar; things to do

880 South

Underdog Wine Bar  

At Concannon Vineyard, (925) 583-1581. L-D daily.  

This small-plates lounge has more than 50 local and international wines available by the glass. Foods are locally sourced, and veggies are grown on site. What’s not to like about a cheese board with dates paired with a glass of Cabernet?  Underdog Wine Bar is built with redwood reclaimed from the winery’s original buildings. Decor is modern, with plush furniture and a shaded outdoor terrace featuring drapes as moveable walls. Live music is sometimes scheduled.

At left, Jim Concannon, age 81 and grandson of the winery's founder, autographs his new book, “Concannon: The First One Hundred and Twenty-Five Years.”


More things to do in Livermore. 

More ideas for exploring Northern California.

image ©2011 Carole Terwilliger Meyers

Livermore: Campo di Bocce (CLOSED); things to do

880 South 

Campo di Bocce  

CLOSED  175 E. Vineyard Ave., (925) 249-9800. L-D Sun-Thur, SunBr; $-$$.  Bocce:  $10/person/1½ hr.  Reservations advised. 

Delicious Italian fare mingles here at Campo di Bocce with bocce ball--the game that “takes five minutes to learn, a lifetime to master.”  This hooting and hollering spot has four inside courts—along with a gigantic open room for dining--plus four outside courts with a sheltered open-air dining area.  Two outside volo courts are also available. 

The United States Bocce Championships are sometimes held here.  Most events are free admission.

More things to do in Livermore.

More things to do in the Wine Country.

More ideas for exploring Northern California.

image ©2011 Carole Terwilliger Meyers
updated September 15, 2016