2019 California, USA Tri-Valley FAM Tour

May 4-6, 2019

Gateway to Livermore Vineyards Image by Robin Dohrn-Simpson
Gateway to Livermore Vineyards ~ Image by Robin Dohrn-Simpson

IFWTWA thanks our hosts Visit Tri-Valley and Livermore Winegrowers Association for coordinating our stay.

All opinions expressed are the individual writer’s and not those of, or influenced by IFWTWA.

Five IFWTWA Journalists participated in the fun and informative Visit Tri-Valley Media Trip. What made the event so special? An exceptionally well planned itinerary immersing the writers in the best of Livermore Wine Country and the surrounding Tri-Valley area.

The Tri-Valley is home to nearly 60 wineries, a craft beer trail with 23 stops, the first ice cream trail, California’s largest premium outlet shopping center, a world-class mall, one-of-a-kind boutique shops, hiking and incredible restaurants. From beer & wine tastings, to Dim Sum brunch, regional lunch and dinners, and a tour of the Blackhawk Museum, the participants had an inspiring hands on experience they will soon be sharing with their readers.

The group also spent one day touring four wineries in Livermore Wine Country. The wineries ranged from small to large. The wines were consistently good and show the time, talent and focus the vintners are putting into their craft. Their mission statement speaks for itself, “The Livermore Valley Winegrowers Association is dedicated to advance, protect and promote the quality wines, vineyards and experiences of the Livermore Valley Wine Country.”

FWTWA thanks our hosts, Visit Tri-Valley and the Livermore Winegrowers Association, for a memorable visit and congratulates their efforts to promote tourism in a safe and sustainable way.

Pictured above, left to right:

Social Media:

  • #livealittlemore 
  • #IFWTWA
  • @VisitTriValley
  • @LVWineCountry 

IFWTWA Media Trip participants utilize Twitter, Instagram, Insta Stories, Facebook, Facebook Live and/or Facebook Stories in addition to social media promotion by IFWTWA and its pages.

Media Placements:

Kissam, Linda. FoodWineTravelChix, May 9, 2019
Mother’s Day Wine Pick Wente Chardonnay
This year, pour Mom what she really wants for Mother’s Day—a knockout Chardonnay from a winemaking family who knows their way around tasteful California wines. 

Fenestra Winery Tasting Image by Linda Kissam
Fenestra Winery Tasting ~ Image by Linda Kissam

Kompanik, Noreen. Travel Pulse, May 21, 2019
5 Reasons to Visit California’s Tri-Valley
Delicious wines, craft beers and culinary offerings are just a few of the reasons California’s Tri-Valley should be on your must-visit destinations list. 

Livermore Valley Vineyard Image by Noreen Kompanik
Livermore Valley Vineyard ~ Image by Noreen Kompanik

Dohrn-Simpson, Robin. Robin Dohrn-Simpson, May 21, 2019
Livermore: Live A Little More (Part 1)
… Back in the 90’s Livermore was an up and coming wine region living in the shadow of its famous neighbors to the north- Napa and Sonoma. Today in the 2000’s, the valley is its own wine region and unique destination. Livermore Valley has its own AVA with 12 districts representing different soils, climate and geography. 

Retzlaff Stained Glass Image by Robin Dohrn-Simpson
Retzlaff Stained Glass ~ Image by Robin Dohrn-Simpson

Dohrn-Simpson, Robin. Robin Dohrn-Simpson, May 24, 2019
Livermore: Live A Little More (Part 2)
Retzlaff Winery is a multi-generational family-owned winery that has been in Livermore for over 40 years. Named after the family name of Gloria Taylor, the late co-founder of the winery – Retzlaff.  

Quan, Edward.  The Bahamas Weekly, July 10 2019
Tri-Valley Wine Region: California Wine at a Slower Pace
For those looking to escape the throngs of tourists, a more luxurious vacation experience can be had in the Tri-Valley wine region. There, you can visit historic wineries, meet the owners of family vineyards, sip boutique wines, savor stellar dining choices and indulge in designer fashion shopping.

Wente Vineyard in Tri-Valley California is the oldest family owned winery in America Image by Edward Quan
Wente Vineyard in Tri-Valley California is the oldest family owned winery in America ~ Image by Edward Quan

Larson, Hilarie. Parks and Travel Magazine, June 25, 2019
The Small Town Feel of California’s Tri-Valley”  (podcast and editorial)
It’s a short distance from the bustle of the San Francisco Bay to the relaxing, rolling hills of Tri-Valley. Soak in the 360 views from Mt Diablo, walk in the footsteps of California Wine Country pioneers or sample farm-fresh fare; and that’s just the beginning.

The heritage site of Cresta Blanca Winery is now home to world famous Wente Vineyards Image by Hilarie Larson
The heritage site of Cresta Blanca Winery is now home to world famous Wente Vineyards ~ Image by Hilarie Larson
Lunch in the Garden at Wente Vineyards is just one of the many dining options throughout the Tri-Valley wine region Image by Edward Quan
Lunch in the Garden at Wente Vineyards is just one of the many dining options throughout the Tri-Valley wine region - Image by Edward Quan