As the winter conditions continue here in Canada, we dream of some relief. I find myself reminiscing about the US wine regions I love to visit, where the weather is warmer and the birds are singing.

Last November as a post Wine Bloggers Conference excursion I made my first trip to the Livermore Valley wine region; this lesser-known region is just outside San Francisco, and is very easy to get to. The Livermore Valley is generally sunny year ‘round, and that means it’s generally in the ‘20s –plus, temperature wise. The wines are approachable and ripe, showing their best from the California soil and sun.

For a great primer on the area, plan your getaway now to attend the region-wide Barrel Tasting Weekend March 10 & 11, 2018. This event is a great way to see and taste many wineries at once, as more than 35 Livermore Valley wineries, distilleries, and breweries will open their doors. Taste wines still in development right from the barrel, tour a distillery, sip limited edition beer releases and do it all alongside the people who created them.

Tickets are $45 USD online or $55 the day of at the event – one ticket gets you both days – Saturday and Sunday. And if you have never visited the area and are not sure where to start or what wineries to see, the Livermore Valley Winegrowers Association has made it easy for you. A fun part of the weekend event that can provide you an itinerary to follow along, is to follow the Painted Barrel Trail. 15 wineries partnered with local artists to hand paint and decorate barrels just for the campaign.

In March in the Livermore Valley the hills are green, and the vines are just beginning to bud. Wine country is coming alive. With the visual distraction of this gorgeous countryside, you’ll need to keep an eye out and spot the barrels on the Painted Barrel Trail.

Click here to view the participating wineries, breweries, and distilleries, along with additional event activities!

Wineries on the Trail are Charles R Winery, Concannon Vineyard, Dante Robere Vineyards, Eckert Estate Winery, Fenestra Winery, Las Positas Vineyards, Leisure Street Winery, Longevity Wines, McGrail Vineyards, Mitchell Katz Winery, Nottingham Cellars, Omega Road Winery, Page Mill Winery, Retzlaff Vineyards and Wood Family Vineyards.

If you are able to travel to the Livermore Valley to see the Barrel Trail sooner, you can get a head start; the barrels are already on display from February 1, and will be out through the event weekend March 10-11. You can follow the Barrel Trail, sample great wines, and admire the original artwork of the barrels.

I am hoping to get back to Livermore myself this summer or next – as this lesser-known area has a lot to offer and discover.

Have you been to Livermore, #winelover? Tell me about it!