Promoting Viticulture
The Legacy of Livermore Valley
Did you know that Livermore Valley is one of the oldest wine regions in California?
Our terroir* is distinguished by its stony soil that “stresses” the vines to produce more flavorful fruit, as well as its unique meso climate that is influenced by the Pacific Ocean and San Francisco Bay.
Until Prohibition, Livermore Valley was home to more than 50 wineries and contributed to the enology and viticulture of the state.
Currently, the region has about 44 wineries and about 2,800 acres of farmland, far below the goal of 5,000 acres established in the South Livermore Valley Area Plan (SLVAP) in 1993.
The Tri-Valley Conservancy is guided by the South Livermore Valley Area Plan to balance the development of our region with the preservation of agricultural areas, allowing for the incubation and growth of our historical wine industry.
Click below to read more about our region:
Background | Terroir | History
Realizing the Heritage: UC Davis Study
In 2020, the Tri-Valley Conservancy (TVC) commissioned the “Realizing the Heritage” study from researchers at the UC Agricultural Issues Center at Davis for an impartial assessment of the economic viability of the Livermore Valley wine region. The research was conducted by James Lapsley, associate professor of Viticulture and Enology, and Daniel Sumner, a professor of agriculture and resource economics. The TVC was looking for them to identify measurable and achievable goals to support the full development of the South Livermore Valley Area Plan
How TVC Supports Vicitulure
Wine Quality Alliance
The Livermore Wine Quality Alliance was a specialized initiative launched by TVC to help small wineries in the Livermore Valley elevate the overall quality and consistency of their wines.
Participating wineries received hands-on education, testing, and technical analysis by Julie Schreiber and Dr. Luca Brillante as technical consultants.
The successfully passed Measure P (also known as the Clean Water, Vibrant Wine Country initiative) was a 2022 Livermore ballot measure championed by TVC to authorize the extension of city sewer lines into the South Livermore wine country. It aimed to replace aging, restrictive septic systems with safe, reliable municipal wastewater connections.
Ballot Measure P
Launched by TVC in 2025, The Sponsored Replanting Program offers 15-year low-interest loans to TVC easement holders who are ready to replant or graft aging vineyard blocks.
Two landowners have been approved for funding to begin replanting their land. Read more about how Scott Burkhart & Tom Lemmons are putting the funds to work.
Sponsored Replanting
Launched in Summer 2026, the program is designed to encourage conservation practices that increase agricultural resilience, protect soil and water quality, and strengthen the long-term viability of both public and private lands.
Agricultural Resilience Mini-Grants
