Promoting Viticulture
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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.
Ballot Measure P
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.
Sponsored Replanting
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.
Agricultural Resilience Mini-Grants
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.
Discover the Wineries of Livermore
Local Wineries Under Conservation Easement
Learn more and plan your visit to wineries protecting their land under a conservation easement with TVC, which ensures it stays agricultural land in perpetuity.
Bent Creek Winery
Bent Creek Winery began in 1981, when Tom and Pat Heineman purchased 12 acres in SouthLivermore to grow grapes, later partnering with friends Rich and Carol Howell to open theirown winery in 2002. Bent Creek remains a small, family-owned winery known for itshandcrafted, award-winning wines and warm, laid-back tasting room. Bent Creek Winery hashad land under conservation easement with TVC since 2001. Present day, TVC protects 11.99acres of the land.
Concannon Vineyard
Concannon Vineyard is one of the oldest continuously operating wineries in California, founded in 1883 by Irish immigrant James Concannon and celebrated as the birthplace of America's first Petite Sirah. In December 2024, the historic estate returned to family ownership when the Lemmons and Kent families acquired the property, continuing Concannon's legacy as a cornerstone of Livermore Valley wine country. Concannon Vineyard has had land under conservation easement with TVC since 1996. Present day, TVC protects about 228 acres of the land.
Dante Robere Vineyards
Dante Robere Vineyards was founded by longtime friends Dan Rosenberg and Bob Bossi, who turned a backyard winemaking hobby into a family winery specializing in estate-grown Syrah and Rhône-style blends. Their tasting room, named for its two founders, opened on Wetmore Road in 2015. Dante Robere Vineyards has had land under conservation easement with TVC since 2003. Present day, TVC protects 6.72 acres of the land.
Garré Vineyard & Winery
Garré Vineyard & Winery is a family-owned estate whose winemaking traditions trace back generations to a small village outside Genoa, Italy. Established in the 1990s, Garré blends its Italian heritage with Livermore Valley terroir, producing wines like the notable Profound Secret Bordeaux blend alongside Primitivo and Sangiovese. Garré Winery has had land under conservation easement with TVC since 2004. Present day, TVC protects 20.79 acres of the land.
Las Positas Vineyards
Las Positas Vineyards is a family-owned winery started by Lisa and Lothar Maier, who planted their estate vineyard in 2006 on land named for Robert Livermore's original Rancho Las Positas land grant. The winery is committed to sustainable farming, including responsible water management and integrated pest management. Las Positas Winery has had land under conservation easement with TVC since 2002. Present day, TVC protects 29.50 acres of the land.
Rios Lovell Winery
Rios Lovell Winery is a family-owned and operated estate winery set on a hilltop along Tesla Road, producing award-winning wines and ports that are grown, produced, and bottled entirely on site. Founded in 1994, Rios Lovell has become a longtime Livermore Valley wedding and event destination as well as a wine-tasting favorite. Rios Lovell Winery has had land under conservation easement with TVC since 2002, with additional parcels added in 2003 and 2004. Present day, TVC protects about 61 acres of the land across its three easements.
Tenuta Winery
Tenuta Winery was founded by Nancy Tenuta, one of the few female winery owners andwinemakers in the Livermore Valley, who built an 18,000-square-foot custom crush facility thathas helped launch more than 100 other local winemakers. Since its founding, Tenuta has growninto one of Livermore Valley's larger wineries while still offering a personal, family-friendlytasting room experience. Tenuta Winery has had land under conservation easement with TVCsince 1992. Present day, TVC protects 21.05 acres of the land.
Rubino Estates Winery
Rubino Estates Winery sits on the same historic grounds as its sister property, Ruby Hill Winery, and specializes in Italian varietals like Barbera, Sangiovese, and Primitivo alongside classic Cabernet Sauvignon and Chardonnay. Family-owned and operated by the Callahan family, Rubino Estates pays homage to the Italian immigrants who shaped Livermore Valley's early winemaking history. Rubino Estates Winery has had land under conservation easement with TVC since 1997. Present day, TVC protects 105.77 acres of the land.
Ruby Hill Winery
Ruby Hill Winery Ruby Hill Winery traces its roots to 1887, when John Crellin built one of the Livermore Valley's earliest wineries on the property's red clay knoll. Resurrected in 2002 by the Callahan family, Ruby Hill is now a family-owned and operated winery committed to sustainable farming practices. Ruby Hill Winery has had land under conservation easement with TVC since 1997. Present day, TVC protects 55.19 acres of the land.
Wente Family Vineyards
Wente Family Vineyards is a family-owned, women-led winery specializing in CertifiedSustainable wines. The Course at Wente Vineyards, has also been a Certified AudubonCooperative Sanctuary for over 15 years. Wente has had land under conservation easementwith TVC since 1997. Present day, TVC protects over 834 acres of the land.