September Events and News

McGrail Wine Lovers, September is California Wine Month, so pick up your favorite CA wine and enjoy a month long celebration.  We picked and crushed Sauvignon Blanc last week and the juice is already tasting amazing!  September is a gorgeous time at the winery, the vines are luscious and full and the sunsets are breathtaking.  Come out and see us!

Upcoming Events         Livermore Valley Winemaker Dinner at Blackhawk Grill Tuesday, September 18th 6-9PM $95/person Don't miss this great evening of Livermore Valley Wineries paired with delicious dishes from Executive Chef Jason Buckley from Blackhawk Grill. Buy your tickets by calling Blackhawk Grill at 925-736-4295. Sunset Wine Concert with SAGE Saturday, September 22nd  5:00-8:00pm  Bring your dancing shoes, blankets, and lawn chairs for a fun filled evening of dancing, a beautiful sunset, wine and food.  Soleil Pizza will be selling wood-fired pizzas, so please no outside food or beverages.  Tickets available online or at the door. $15/entry fee    Taste of Terroir Winners Pair up for Award Winning Winemaker Dinner  Tuesday, September 25th 6-9PM If you missed Taste of Terroir or attended and loved our pairing, please join us for an Award Winning Winemaker Dinner as we partner with Double Barrel Wine Bar to showcase our pork belly cocoa rubbed pairing that won the Judges Best Award!  Not only will the dinner be scrumptious, we are bringing a special wine for one of the pairings... our James Vincent Cabernet.  To make reservations, please call Double Barrel (925) 243-9463.   $95/person plus tax and gratuity    Grape Stomp at McGrail Saturday, September 29th 12-4PM Come out to McGrail to see all of the fun during Harvest.  Partake in some "I love Lucy" action by Stomping grapes.  Grab a friend and race to fill the bottle first.    Fullest bottle in 30 seconds wins a prize.  Once you are done stomping be prepared to get your purple toes on a t-shirt and decorate your keepsake t-shirt.  Soleil Pizza will be  selling gourmet wood-fired pizzas and live music will keep you entertained. $15/person to stomp (includes t-shirt)          Visit us:  Fridays - Sunday 12-4:00PM

Wine Club Member Reminders    Save the Date: James Vincent Release Party and Member Appreciation Evening at the Winery Thursday, October 18th 5-8PM    California Wine Month Governor Jerry Brown proclaimed September, California Wine Month.  September highlight the state's rich wine history and all that its vintners and growers add to the lifestyle and economy of the Golden State.  We find something special about California wines every month, but there is something extra special in September as it is the beginning of crush.  Come join the excitement at McGrail and taste wines where the grapes are grown!     Harvest in the Vineyard    Our Cabernet is coming along beautifully, we are very excited for the 2012 Vintage!  We have been testing the brix levels (sugar levels) for our Chardonnay and it looks like we will be picking next week.

Wine Club Appreciation Party at McGrail Vineyards

Busy, busy, yet always fun! Tonight McGrail Vineyards and Winery hosted the 2nd Annual Wine Club Appreciation Party and the evening was a beautiful success. The stars aligned as they were fortunate to have a tent setup out back (which was necessary for the large turnout) for a Retirement Party later in the weekend. Barrels were setup sporadically through the tent with delicious food from Chef's Touch, cupcakes, and wine from McGrail. The room glowed with candles and the excitement of the night was radiating through the room. Sue Lukito livened up the party with great music all evening. To make a great ending to a perfect party, Mark Clarin, (McGrail's new expert winemaker) grabbed his guitar and sang along with Sue for a couple of songs! What a pleasure!

The special release of the night was the James Vincent. This is McGrail's "ultra premium" Cabernet that is very limited as only 100 cases are produced. Cherry, casis, smooth, and powerful are just a few words I heard describing the first taste of this wine. Club members were walking away with cases and very excited to share this special treat.

Nights like tonight remind me why Livermore Valley Wine Country is so very special. The wine is delicious, the music made me move, and the company was pure pleasure. Everyone shared a smile and laughter was heard throughout the winery.