Good Morning Tri-Valley - don’t let the cold keep you from doing something fun this weekend! There are SO many options!

I’m excited to partner with the Festival of Undiscovered Grapes this year for a few reasons — starting with the wine itself. As much as I love a great Cabernet Sauvignon or Chardonnay, I’m always drawn to small producers and lesser-known grape varieties that don’t always get the spotlight. This festival does both exceptionally well.

One of the featured regions at this year’s event is Lodi. You all know I’m a Livermore gal at heart, but Lodi is another area I genuinely enjoy exploring. It’s home to some incredibly cool boutique wineries, several of which will be pouring at the festival — including Bokisch Vineyards, Harney Lane Winery, Acquiesce Winery, PRIE Winery, Anaya Vineyards, Drava, Heleje Wine Co. Intercoastal, Kinetic Cellars, m2 Wines, Perlegos Family Wine Co. and St. Amant Winery. VIP ticket holders will also enjoy a special Lodi-focused tasting seminar before the main event, which is a great opportunity to dive deeper into the region.

The Festival of Undiscovered Grapes takes place in San Jose on Saturday, January 31, from 12–5 PM. Boutique producers from Paso Robles, Sonoma, Livermore Valley, Lodi, Santa Barbara, and beyond will be pouring an impressive lineup of wines. Even better, many of the winemakers will be on hand pouring their own wines — meaning you can ask questions, hear their stories, and connect directly with the people behind what’s in your glass.

One of my favorite perks? If you fall in love with something (and you will), you can order right at the event and have your wines shipped straight to your door — all for one low delivery fee (and it’s complimentary for VIP ticket holders), no matter how many bottles you choose.

And yes — there’s a little bonus for Tri-Valley Explorer readers. VIP Tickets have a lot of perks and are almost sold out!

1.VIP Tickets: Special 2-ticket pack for $220 (a $30 savings) - Click Here. Tons of great perks with VIP tickets: Lodi Wine Seminar, early entry to the Tasting Arena, FREE delivery of any wines you order, one item from food purveyors ($15 value), a festival t-shirt, and other swag!

2. General Admission Tickets: Save $10 on each ticket with this special link.

I’ll see you there!

They’re creepy, they’re kooky — and they’re coming to downtown Livermore. Tri-Valley Theatre Company is bringing The Addams Family to the stage at the beautiful Bankhead Theater from January 17 through February 1, and it’s shaping up to be a spooktacular treat for the whole family.

This laugh-out-loud musical comedy puts a hilarious twist on the beloved Addams clan when Wednesday Addams falls for a very “normal” boy — and her parents are forced to navigate secrets, surprises, and one unforgettable dinner party. With quirky characters, catchy songs, and plenty of heart, it’s equal parts spooky and sweet.

Performances run Saturdays at 7 pm and Sundays at 1 pm, with an additional matinee on January 31. Tickets are on sale now at LivermoreArts.org. If you’re looking for a fun, family-friendly night out to kick off the new year, this one’s definitely worth putting on your calendar. Click here for tickets!

Have you entered our “Free Cheese For a Year” giveaway?

The Cheese Parlor in downtown Livermore may have started as a hidden gem, but the secret is definitely out. Since Brandon Wood and his family opened the shop nearly four years ago, it’s become the go-to spot for expertly crafted cheese and charcuterie boards, thoughtful gift ideas for every occasion, and a delicious lineup of beer and wine that pairs perfectly with their cheeses and meats.

To kick off 2026 in style, I’m teaming up with The Cheese Parlor for a very fun giveaway. One lucky winner will receive free cheese for a year, with a custom box of cheese, meat, and artisanal goodies crafted every month in 2026.

Want in? Click here to enter for a chance to win.

The winner will be announced Tuesday, January 13, right here in Tri-Valley Explorer.

Bonnie Harper, the current mayor of Kitty City, reigns with a warm heart and a gentle kind of magic. She’s known for her social nature—always eager to greet friends, soak up affection, and charm everyone she meets. Bonnie Harper is ready to bring a little everyday enchantment to her new home. Call (925) 426-8656, or email [email protected] to get started with the adoption process.