🧭 40+ Local Businesses Win Best of East Bay + Wine & Chocolate

Plus: Local Maker Spotlight & Live Jazz

Author

Rebecca Navarro
July 15, 2025

Good Morning Tri-Valley! Let’s Start Exploring!

  • Local Maker Spotlight - Studio Vikara

  • Artisan Chocolate & Organic Wine Event 🍷

  • Country Music Legend Coming to Livermore!

  • 40+ Tri-Valley Businesses Make Best of East Bay List

  • Live (and FREE) Concert Series in San Ramon at City Center 🎶

  • List Your Upcoming Event in Tri-Valley Explorer for Free!

Local Maker Spotlight - Studio Vikara

I’m so excited to kick off my Local Maker’s Spotlight—and today, I’m sharing the story of Pooja, the artist behind Studio Vikara candles, a local maker who’s redefining what it means to light a candle. Her handcrafted collection isn’t just about scent—it’s about intention. Each candle is thoughtfully designed to support a meaningful moment in your life, whether you’re celebrating how far you’ve come, seeking clarity and calm, or grounding yourself when life feels chaotic.

Let your intention guide you. Choose from candles like Bold and Resilient, Bloom of Serenity, Let It Go, or The Rise—a masculine scent that radiates quiet strength. Unstoppable, one of her signature creations, is a celebration of YOU: your dreams, your grit, your glow.

These candles aren’t just for ambiance—they’re little rituals for transformation, lovingly made right here in the Tri-Valley. Light one. Breathe deep. And step into who you’re becoming. Click here to see the full collection from Studio Vikara.

Do YOU want to be featured in my Local Maker’s Spotlight? Send me an email!

You Had me at Chocolate…and Then You Said Wine!

🍫🍷 Chocolate + Wine? Yes, please.
The Black Cat is hosting a delicious tasting with Bluebirds Chocolates where artisan chocolates meet natural wines from California, Italy, and France.

Expert chocolatier Larissa Milano will guide the experience, pairing her handmade creations with low-intervention wines made from organic grapes and zero additives.

Whether you're a wine nerd, a chocoholic, or just curious—this one’s a treat. Definitely worth checking out. Click Here for Details and Tickets!

In Partnership with The Bankhead Theater
LeAnn Rimes at the Bankhead!

🎶 An Unforgettable Night with LeAnn Rimes at the Bankhead đźŽ¶

Get ready for a truly special evening as the legendary LeAnn Rimes headlines the 10th Annual Brilliance at the Bankhead—LVA’s biggest fundraiser of the year!

This Grammy®-winning, multi-platinum artist has racked up 12 Billboard Music Awards, 3 Academy of Country Music Awards, and became the youngest solo artist to ever win a Grammy® at just 14. She’ll be performing alongside the Livermore-Amador Symphony in a one-night-only event that blends country, pop, and symphonic brilliance.

This is the Livermore Valley Arts fundraiser of the year—and a rare chance to see a world-class talent right here in the Tri-Valley.

✨ Don’t miss it! ✨

Who Made Diablo Magazine’s Best of the East Bay?

Illustration: Michael Byers

I’ve been a fan of Diablo Magazine for years - it’s one of those publications that just gets the East Bay. Founded in 1979, it’s known for beautifully curated stories that celebrate local people, food, art, and events. I searched through Best of the East Bay to highlight the Tri-Valley businesses that made the list!

LIVERMORE

PLEASANTON

DUBLIN


SAN RAMON

DANVILLE

Click here to check out the full list of winners from across the East Bay!

Check Out City Center’s Smooth Jazz Series!

The City Center Smooth Jazz series kicked off last week, but don’t worry! There are still two more concerts!

July 19 - Brian Simpson and Jackiem Joyner (Piano/Sax)
July 26 - Rick Braun (Trumpet)

The concerts are FREE and open to the public, 7pm start time. PLUS, it’s a great excuse to have Dinner at one of the amazing restaurants at City Center!

I have a super FUN Instagram GIVEAWAY THIS WEEK! Do you follow @trivalleyexplorer on Instagram? Make sure you do so you don’t miss your chance to win!