Good Morning Tri-Valley! Christmas is coming at us full steam ahead! Are you ready?
A Truly Unique Wine Festival Coming to the Bay!
NYE at the Bankhead!
Ice Cream for Christmas?
Dublin Announces Deck The Home Winners - Check Them Out This Week!
New Year’s Day Brunch That Will Sell Out Soon!
Local Restaurant Holiday Happenings
The Most Interesting Wine Festival You’ll Ever Go To!
The Festival of Undiscovered Grapes
If you’ve ever walked the wine aisle and felt like you’re seeing the same grapes over and over, you’re not wrong.
There are thousands of grape varieties grown around the world and more than 110 planted right here in California — yet just nine grapes dominate 93% of all California wine production. Chardonnay, Cabernet Sauvignon, Pinot Noir… you know the list.
But what about the other 7%?
That’s where the Festival of Undiscovered Grapes comes in — and why I’m so excited about this event. These “undiscovered” grapes represent more than 100 lesser-known varieties with roots in France, Italy, Spain, Portugal, Germany, Eastern Europe, South America, and California itself. Some were among the very first vines planted in the state and are deeply woven into California’s winemaking history — yet they’re rarely found on store shelves.
This festival is your chance to taste wines you simply won’t find at the supermarket. More than 60 wineries will be pouring, including three Livermore favorites: Steven Kent Winery, JMC Cellars, and Omega Road Winery, alongside producers from Paso Robles, Lodi, Santa Barbara, Sonoma, the Sierra Foothills, and beyond.
One of my favorite parts? You can mix and match bottles from different wineries (no minimum required) and have them delivered to you for a low flat rate (waived for VIP tickets) — yes, even a single bottle from multiple producers. It’s such a cool, rare opportunity.
San Jose Event
Saturday, January 31
GA: 2–5PM | VIP: 12–5PM
This week only: Holiday 2-Ticket Bundles - Click Here for Tickets!
• VIP: 2 for $220 (reg. $125 each)
• GA: 2 for $120 (reg. $75 each)
If you love discovering something new — this one’s a must.
In Partnership with Livermore Valley Arts
NYE With Music, Food, Drinks and More at the Bankhead!
Ring in New Year’s Eve at the Bankhead with an unforgettable night featuring Matt Axton and Badmoon. Expect a high-energy blend of Americana, blues, and rock as the band takes the stage and sets the tone for a celebration that feels equal parts soulful and fun.
The night includes lite bites and sweet treats from On The Vine Catering, an Amos Productions photo booth to capture the memories, and—one of my favorite parts—a bubbly toast at 9PM to celebrate East Coast midnight. After that, the dance floor opens right on the Bankhead stage, so you can dance the night away where the music happens.
Dress the part however you like—dress to impress or go full black-tie glam. This is one of those nights where your style helps set the vibe, and anything goes.
If you’re looking for a New Year’s Eve celebration that feels elevated but still warm and welcoming, this is it. Celebrate NYE in true Bankhead fashion—full of heart, soul, and just the right amount of sparkle.
Meadowlark Dairy Gives Livermore an Early Christmas Gift!
Livermore locals have been patiently waiting for Meadowlark Dairy to open its downtown doors at the corner of 2nd Street and Livermore Avenue—and it finally happened. After months of buzz (and plenty of December-opening rumors), Meadowlark held a soft opening yesterday.
I’m not totally sure what their hours look like this week, but I am very excited to see this longtime-anticipated spot officially open and adding even more life to downtown Livermore. 🍦
Dublin Hands Out the Awards for Deck the Homes!
🎄 Congratulations to the winners of Dublin’s 2025 “Deck the Homes” Holiday Decorating Contest!
This year, 15 Dublin homes went all out, filling neighborhoods across the city with festive cheer, creative displays, and serious holiday spirit. After judging and community voting, these standout homes rose to the top:
✨ People’s Choice Award: 7951 Peppertree Road
❄️ Winter Wonderland: 8645 Ardmore Place
🌟 Spotlight Award (Judge’s Choice): 7964 Gunshot Court
🎈 Over Inflated: 6815 Ione Way
🏢 Deck the Halls (Best Apartment/Condo): 10868 Glengarry Lane
🎁 Dashing Debut Award (First-Year Entry): 7984 Canford Lane
🏆 GOAT Award (Best Overall): 7574 Sutton Lane
If you want to see these winning houses in action, you better to do it soon! Congrats to all the winners!
Holiday Happenings in the Tri-Valley
Sabio on Main in Pleasanton has incredible menus for both Christmas Eve and New Year’s Eve – if you’re looking to tantalize your taste buds, check it out!
Celebrate Boxing Day (Dec 26th) at Tap 25 in Livermore with Smash Broz Burgers – craft beer, crazy good burgers, and live music. 5-9pm.
Looking for last minute in Christmas gifts in Danville? The town of Danville has you covered!
Back to NYE – A Social Affair in San Ramon (City Center Bishop Ranch) is offering 15% everything on New Year’s Eve AND you’ll receive a coupon for 15% off your next visit.
Pippal in Dublin is also throwing a NYE bash with an open bar from 10pm to 11pm, live DJ, belly dancing, and of course amazing food!
I’ll be sharing more NYE events and celebrations next week - do you know of some killer NYE parties going on? If so, send me an email with a link or more details and I’ll be sure to add it to the list. Or you can DM me via Instagram! Thank you!
New Year’s Day Brunch You Don’t Want to Miss!
When Wingen Bakery announces a special event, two things are guaranteed: it’s going to be delicious… and it’s going to sell out. What started as a beloved bakery has truly become a full-fledged culinary destination in downtown Livermore.
Just announced on social: Wingen’s New Year’s brunch on January 2nd. Expect all the Wingen classics you love, plus a lineup of French-inspired brunch dishes they’ll be teasing over the coming days — and yes, there will be a special kids menu too.
My advice? Don’t wait. Make your reservation now — this is one of those events you’ll be mad you missed.
