The Tri-Valley in California: Where to Eat, Drink & Shop

Livermore Valley is renowned for its beautiful wineries. Make McGrail Vineyards, specializing in Cabernet Sauvignon, your first stop. Its hilltop tasting room has all the makings for a lovely afternoon of wine sampling, whether you prefer red, white or rosé. Natural beauty and good wine also coincide at Concannon Vineyard, a historic landmark and winery producing highly-praised Petite Syrah. Add another stop to your wine tour at family-owned, Mediterranean-style Wente Vineyards, popular for its two tasting rooms and dining options.

There’s also a growing craft beer culture in the Tri-Valley. Kick back and taste the quality local suds at Shadow Puppet Brewing Company, where traditional brewing methods are combined with unusual ingredients. Get adventurous and order the Kokonati, a coconut Baltic porter with hints of chocolate and roasted malt.

Al fresco dining is the perfect way to soak up the local culture. At the Blue Agave Club in Pleasanton, it’s all about high-end Mexican cuisine and signature Blue Agave Tequila margaritas (with a top-secret sweet and sour mixology). What’s hot on the menu? Try the award-winning tortilla soup and the Camarones Xochitl, sautéed shrimp in a light corn truffle sauce. Down the street, you should hit Sabio on Main, a culinary star featuring organic, sustainable, farm-to-table California dining with a Spanish influence. If you fancy a good bottle of wine, then you’ll appreciate the wine program recognized with Wine Spectator magazine’s “Award of Excellence.” The tapas also warrant a try with selections like the Salt Spring Mussels or the artisan cheese plate. Sweeten your stay by setting off in pursuit of the perfect scoop on the Tri-Valley Ice Cream Trail, featuring ice cream and gelato shops dotted across the region.

If you’re on the hunt for a unique gift or a trip memento, downtown Pleasanton is the place to land. Main Street is lined with a collection of clever shops waiting to be explored. Make your first stop at Therapy, a sleek modern take on the antique store filled with brilliant home goods, unique gift items and hand-made jewelry. Discover your next great read inside of Towne Center Books, or pop into PRIM Boutique for bohemian-style fashion and funky jewelry. There’s also a super-cute kids’ section that’s hard to resist. Strolling past shops in the town of Danville, you’re bound to spot Danville Chocolates, a hometown chocolate purveyor known for its assorted hand-crafted chocolates, luscious truffles and chocolate-dipped fruit. For name brand and designer goods, find the best deals at The San Francisco Premium Outlets located in Livermore. Shop brands such as Guess, Kate Spade, Fossil and Barneys New York at California’s largest premium outlet mall.

Fly into one of three nearby international airports and rent a car for a short drive to the Tri-Valley area. San Francisco International Airport (SFO) is a 50-kilometer drive, San Jose International Airport (SJC) is a 39-kilometer drive, and Oakland International Airport (OAK) is a 27-kilometer drive. Bay Area Rapid Transit System (BART) also provides convenient stops in Dublin and Pleasanton directly from San Francisco and Oakland airports.