Historic California wine region earns national recognition for its commitment to quality, authentic hospitality and a new chapter in its 180-year wine story.
LIVERMORE, Calif., Oct. 15, 2026 /PRNewswire-PRWeb/ -- Livermore Valley has been named Wine Enthusiast's 2026 Wine Star Award American Wine Region of the Year, a major national recognition for one of California's oldest wine regions and a powerful acknowledgment of its evolution in recent years.
The honor recognizes Livermore Valley's quality, continued growth and distinctive wine country experience, one rooted in independent and family-owned wineries, a strong sense of community and a welcoming approach to wine that invites everyone to the table.
"This is a significant moment for Livermore Valley," said Brandi Lombardi, Executive Director of the Livermore Valley Wine Community. "Our region has been deeply focused on raising the quality of our wines while staying true to who we are as a community. We've brought more expertise, education and collaboration to the winemaking process, but we've never lost what makes Livermore Valley special. Our tasting rooms remain welcoming and personal, our wineries are deeply connected to one another, and our passion for wine is at the heart of everything we do. We've raised the bar for what's in the glass without changing the experience that brings people here. To have Wine Enthusiast recognize that work is incredibly meaningful for our entire wine community."
Livermore Valley's recognition comes after a sustained, collaborative effort to elevate wine quality throughout the region. The Livermore Valley Wine Community has expanded winemaker education, brought in outside vineyard and winemaking expertise, strengthened partnerships with local viticulture education programs and created opportunities for wineries to access laboratory testing and other quality resources. The work has resulted in an increase of wine competition and industry awards in recent years.
The balance of quality and approachability remains central to the Livermore Valley experience. With approximately 50 wineries, from historic producers to boutique operations, visitors can discover acclaimed wines while often meeting the people who make them. The result is a wine country experience that is serious about wine without taking itself too seriously.
"Livermore Valley is a region with deep roots and a clear vision for its future," said Tonya M. Pitts, Writer-at-Large and Wine Reviewer at Wine Enthusiast and award-winning sommelier. "Its sustained focus on quality, coupled with the authenticity and hospitality that define the region, has made Livermore Valley a compelling destination for today's wine consumer. It is a region that knows where it came from, and is not afraid to move forward."
That sense of looking ahead is increasingly shaping the region's wine identity. In 2025, Livermore Valley named Cabernet Franc and Sauvignon Blanc its signature varietals, building on their history in the valley while focusing on grapes particularly well suited to its future. A 2022 UC Davis study identified both varietals as well positioned for successful growth in Livermore Valley based on the region's climate, soils and irrigation conditions. The designation reflects a broader effort to build on what has always worked in the valley while thoughtfully defining a distinct identity for its next chapter.
The American Wine Region of the Year recognition will be celebrated as part of Wine Enthusiast's 2026 Wine Star Awards, which honor the people, places and organizations shaping the world of wine.
For more information on the Livermore Valley region, including the wineries, events and itineraries, visit lvwine.org.
ABOUT LIVERMORE VALLEY WINE COMMUNITY
The Livermore Valley Wine Community is a 501(c)6 organization that supports the wineries, growers and members in the Livermore Valley American Viticultural Area through educational and marketing programs. For more information, please visit www.LVwine.org.
Media Contact
Jamie LaDuca, Livermore Valley Wine Community, 1 7817712697, [email protected], https://www.lvwine.org/
SOURCE Livermore Valley Wine Community
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