Livermore Wineries Reopen, But Indoor Tasting May Be A Ways Off

LIVERMORE VALLEY, CA — After wineries in Livermore Valley and across the state were forced to close their doors to the public for weeks, local tasting rooms have started to reopen.

Many, such as Las Positas Vineyards and Dante Robere Vineyards, have already reopened for tastings. Others, such as local favorite Darcie Kent Vineyards, are taking reservations for dates in the near future.

Wineries were among the establishments that were ordered closed during the state's stay-at-home order, which was abruptly lifted last week. Now, wineries may serve people outdoors, with safety modifications.

It's unclear when indoor tasting rooms may reopen. Alameda County is currently in the purple "widespread risk" tier of the state's four-tiered COVID-19 risk system — the most strict tier of all. If the county is able to improve enough to progress to the orange tier — the second-best tier indicating "moderate risk," wineries may open indoor facilities to serve 25 percent of max capacity or 100 people; whichever is fewer.

For that would happen, the situation would need to dramatically improve in Alameda County. The county would have to meet requirements that include seeing 1 to 3.9 daily new COVID-19 cases per 100,000 residents to move into the orange tier. Currently, Alameda County is seeing 41 daily new COVID-19 cases per 100,000 residents.

Still, it's cause for celebration at Livermore Valley wineries, which were closed for nearly two weeks.

See which wineries are open at the Livermore Valley Winegrowers Association website.