John Christopher Cellars

Livermore Valley Winery and Tasting Room

The John Christopher tasting room in downtown Livermore’s Blacksmith Square is sophisticated—brick walls, paned windows, dark shelves, local art—and within walking distance of restaurants and other entertainment, including live music on the square.

Tom and Chris Doczy opened their tasting room in 2006.

Tom’s been making wine for some 35 years, many of those as a hobby. Moving to Livermore fulfilled his dream to produce quality wine under his own label, which is derived from the middle names of the couple’s two sons—John and Christopher. Their first commercial wines, a 2001 Zinfandel and a 2001 Petite Sirah, quickly sold out.

Most of Tom’s current focus is red wine, though Chardonnay is also one of his favorites. His Chards come from Livermore Valley grapes. Tom purchases grapes from Livermore, Lodi, Dry Creek Valley, Galt and Tracy, selecting each vineyard based on past performance and varietals they are currently producing. The results are winning awards. His Madden Ranch Cabernet has recently earned a gold medal two years in a row at the San Francisco Chronicle Wine Competition.

Fascinating Fact:

John Madden, former football coach, owns historic Blacksmith Square where John Christopher Cellars tasting room sits.

Amenities: Wine club, small events, food pairings, beautiful urban patio.
Founded: 2001
Signature Wines: Starfall, Madden Ranch Cabernet Sauvignon, Petite Sirah
Wine Tasting: $5 tasting fee waived with purchase
Hours: Thursday – Sunday 12 – 6

John Christopher Cellars
25 South Livermore Ave. (at Blacksmith Square)
Livermore, CA, 94550
925-456-9463

wine@johnchristophercellars.com
www.johnchristophercellars.com

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Sandy Sims, an award winning journalist, newspaper editor, and travel writer, also writes fiction.
Thomas C. Wilmer is an award-winning author and travel writer. His latest book; Wine Seeker's Guide to Livermore Valley is available from White Cloud Press or Amazon.com.

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