http://www.cinnabarwinery.com/
14612 Big Basin Way # A
Saratoga, CA 95070
Much excitement over Grand Re-Opening of The Mudd Room! Looks exactly the same to me. Still small and overheated with too many people clogging the counter. Find a spot at the end and get a Sauv. Blanc from a little troll. He actually says "This one goes good with fish or chicken." I completely ignore him and after staring wordlessly, mouth agape, several minutes he retreats under the bridge. Sharon comes over, she is super fun and friendly and enthusiastic. She tells me its her third day. I imply I'm in the wine club and get extra tastes. A Flamenco guitarist plays live music in the corner. A plate of salami and cheeses attract my attention, several times. They provide toothpicks to stab the little cubes but NOWHERE to dispose of them. I carry around a fistful of picks, repeatedly trying the bathroom door, it's unisex which means its always busy. Finally breaking them in little pieces I scatter them across the floor like a prisoner on the yard disposing of dirt from a dig. I tell Sharon I'll be back next weekend and leave without paying.
Page Mill Winery
http://www.pagemillwinery.com/
1960 South Livermore Avenue Livermore, CA 94550
They have moved from their little red bordello room with the tiny bar and chandelier into the much
roomier and more sterile new tasting room next door. Nice little outdoor area as well. The indoor bar
is a long granite top that can serve close fifteen or so comfortably. Nice use of light and plenty of River
Rock.They are pouring 8 wines. Susie is very knowledgeable and friendly and gives us recommendations
on where else to go that she likes. The wines are tasty and the prices are reasonable.
We buy a couple bottles and move on to...
John Christopher
http://www.johnchristophercellars.com/
Blacksmith Square,
25 South Livermore Ave, Suite 103
Livermore, CA 94550
Nice small room in town. Tall bar for 10 with assorted tables and outdoor shared seating. Friendly staff and wine dog. A guy I can only assume must be John Christopher is holding court and entertaining with his stories of snorkeling Hawaii. Two whites and three reds, decent enough, but a little pricey. Crackers for the patrons, better looking biscuits for the wine dog who entertains the crowd with a number of activities, all of which include biscuit munching. I'm hungry and try a few trick myself but only get a cracker, so we head across Blacksmith Square to...
Swirl on the Square
http://www.swirlonthesq.com/
21 South Livermore Ave. #105
Livermore, CA 94550
Pretty cool wine bar with several flights of interesting wines. A few plates of food are offered including pasta, salads, and sandwiches. We try the house terrine of goat cheese with fig jam. Very tasty on perfect crostini. Our server was excellent and trying hard to find me a wine I would enjoy when he was admonished by the owner for "too many two ounce pours!" What a dick, he's prowling around with an ever present glass and wine stained mouth pouring free tastes to his friends, but embarrasses the server and I with this uncalled for outburst. Luckily the place is divided into to halves so I retreat to the other side where some very nice people are pouring...
3 Steves Winery
http://3steveswinery.com/
21 South Livermore Ave. #105
Livermore, CA 94550
Two of the 3 Steves are here and pouring several of their creations. Very friendly and personable. This side is packed and you can tell everyone is enjoying themselves. You can bring your food over from Swirl. Big hassocks and comfy couches along the walls. Stand up bar for eight. The Steves are having a good time and introducing their guests to each other.. When the music starts in Swirl this is the place to be. The guitarists were very talented and doing excellent covers of rock hits and people were singing along. Turned into a very enjoyable evening! Thanks Steves!
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