Wine Country Festival this weekend in Livermore

0 Comments | Oakland Tribune, Apr 30, 2009 | by Jeanine Benca

LIVERMORE -- The Livermore Downtown Association's 18th annual Wine Country Festival, a two-day event featuring wine, beer, music and a first-time tricycle race for grown-ups, will be going on all weekend in downtown Livermore.

The festival, which kicks off at 10 a.m. both Saturday and Sunday, stretches along First Street from Vine Cinema to Maple Street. It closes at 6 p.m. Saturday and 5 p.m. Sunday.

More than 30 wines from Livermore Valley wineries will be available for tasting. Beers from Lagunitas Brewing Company and Schooners Brewery will also be on tap.

Discounted adult beer and wine packages can be purchased online until midnight tonight. The wine package, which includes a 2009 collectible wine glass and unlimited 1 oz. tastes, is available online for $25 or $30 the day of the event.

The adult beer package, which includes a 2009 collectible beer cup and five tokens redeemable for five local microbrews, is available online for $15 or $20 the day of the event.

All eTicket holders must redeem tickets for their festival packages at the eTicket booth at First and L Streets.

In addition to libations, the event will feature live music on two stages and an assortment of family activities, including a first- time "adult tricycle race" sponsored by Woopsiedaisy Toy Shop on South J Street. Winners will receive prizes from J Street merchants.

Event admission and parking are free. No dogs, bicycles or skateboards will be allowed.

For more information, visit www.livermoredowntown.com or call 925- 373-1795.

Reach Reporter Jeanine Benca at 925-847-2125 or jbenca@bayareanewsgroup.com.