Occassio San Francisco Bay Area

ryano said:

posted Oct 13, 2009 at 2:53PM

This is #49 of wineries in Livermore Valley and winemaker John Kinney is crafting wines unlike many others. They just opened to the public not too long ago so there isn't much to taste aside from their stunning Pinot Gris and Sauvignon Blanc which is arguably one the best version of the varietal that I've tasted. They are running very low on Petite Sirah which is also a very well crafted wine. A Merlot is due out next month.

I was really impressed with their wines overall. So much so that I joined the club just so I can taste the wines as he's releasing them. He only producing about 1000 cases total so anything he makes sells out quickly.

John himself is very personable, informative man who showed us around the facility and explained his approach to winemaking along with teaching us a few things along the way.

You're not going to find oak aged Chardonnay or 16% Zin bombs. John believes in crafted balanced wines expressive of the local area.

Occassio is my new favorite winery in the Livermore Valley. I can't wait to taste their wines as they discover their niche in the community here.

ryano said:

posted Oct 30, 2009 at 5:43PM

Stopped by to pick up my club shipment and happily tasted their wines one more time to confirm my original opinion-- still amazing wines. The production is crazy small so I scored a few more bottles to enjoy since they seem to selling out quickly too. The young woman who pours at the tasting room is very personable (her name escapes me, sorry!) and is incredible helpful and insightful. Their Merlot release party is in a couple weeks. Only 25 cases and the rumors are that it's a great example of what Merlot can be. If I can make I'll go but I think I'll be out of town then. Looking forward to an upcoming Zinfandel and Zin Rose soon too!