Livermore’s Cabfranc-a-palooza highlights ‘second fiddle’ grape

Cabernet franc often plays a supporting role to its progeny, cabernet sauvignon, whose co-parent is sauvignon blanc. It is also a progenitor of merlot, making it an extremely important genetic propagator, a lot like Adam. There are almost 6.5 times as many acres of cab sauvignon (the most widely planted red) worldwide as there are of cab franc, but it is increasingly being planted, especially in Livermore. For fifth-generation winemaker Steven Mirassou, cabernet franc is the holy grail. His son Aidan and wife Beth join him in the quest.

They’ve bet big on the appeal of the grape, which typically has far more acid and freshness than cabernet sauvignon, to successfully lobby the Livermore Valley Wine Community to invest in cabernet franc as one of its signature varietals. The other is sauvignon blanc.

Mirassou and his business partner, Matt Toomey, created a Franc-focused event called Cabfranc-a-palooza, five years ago to showcase the grape. Held at Purple Orchid in Livermore, this year’s event brought in wineries from all over the country, including Texas, Oregon and the Finger Lakes Region of New York, and from around the world, including France and Argentina.

Among the Livermore standouts were the 2021 Cellar 13 Cabernet Franc, 2025 Concannon Cabernet Franc Blanc, 2021 Occasio Cabernet Franc from Ghielmetti Vineyard, 2021 Rodrigue Molyneaux Cabernet Franc, 2025 Pruett Farms Cabernet Franc from Sachau Vineyards and Steven Kent Winery 2023 Cabernet Franc.The latter is available at Costco for $22.99.

Out-of-town standouts included T. Berkeley Wines 2023 Blanc de Franc sparkling and 2022 Big Ranch Cabernet Franc (Napa), Madrona Vineyards 2023 M-Series (Sierra Foothills) and From Brent Wine Co’s 2021 Camel Hill and 2022 Ascona Vineyard examples, both from the Santa Cruz Mountains.

The Finger Lakes wines were really fun, fresh and exhibited that kind of fall squirrel energy, trying to gather up all the acorns possible before the onset of winter. The Buttonwood Grove 2025 Pet Nat of Cabernet Franc was surprisingly fun, spirted and fruity, and made everyone smile cheerfully. The unoaked 2024 Lamoreaux Landing Cabernet Franc was the pure essence of the grape, clearly exhibiting the lineage of both parents.

The next Cabfranc-a-palooza is set for May 23, 2027.

Speaking of Livermore’s Cellar 13, congratulations to them for winning a prestigious Best of Class and 98 points for their Albarino, Livermore Valley, and a gold medal for their Cellar 13 Pinot Noir from the Santa Lucia Highlands at the Orange County Wine Competition.

World Cup collab

“The Sip & Explore: Santa Cruz Wines Adventure Pass,” is a digital tasting passport offered during the FIFA World Cup 26 SF Bay Area in Santa Clara through July 15. With more than 30 producers participating, the Santa Cruz Mountains AVA is the only one in close proximity to any of the World Cup games in the United States. The $25 pass grants the holder free tastings at more than 30 local participating wineries. https://bit.ly/4fvGOro

That event kicks off a host of other wine-centered summer soirees.

SCMWA Passport Day, June 20: Visit local wineries, including Cooper Garrod and House Family in Saratoga, Gali Wines and Testarossa in Los Gatos, Kings Mountain Vineyards pouring at The Pastaria in Los Gatos, plus many Summit area wineries including Burrell School, Lago Lomita, Muns, Silver Mountain and Wrights Station.

Beauregard Vineyards Midsummer Night’s Dinner, June 27: Taste wine from some of the region’s top producers like Alfaro, Beauregard Vineyards, Big Basin Vineyards, David Bruce Winery, Madson Wines, Sante Arcangeli Family Wines and Soquel Vineyards, followed by a seated dinner prepared by Chef Brad Briske of HOME.

Testarossa will host a “Taste of the Mountains” event July 30, 5-7:30 p.m., with food from local chefs and wines from local producers.

For more information on these events, visit https://winesofthesantacruzmountains.com/events.

Reserve the Pond at Fogarty Winery: A lovely private pond deck is the ideal setting for birthdays, celebrations or just a summer afternoon worth remembering. Outside food is welcome. Or enjoy a flight of five wines at a table on the patio. Add cheese and charcuterie for the ultimate summer experience. Reserve at https://bit.ly/49RP0i2.

San Jose’s Alamitos Vineyards, with winemaker George Troquato at the helm, had a major showing at the 2026 International Women’s Wine Competition, with all three of their submitted wines earning gold, including the 2024 Running Quail Pinot Noir, 2024 “Peru” Chardonnay, and 2020 Umunhum Touriga Porto, declared Best of Class and Best Port.