Rhonda and Harrison Wood at the Cab Franc Celebrations and Competition in Copperopolis, CA

While there are many good wineries and wines coming out of Livermore Wine Country, I have selected three to highlight. Earlier we wrote about Steven Kent Winery, this article will focus on the Woods Family Vineyards and I am working on another for the third winery Cuda Ridge Wines. Enjoy the series as they are published on Palos Verdes Pulse. In Livermore's vibrant Vasco Row, Wood Family Vineyards offers an intimate and authentic wine experience. This small, family-run winery, helmed by Rhonda and her son Harrison, provides a warm and welcoming atmosphere where visitors can savor delicious wines and chat with passionate winemakers.

The Beginning of a Dream

The story of Wood Family Vineyards began with a shared dream and a deep love for wine. Michael and Rhonda Wood, originally an airline pilot for US Airways, saw an opportunity to turn their passion into a full-time pursuit when the airline closed its operations at SFO. Rhonda took a five-year leave of absence starting September 1, 2001, just days before 9/11. This period gave her the chance to decide her next steps, leading to the birth of Wood Family Vineyards.

From Hobby to Passion

What started as a hobby in their garage quickly grew into a full-fledged passion. Encouraged by positive feedback from friends and family, the Woods decided to dive into winemaking full-time. They left their previous careers behind, determined to transform their hobby into a thriving winery.

Building a Winery

In 2007, the Woods family established Wood Family Vineyards in the heart of Livermore Valley. Their focus was on producing high-quality, handcrafted wines that reflected their dedication to excellence. They sourced grapes from the best vineyards in the region, ensuring each bottle captured the essence of Livermore Valley's unique terroir.

Exceptional Wines

Wood Family Vineyards quickly gained a reputation for its outstanding Cabernet Sauvignons and Zinfandels. Rhonda's creative touch in the cellar and meticulous attention to detail in the vineyard resulted in wines that were both approachable and complex, earning accolades from wine enthusiasts and critics alike.

A Family Affair

Wood Family Vineyards is truly a family endeavor. Rhonda's children, including Harrison who now runs operations and Parker who works in the tasting room, have been involved in every aspect of the winery, from harvesting grapes to hosting tastings. This hands-on approach fosters a sense of community and authenticity that resonates with visitors.

The tasting room at Wood Family Vineyards exudes warmth and hospitality. Guests are greeted like old friends and invited to relax and enjoy the wines in a cozy, down-to-earth setting. Whether it's chatting with Harrison about the latest vintage or sharing a laugh with Rhonda over a glass of Zinfandel, visitors quickly feel like part of the Woods family.

Community and Connection

Beyond producing exceptional wines, Wood Family Vineyards is deeply committed to giving back to the community. The winery regularly hosts events such as trivia nights, family movie nights, and charity fundraisers, creating a vibrant social hub for locals and visitors alike.

One of the highlights of the winery's calendar is their annual Harvest Party, where guests can participate in grape stomping, enjoy live music, and celebrate the season's bounty with the Woods family. These events not only showcase the winery's wines but also strengthen the bonds between the winery and its community.

Looking Ahead

As Wood Family Vineyards continues to grow, Rhonda and her family remain true to their original vision: to create wines that bring joy and connection to those who drink them. Their dedication to quality, family values, and community spirit ensures that the winery will continue to be a cherished destination in Livermore Valley for years to come.

The story of Woods Family Winery is a heartfelt reminder that with passion, hard work, and a little bit of love, dreams can indeed come true. I hope you enjoyed meeting the Wood Family and learning a bit about them. I hope you have the opportunity to meet and greet in person the Wood Family team should you make your way to the beautiful Livermore wine country. So, we close, wishing the best to the Wood family and the vibrant legacy they are building, one bottle at a time.

About the Author: John Krause is a wine enthusiast and the founder of the website California Corks,

a directory of California wineries.