White Crane is a small winery, unassuming in Livermore but their wines are delicious. My all time favorite is Vintage Portuguese Port, very fragrant and refreshing aroma and sweet smooth long finish without the overpowering sugar taste. It's not a cheap wine to take home. But I've had chances where I came late, so we just hung out at their wood crafted backyard until they close while the staff kept coming over and do the pouring. I think I finished half the bottle there for them. Their Winery 21 label is an economical brand to go for, with a lower price but little quality downgrade. In year end holiday season, we found their Winery 21 bubbly for sale and for $11 bucks, we get a nice bottle of sparkling wine to celebrate the new year. read more

White Crane Winery - Wineries Near Me - Livermore, California

I still ordering online because is something special with this wine .... cabernet my favorite from my friend Nick.

White Crane Winery wasn't on the barrel tasting program but i ended up here by mistake. it's easy to misread "wine tasting" for "barrel tasting" whilsr rolling down roads keeping one eye on possible oncoming cars and the other eye on wineries open for tasting White Crane has no parking lot, just parking in the dirt. smallest of the wineries i've visited. was wondering "is there a mistake?" but i proceeded anyways. tasting room was a little bigger than a shack. small group of people inside, having a great time. gent in charge obviously knew why i was there (i was holding a wine glass in hand) the gent in charge was cool about it all. he eventually gave me a barrel tasting. it was better than average. the winemeister has character.. wine good, will return when i can to properly taste his wines. . read more

Wow! This is a hidden gem! I love the Moscato Mombo and Steve was such a pleasure to talk to. read more

White Crane Winery - Wine Country - Wineries Near Me - Livermore, California

See all

SECOND STOP at the livermore valley harvest wine celebration samples: cabernet sauvignon - this was an ok red, nothing spectacular, nothing bad, just middle of the road. chardonnay - since this was the 2nd pour at this winery, there was already some cab in the glass, so it was hard to taste the crisper notes of this white wine. perks: +live music outside +free shuttle from our car (parked up the street) to the winery +some vendors selling clothing outside on the lawn other: -additional wine tasting inside a small house at the back of the property -vineyard with grapes also in the rear of the property -small lawn area by the live band in front of property -no seats were provided, but guests could bring their own chairs or picnic blankets to sit on read more

I rolled there for the Vintners Festival. One Booth setup outside with one Wine to Taste . Smaller Winery . read more

If you're ballin on a budget while wine tasting in Livermore, you MUST stop by White Crane. 12 tastes for $10?! Props to you if you can walk out of there not feelin' at least a little tipsy. My friends and I probably didn't plan our wine tasting trip as well as we should have because this was our last stop when it prob should've been our first (especially because we were trying to be cost effective). I'm a lightweight so after already doing tastings at 2 other wineries, I was in a pretty good spot. I knew I wouldn't be able to do all 12 here though. I really liked a lot of these wines! The sparkling was my favorite. The owner was great and he had a heavy hand. PLUS if you ask for a little more, he'll totally hook you up. This was the only winery that my friends and I walked out with bottles from and it was totally worth it! Bonus points for having an awesome dog there too! Next time I go wine tasting in Livermore, I'm definitely making this my first stop. read more

I enjoy the drive to this rustic outpost. Row and row of vines, rolling hills, beautiful setting. This is one of the many small wineries that makes Livermore AVA a hidden gem. The tasting room is unpretentious, just a shack that served great wines. For $5 you get to taste a flight of white/red wines. This is very reasonable and on par with other wineries in the area, who charge $5, $10, and $15 flights. Nick, the proprietor and winemaker was there pouring his wines. Generous hospitality, passionate, and great knowledge, thanks Nick! read more

White Crane Winery - Barrel tasting. - Wineries Near Me - Livermore, California

after four days in Tahoe snowboarding, drinking, and not showering (ok, I was the only one that decided not to shower) we were ready to head home. Unfortunately, my car's GPS decided otherwise and sent us on a bit of a circuitous adventure. Being sheep to robots and their navigation, I followed. When I realized we were in Stockton -- I realized that perhaps we should have taken a better route. We improvised and decided to go Livermore to drink more. We ended up at White Crane -- a very tiny tasting room with far too many people than they could accommodate (and surprising for a Sunday late afternoon.) The pourers were friendly and didn't mind that we were in our snowboarding gear. Their Sparkling Wine was pretty good, me and my two friends each bought 3 bottles. They had a buy two get the third for a dollar deal. Unfortunately, that's where the worthwhile deals ended. Their other wines were too scarce and their prices reflected just that -- however the quality of wines was not proportionate to the prices. I'm still quite happy about the deal we did get -- but honestly, I don't think this is a place I feel the need to revisit. Also, after our 2.5 hr drive, I desperately needed to use their restroom, which the women apologetically explained was only the outhouse. I didn't mind that it was an outhouse -- but let's just say snowboard pants with suspenders and a bulky jacket make it significantly more awkward. Tangent aside, this place felt more about turning a profit than about sharing their wine. I understand that, but I like people's attempts of guising such things. When we went in, the first thing they said was their tasting was $5. Yea, that's expected... but what about asking how we are or if we had visited before? Each wine was presented with its price first -- then more details about where it was bottled and maybe how it could be paired. I guess it felt like everyone was on commission and not actually passionate about the products. She told us that they have an event for grape stomping (AWESOME!) and that it cost $20. I whispered to Corey that it was brilliant that they got people to pay to do the winery's work -- which he repeated to her (jokingly). She responded that it was ok because it was fun. I responded with, "so if you're having fun, shouldn't you be paying for our company?" she had enough of a sense of humor to ignore me ;) read more

This review is for an event at the winery... Thank you Nick for the Harvest Festival After Party! We had a blast and will be back next year! What it was: -- A big crowd but everyone was happy and having a good time. -- An awesome cover band that played everything from AC DC to Donna Summer and Skynrd. Neighboring winemaker Randy from Charles R got up and sang a few too. -- Pizza!-to keep the masses fed and happy. -- Wine- by the bottle or glass. Choice of Winery 21 ($20 per bottle) or White Crane ($50) per bottle. -- Hula Hoops! Big fun watching some of the pros! Buy your own for $10. They offer lessons on monday nights... The only boo hiss is the guy (who's name I won't mention) that told us he would be right back with some jumper cables and zoomed off. (I had left my lights on- argh.) I would recommend coming out for the White Crane Concert Series or other events on site. They know how to throw a great party! read more

Why in the world would I pay an additional $5 bucks to taste White Crane wine when I've already plunked down $50 bucks to go on the Harvest Wine tour????? Seriously, White Crane was the ONLY winery we encountered all day that wanted money to taste during the Liverrmore Harvest Wine Festival. Are you kidding? You think your wine is THAT good? Sheeesh, buh-bye. read more

Reading some other reviews of White Crane, I can't help feel flabbergasted that people would complain about paying 5 bucks to taste the wine here. Seriously people, put that toward a bottle of the Sparkling wine and get the best $12 bottle of sparkling you ever had. Anyway, as you can tell, I'm a fan of their sparkling...the best in Livermore, if you ask me. Also, I think their Estate Cabernet Sauvignon is on par with the best Cabernets I've had in Napa, Sonoma, Santa Clara, or Calaveras. The price certainly reflects that, but anybody who likes premium Cabernet will know it's worth the $50 price tag. The rest of their reds were well crafted and balanced. Their red and white ports are delicious as well. The tasting room is a small, but I like people who care more about making good wine than building an expansive opulent tasting room. (ahem, Concannon) This is a true family operation, and you can taste the care they put into every bottle of wine they make. Definitely coming back when I'm tasting in Livermore. read more

Seems like the bad reviews are from an event & wine club problems. I love White Crane Winery. My first experience at wineries was in Livermore & White Crane was one of them. Fast forward to growing up & being able to afford the finer things in life. I still love them. Must try their WTF & sparkling wine. They're just awesome bottles to have for entertaining guests & summer night parties. Their premium stuff like their petite syrahs & Merlots are also good. If you get a chance, try their futures. (In the barrels, don't expect to get them right away) They don't have the fanciest tasting room, but I love everything about them. Stephan is amazing, I always love coming in to see him. Hard to walk out of here empty handed. read more

I had contacted the winery to see about having our group come there as part of a fundraiser for my childrens school. Nick promptly wrote me back and welcomed us to come visit. Fast forward to this weekend - I contacted them again to remind them - again a very welcome response - including, "it's my birthday weekend, we'll be celebrating all weekend". We entered the winery & sang Nick (not even knowing who he was yet) "Happy Birthday" - he looked absolutely touched! We were totally running short on time (and after the fact wished we had started here - the wine was awesome & the staff & guest were so fun!) We had to speed wine taste & they were so accomodating. I loved all the wines poured - even joined their wine club. Nick invited back in for a free tasting - so we could spend more time. Thank You so much for your great hospitality!!! We'll definitely be back :-) read more

Rustic little shed tasting room atop Greenville Road and a regular stop for the hubby and I on a wine tasting day. If you're lucky the owner's son will be there and do a barrel tasting of their Futures, which is fun. They offer two wine labels: the classic White Crane label and their more affordable Winery 21 label. Recently Barry Manilow took a liking to their pinot gris and slapped his name on it so he could serve it at his concerts. I don't care for Barry's choice and the Winery 21 wines are nothing special. The White Crane wines are good but pricey. Their 2003 Pinot Noir is still our favorite and nothing has quite compared since. The tasting room uses an instant decanter when pouring the wine. It helps a young wine but leaves little to the imagination. We go for the free tasting but have as of yet to purchase any bottles. read more

White Crane is a fun winery to go tasting and they have some really great wines. Also they have some of the best looking wine servers. They make a Chardonnay, Sauvignon blanc for whites. I prefer Reds and they make Cab, Cab, Frank, Merlot, Pinot noir, and Zin. Also a real PORT - I have always had a good time and the servers are knowledgeable and friendly. A definite winery for any Livermore wine tasting tour. read more

Great place to end a day of wine tasting in the Livermore Valley. This is where my friends and I always wind up at. They have the best sparkling white I have ever tasted. The staff is so very friendly and the atmosphere is more bar like than winery. Make the trip and you won't be disappointed. read more

This place sucks, your better off getting a better bottle of wine at the 7 Eleven, but if you do like a bottle of Mad Dog then this is your place. read more

To the person who mentioned the dog ...... the winery dog is a very friendly and loveable pooch! Not sure why he was barking at you but you should have just gotten out of the car. Too bad you missed out on tasting some of the best Livermore wines. Also, did you consider, why a winery would have an unfriendly dog with so many visitors around??? Go back sometime and taste - you won't be sorry ! read more

They've got a quaint little tasting room that makes it almost uncomfortable to shop through as the attendants feel like they're in your personal space. However, White Crane has one thing on their list that my husband and I adore - and that's their white port. It's deliciously sweet with high floral notes and it's so sad when you realize the bottom of the bottle is eminent. Their other wines are good too - not on the expensive side. I'm sad to hear that Livermore Wineries are charging for tasting now. Most were free a few years ago. Anyway, I heard that the tasting fee is waived if you purchase a bottle. read more

I'm going off of their champagne alone from the Yelp Beerwalk Empire, but it was really delicious. I'd definitely buy more bubbly from this winery if given the choice. read more

I used to go here once a year for the Grape Stomping event and little by little they have managed to not really make it a fun event anymore. I would go with my red Hat chapter and we would always purchse bottles of wine to be ready in two years. Three times I have bought and never recieved a bottle or a phone call or a refund. We would spend that day there and buy over a case of wine and try to enjoy the day, but first time they had a band, catered food, small breakfast, dancing and plenty of tables and Tent. The last time we went it was limited seating, cold food and not so friendly people working. I am not a Wine person but we went for the fun and friends and something different. I guess you should be a WINE person to go to White Crane Winery, because they make you feel like you dont belong if you are not. Too bad. Looks like Nick Nardolillo owes a lot of people more thanjust wine. read more

We decided to cruise the So. Livermore winery strip and ended up at White Crane Winery. It was a Friday afternoon, and pretty slow at all the wineries we visited. All the wines were excellent! We ended up picking up a bottle of their NV California Sparkling Chardonnay. White Crane is must when tasting the Livermore Valley! FYI, looks like all the wineries are now charging a $5.00 tasting fee. read more

Great wines ...love this place relaxing and fun great staff Micheal is awesome..unique wine the reserve is my favorite but allot of people enjoy the green tea wine. Also very kid and pet friendly. read more

I'm a fan of their wines. Several different tastes, most of the whites are good. I'm a sucker for their zin... $50 for the bottle but worth it for a special occasion. Check out their tasting room in Santa Cruz! read more

One of our goals is to try a couple of Livermore wineries a month and this stop was well worth it. The ladies were friendly, the wine was tasty and one of my favorites the NV White Zinfandel was inexpensive, $10. The $5 tasting fee is refunded if you purchase a bottle of wine. read more

My family and I spent Mother's Day at White Crane for brunch and tasting. It was Crazy Rainy Windy Weather but the owner Nick and his staff were simply effortless in dealing with the weather and making last minute indoor accommodations for all guests. The Food was good. The WINE is simply one of my favorites in the Livermore Valley. Due to the crazy weather we dined in the Wine Cellar and it was PURE JOY. It was as if we had our own Private Dining. We were loud, full of giggles, good cheer, and my Nephew was able to run around without much disruption to other Guests. White Crane gets 5 Major Stars for Grace and Wisdom under pressure in cruddy weather, a cheerful and fun staff, and a knowledgeable and savvy pouring in the tasting room. We will all be back. Nick we adore you and we will be back on the back patio this summer. Cheers to all the Staff and Owner. read more

White Crane Winery - Great Time at White Crane Mother's Day 2010 - Wineries Near Me - Livermore, California

See all

Update! I actually did go back to White Crane for their summer concert series (Cold Blood! Yah!) and sipped a couple reds. I did enjoy them too! Maybe it was just a bad day before, maybe the concert changed my taste buds, who knows! But, if nothing else, this winery/winemakers have excellent integrity and customer service. read more

Free tastings. The wines were quite nice, but, wow, not cheap. I ended up not purchasing any wines. The barrel tasting was cool, but, to buy the futures, not cheap. The $40 and up wines were a bit rich for my blood. Nice place, pretty fun, servers seemed cool. read more

This was one of three wineries my friends and I biked to yesterday. I have to say, of the three this was by far the best. I enjoyed the following wines the most (in this order), however I did find the price point on the last 3 to be a bit high. NV California Sparkling Chardonnay - $17.47 (Winery 21) 2006 Syrah Reserve $39.55 2006 Zinfandel Reserve $44.14 2004 Chardonnay Estate $29.43 They also have a nice Port if you're into that. I am not really a port fan but I thought it was really good when paired with dark chocolate. read more

White Crane has a small and rusty tasting room with super friendly environment. Its laid back atmosphere makes it more welcoming. I came to White Crane for barrel tasting and got to taste wine from the barrel which was awesome. The tasting room was quite busy with people in and out and simply enjoying themselves. The tasting flight is generically $5 a flight including both white and red. I especially liked the bubbly as it was refreshing. If you're in Livermore area, definitely stop by for a a tasting flight. Cheers! read more

When we pulled up we wondered if the place was actually in business. It is a small building and the door is on the side of the building opposite from the parking. Anyway . . . they have a large selection of wine here. However, I thought the prices were a bit out of sync with the quality. For some strange reason, I really liked their Pinot Grigio (I'm typically more a red). Well, apparently so does Barry Manilow. So, now the Grigio bears his name. "I make the wines, I make the wines!" read more

I discovered White Crane during a random stroll in Capitola a few years back. The Capitola tasting room has since closed, so now I make a point to visit the Livermore winery everytime I'm in the area. During my last visit, my group of 7 grabbed a table outside for our tasting. We stayed for almost an hour while we sampled the flight and enjoyed the scenery. The staff was very friendly and the wine was delicious. Of course, I had to buy a few bottles of the sparkling wine before I left (less than $15/bottle, if I remember correctly.) White Crane doesn't have all the amenities like the more recognizable wineries (Wente, Page Mill), but the sparkling wine is reason enough to visit. read more

Stephan, who pored for us was fantastic! Very down to earth and personable. Great whites and unusual wines. The WTF line is so fun and really great! Wine Tea Fusion... Very small tasting room so easy to disregard but do yourself a favor and stop in! read more

This is going to be my spot for wine tasting and purchases. Nick, the owner is an awesome host and very knowledgable about wine. The place is small but quant. I will go back again! read more

We visited Livermore in March, 2011 to wine taste. Usually we go to Napa and Sonoma, but since we live in San Jose... how could we not go tasting in our own backyard??? We visited 5 wineries, and White Crane, BY FAR, had the best wine of the day! Our pourer was great! We also got to meet the owner, Nick. He was awesome as well!! They told us about the grape stomping event that they're having in September..... breakfast, grape-stomping, dancing.... How fun is that!!! I joined their wine club and am looking forward to taking a few of my friends there next month. I highly recommend the White Crane Winery! read more

The sparkling wine, rosé, moscato were good, but the pourer was rude. First of all, I know I look young but he singled me out in my group of friends and asked how old I was. But he didn't ask for my ID??? And while we were sitting down minding our own business talking, this older guy sitting at another table asked us if they already told us to stop dancing on the tables. ??? Ok sir. We only tried 3 wines and were about to leave because we had it and the pourer said, "what, you guys just wanted to get free wine? You didn't even finish the full tasting." And I was speechless so my friend told him that we never thought it was free and were going to pay however much it was. So he whined a bit and we paid and left. Not coming back. read more

A small and non descriptive wine tasting building but don't be discouraged. The young man working the counter was great and very knowledgeable about the wines. Best of all is that the wines are great! We got 5 pours for $10 plus they have a deal of buy 2 bottles (we got the $20 sparkling and Hungarian) and the you get the third bottle for $1 . The $10 tasting fees were waved with purchase. read more

Love this little winery - if you're on a budget and want good wine, this is a great place. A little hole in the wall but super laid back atmosphere. They make a green tea wine that we've fallen in love with and so has the majorly of my family. A unique taste :) read more

I'm shocked that this place has a high rating. We did the wine tasting (which was the only place we had to pay for in all the wineries we went to this day). The wine is not great.... any menu that specializes in white zinfindel is never an amazing place. The tasting room is small and cramped and I know I'll skip this one everytime I come back to this area. read more