Curt Pides, assistant general manager and chef at Livermore’s Las Positas Vineyards, believes the experience of visiting his winery should be open to all.

“We are family-friendly and dog-friendly, and want everyone to feel welcome here,” Pipes says. “We want to have an upbeat, positive environment where everyone can have fun.”

An old-world vibe, award-winning wines, a spacious patio overlooking the vineyards, live music on Friday and Saturday evenings, and a tempting menu of small bites are just some of the attractions at Las Positas.

The winery first introduced charcuterie plates and table service to wine-tasting visitors in June 2020; now Pipes has expanded the dining space and created a curated menu that pairs perfectly with the small-lot wines from Las Positas winemaker Brent Amos.

“We want to connect food and wine together,” he says. “Great food is an art form.” Pipes, who grew up in Danville, is committed to the Tri-Valley.

“There is a great down-to-earth mentality in Livermore Wine Country, and we all work together,” says Pipes. “I am proud to be a part of this region, and I want to help it grow into a wine destination with a well-known reputation for quality wine, quality food and a quality visitor experience.”