Nottingham Cellars and Occassio Winery Tasting Rooms

2245 S Vasco Rd C, Livermore, CA 94550

Website: https://nottinghamcellars.com/

Nottingham Cellars tasting lounge

Located in the center of Livermore on Vasco Road, Nottingham Cellars tasting room neighbors Occasio Winery.  This winery was started in 2009 by Jeff and Diane Cranor as a second career. Their son Collin is the winemaker.  Nottingham has an easygoing tasting room with the vibe of a popular meet-up spot. The layout is simple and low key with white walls & black chairs.  The tables are made from wine barrels with a round glass top. The tasting bar looks like it is made from reclaimed wood with a chalkboard tasting menu hanging on the wall behind it.  In the back corner of the room is a barrel room used for private events or Elevated tastings. The tasting éroom feels cozy but is large enough to accommodate several small groups at once.

Entryway to Nottingham Cellars tasting lounge

Nottingham specializes in Cabernet Sauvignon and Bordeaux blends.  They source their grapes from premier vineyards and growers in Livermore.  They focus on drawing out the essence of each site where the grapes are grown.  The winery produces two different brands – Nottingham Cellars and Vasco Urbano Wine Company.  The higher end Nottingham Cellar wines are produced from a designated vineyard or micro lots. The Supremacy Bordeaux blend is produced from their best quality grapes from Livermore Valley.  The Vasco Urbano wines are fun, Rhone style with original artistic labels that represent different people. There’s a story that goes along with them. For example, the Julio Casa de Vinas Petite Sirah is a rich, meaty wine that the proprietor’s call “a giver”, just like Mr. Julio Covarubbias who tends the vineyards.  I tried a Vasco Urbano flight while my husband sampled the Nottingham Cellar wines. My personal favorite was The Colonel Mourvedre-Grenache-Syrah (MGS) blend with smokey, dark fruit notes that would probably pair great with a brisket. There is also a 100% Muscat that is dry and tangy and would pair well with Asian food.  I liked that this winery offers some unique selections, like the Coco Blanc blend of Rousanne, Marsanne, and Muscat Cannelli or the Shorty Grenache Rosé port style dessert wine.

My experience at Nottingham Cellars was pleasant.  I enjoyed the atmosphere and would return.