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Enjoy Holiday Events in Livermore, CA!

December 14, 2012 By Leave a Comment

Is your inner Scrooge working overtime? Don’t worry, there’s still time to banish the bah-humbug! Take a look at these festive events happening in the Livermore area!

The Valley Dance Theatre presents The Nutcracker, December 8 through 16. Enjoy the grace and beauty of this timeless holiday story, memorable for both the elegant choreography and rich musical score. Seats are still available for several performances,  but you’ll want to get your tickets soon! Tickets are available at the Livermore Performing Arts Center.

The Firehouse Arts Center in Pleasanton presents acoustic musicians Eric Tingstad and Nancy Rumbel in a special holiday concert on December 15.  This Grammy-winning duo is known for their eclectic blend of instruments and song. Their home-grown American sound is complimented by a broad range of musical styles from around the world. Tickets are available through the online box office. 

Experience the Journey to Living Bethlehem in Livermore, December 13 through 17. This inter-faith, live-action production will take you back 2,000 years as 100 actors re-create the original Nativity scene. This free event begins at 6:30 p.m. and repeats every 30 minutes. The event is located by St. Michaels School at 345 Church Street.

There’s also time to experience Livermore wine tastings! You can go upper crust with the Riedel Wine Glass Presentation and Tasting on Thursday, December 20, and learn why the wine glass you choose affects the taste of your beverage. Your $75 ticket includes set of 4 premium wineglasses.

Or, for $5.00, you can party like there’s no tomorrow and enjoy the End of the World Port Wine Release on Friday, December 21.  Visit the Livermore Valley Wine Country website for full details!

Things are looking merry and bright in Livermore Valley! As a longtime Livermore resident and real estate professional, I’m proud to be a part of our community. If buying or selling a home is on your wish list, give me a call! I’ll share the latest market activity, and provide the expert guidance you need for success.

Wishing you all the best this holiday season,

John Kurtzer
Your Livermore Real Estate Expert
RE/MAX Accord

Livermore Real Estate
View Livermore Listings
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Livermore Valley’s 3rd Annual Barrel Tasting Weekend

February 24, 2011 By Leave a Comment

If you’re a Livermore Valley homeowner, you know that Livermore Valley is one of California’s oldest wine regions. Whether you currently live here or are a prospective home buyer scoping out the area, you won’t want to miss this event. There are over 40 wineries in Livermore Valley, and many of them participate in Livermore Valley’s Annual Barrel Tasting Weekend. The event is coming up on March 19th and 20th, 2011.

Wine enthusiasts from all over California come to Livermore Valley to taste wines straight from the barrel at this annual event. Wineries throughout Livermore Valley participate, offering samples of their wines that haven’t been bottled yet, or, “futures.” At many of the wineries, futures can be purchased for a discount of up to 30% off. With so many wineries participating, there are a lot of specials on wine and pairings you won’t want to miss. It would be challenging to hit them all, so I’ve created a list of some of the participants and their specials so you can pick and choose your plan for the weekend.

La Rochelle Winery
La Rochelle 2009 Pinot Meunier. SUNDAY: Steven Kent, 08 Ghielmetti Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon, artisan cheeses available for purchase.

Mitchell Katz Winery
Syrah, 2009 Crackerbox Sangiovese, Grimes Vines Sangiovese, 2009 Walker Cabernet Sauvignon, $5 Pork Sliders for sale.

Cuda Ridge Wines

2009 Cabernet Sauvignon, 2009 Merlot, 2009 Petite Verdot, Futures: 20% off case, 30% off case (club members) 10% off 3 bottles or more, Live music, artisan cheese and fruit pairing, art and craft vendors.

Wood Family Vineyards
2009 Zinfandel, Bart’s Blazin’ Q sampling to pair with wine.

Eagle Ridge Vineyard
2007 Petite Sirah & 2008 Zinfandel, BBQ Pulled Pork sandwiches, 20% all sales & futures

McGrail Vineyards and Winery
Red Blend of Casa de Vinas Petite Sirah, 2008 Cabernet Sauvignon, 25% off purchases, food for sale.

John Evan & Big White House Cellars
www.johnevancellars.com
www.bigwhitehouse.com
2008 10-Syrah, 2009 Sangiovese, 2009 Roussanne, 2009 Lapsus, Special $99 bottle your own case, food for sale.

Fenestra Winery
2010 Pinot Gris, 2009 Tempranillo, Special pricing on 2008 Malbec, 2008 Petite Verdot and the 2008 Cab Franc, BBQ sandwiches for sale.

Les Chenes Estate Vineyards
2009 Estate Syrah in French and American barrels, bruchetta pairing with barrel sample, additional food pairings with other wines.

This is going to be a great weekend celebrating what Livermore Valley is known for. Make sure to purchase your tickets in advance for Barrel Weekend to take advantage of the special rate. If you’re thinking about moving to Livermore Valley, this will be a good weekend to experience some of what the area has to offer. Please contact me so we can find your next home in Livermore Valley!


John Kurtzer
Your Livermore Real Estate Expert
RE/MAX Accord

Livermore Real Estate
View Livermore Listings
Visit My Website

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Days of Wine and Homes in Livermore Valley!

January 13, 2011 By Leave a Comment

Of all the topics in Livermore Valley, there are two specialties that come up in conversation wherever I go – wine and real estate.  The interesting similarity between them is the concern about aging.

When speaking of Livermore Valley wines, aging is generally regarded as a positive.  Many people assume, sometimes incorrectly, that older is always better with any bottle of wine.  Yet there are many elements that affect the peak of flavor, and each wine has a distinct timeline of maturity.  

For example, a good Chardonnay may peak within 2 to 6 years of bottling.  Varieties of Syrah enjoy longer maturity, stretching from 4 to 16 years.   Then you have White Zinfandel which does not benefit by aging and is best enjoyed fresh.

In regards to Livermore Valley real estate, the perception of aging is quite opposite. Namely, the less time a home spends for sale on the market, the better.   However, there are many aspects that affect the number of days on market. Each area and price range will have its own example of “normal.”  It’s important to understand these relationships and how they impact you as a buyer or seller in Livermore Valley.

Let’s look at some local activity.  Statistics shown in my prior blogs illustrate that Pleasanton and Livermore homes priced under $299,000 have brisk sales; the average days on market being 34 and 37, respectively.

The upper mid-range shows more variables.  Homes priced from $500,000 to $749,999 have an average of 56 days on market in Pleasanton.  The same price range in Livermore currently averages 125 days on market.

The pendulum swings back towards Livermore’s favor on the high end of the price range.  Homes priced at one million dollars or more averaged 88 days on market in Pleasanton, but in Livermore, this price range averaged only 39 days on the market.

Why are some price ranges moving faster than others? What should you expect as a buyer or seller in today’s Livermore Valley home market?  Contact me and I’ll share my expertise with you!

John Kurtzer
Your Livermore Real Estate Expert
RE/MAX Accord

Livermore Real Estate
View Livermore Listings
Visit My Website

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Great Buys on Homes in Livermore Ca.

November 12, 2010 By Leave a Comment

The opportunities are ripe for buying a home today in the Livermore Valley. From properties that cash flow for investors, first time homebuyers to move-up luxury homes these home prices are from 35-50% below the market highs. Check out thes links for the bargains today.

 Forclosures in Livermore

First time Buyer homes in Livermore

Luxury Homes in Livermore

Vineyard/Country Estate Homes in Livermore

Filed Under: Livermore Valley Real Estate, Livermore Valley Wineries & Vineyards, Real Estate Tips

Kurtzer Vineyard Is Shaping Up

July 29, 2010 By Leave a Comment

Kurtzer Vineyard

We are in the process of replanting our vineyard. It was time to take out the old vineyard- originally planted in 1978. The vines had grown tired and the production was not worth the efforts and expense any longer.

The Wine Group is planting 11 acres of Cabernet Sauvignon with the goal for this to be put into their premium program with the Conservancy label.

It is great to see the shoots coming out past the tubes after only a few months in the ground. As it will take several years before we have wine again- if you missed out we still have some excellent Syrah bottled.

Call now- free to family and friends- before it is gone.

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