About Bent Creek Winery
Bent Creek Winery sits on 12 acres off Greenville Road in southeast Livermore, named for the bend in the creek that runs through the property. Tom and Pat Heineman bought the land in 1981, took viticulture classes at UC Davis, planted the vineyard and sold grapes to other Livermore wineries for years. With their friends Rich and Carol Howell, who studied enology at UC Davis with them, they opened the winery in 2002. Rich Howell is now head winemaker and co-owner. About 6,000 vines grow on eight or nine acres, and the owners handle everything from the vines to the tasting room, making about 3,500 cases a year.
Tastings are held outdoors among the vines, Friday through Sunday from noon to 4:30. You get a hand-picked flight of the winery's current favorites, and wine is also sold by the glass, bottle and case. Reservations are recommended and can be made online or by phone.
The list leans red and sweet: Cabernet Franc, Zinfandel, Petite Sirah, a Syrah and Cabernet blend called Red On Red, and Cabernet Sauvignon, plus Sauvignon Blanc and Chardonnay. Port lovers get three options, made from Zinfandel, Petite Sirah and a Portuguese-style blend. Most fruit comes from the estate and other Livermore Valley vineyards. Recent releases include a 2018 Petite Sirah released in February 2026.
Wood Colony Lavender in Modesto, which offers booked visits and private farm experiences, is the nearest lavender farm in our listings, about an hour east past the Altamont Pass.
What to do
- Taste a hand-picked flight outdoors among the vines, Friday–Sunday afternoons
- Compare the Zinfandel, Petite Sirah and vintage ports
- Try the Red On Red Syrah and Cabernet blend
- Buy wine by the glass to sip on site
Season, hours and prices
- Season
- Outdoor tastings Friday through Sunday year-round
- Hours
- 2026: Friday–Sunday 12–4:30
Good to know
- Age
- 21 or older to taste or drink alcohol
- Reservations
- Recommended (online or by phone)
Tips for your visit
- Book ahead online or by phone; reservations are recommended
- Tastings are outdoors, so dress for the weather
- Sign up for their newsletter for event dates and specials
- Plan a designated driver if you're touring Greenville Road wineries
Pair it with a lavender farm
Wood Colony Lavender · about 60 minutes away
Wood Colony Lavender is about an hour east in Modesto, so book a farm visit in the morning and save Bent Creek for a weekend afternoon.
Getting there
Questions
When is Bent Creek open?
Friday through Sunday, noon to 4:30 p.m. (2026).
Do I need a reservation?
Reservations are recommended; book online or call 925-337-6932.
What does Bent Creek make?
Red and white wines plus three ports, mostly from estate and Livermore Valley grapes.
🗺️ Part of the guide Things to Do Near the Lavender Farms of the Modesto Area, California
Checked in October 2026 against the business’s own website and local tourism pages. Hours and seasons change, so check with them before you go. How we check listings · Is this your business? Claim it free
