The Venue
Livermore Shakespeare Festival
Livermore Shakespeare Festival is produced in the idyllic setting of Concannon Vineyard. Patrons arrive early to picnic on the vineyard grounds, then bring their wine into the seating area to experience Shakespeare and other great plays in front of the magnificent Queen-Anne style Victorian home that was moved to the center of the winery in 2008.
The stately home, unmistakably Victorian with wide porches and a graceful cupola, was originally located at Fourth and K streets in downtown Livermore. It was built in 1895 for Dr. Cameron Gordon and originally boasted 32 chandeliers and a 48-foot chimney. It first was moved to Tesla Road in 1966 and was home to the Nielsen family for about 20 years. Then it was to begin a new life as a bed and breakfast, but instead stood empty for decades (though it did serve as a set for the filming of two scary movies!). In 2008 it was relocated from the nearby property to create a home for the Festival and to free up land for Concannon’s new winemaking facility.
Surprisingly, this impressive turn-of-the-century relic offers aspects akin to Shakespeare’s Elizabethan stage. Its two graceful porches, one above the other, echo the multilevel playing areas of London’s 16th century Globe and Rose theaters. It isn’t just a backdrop to the show, but also serves as part of the stage itself. The Victorian house is the equivalent of Shakespeare’s tiring house. Just as in Shakespeare’s day, the actors ‘attire’ themselves (dress) in the house.
The winery grounds include the Underdog Winebar with both terrace and indoor seating, as well as two tasting rooms. Concannon Vineyard wines are served in the spacious and newly renovated tasting room while Darcie Kent Wines have an official tasting room in a portion of the Underdog Winebar.
Picnicking is encouraged. Food and Concannon wine are welcome on the property. (Due to state laws, no outside alcohol is permitted.) Patrons may also purchase grab-and-go gourmet dinners from The Underdog or eat at the restaurant (reservations recommended), or purchase snacks in the Concannon Tasting Room.
For more information about Concannon Vineyard visit: www.concannonvineyard.com or call (800) 258-9866).
Location: 4590 Tesla Road, Livermore, CA 94550
