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54 reviews for Thomas Coyne Wines
54 reviews in English
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Review from Bill T.
Pleasanton, CA
Updated - 11/16/2011
What a difference a few cool summers can make. Seems like his Viognier has truly benefited from a little more Bay breezes over 2008-10 and the Mourvedre's, Merlot's, Malbecs & EVEN his Chardonnay (I know, I might loose my ABC cred) has become more refined.
Still our go-to favorite Sunday winery when the 49ers are getting their butts kicked, the problem this year is that we're actually watching the whole game & not bugging out @ Halftime! Sorry Tom, we'll have to see you on Saturday's now.1 Previous Review: Show all »
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2/15/2007
OK, so there's probably enough small to mid-sized wineries in Northern California that you could… Read more »
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Review from Laura C.
Fremont, CA
12/18/2011
This was the last stop after a late afternoon's worth of wine tasting. Heard that they had complimentary wine tastings so decided to swing by.
Drove along a small bumpy rode - a mini adventure after being used to driving on paved road. Parked next to a little quaint barn house with a few llamas across the way. One picnic bench outside. Went inside the barn house and there was still a small crowd, even as it was quite close to closing time/sunset. The room is small - I don't believe more than a dozen or so tasters could comfortably fit inside. It did feel a bit awkward as the space was small so it felt a little too intimate for me.
As posted, the tastings were free - we tried a few. The wines were OK. I didn't see much seating aside from the one picnic bench outside. You're also really just on a farm vs. a winery, so the vibe and scenery is a bit different.
Overall, don't expect a fancy shmancy place when you come here or a place to sit and chill. You're really coming here to taste (and/or buy), stand in the barn or outside for a bit, then continue on your way. -
Review from Emily J.
2/14/2011 1 Check-in Here
I like quaint but this spot was (in the words of my honey) "a little too quaint." They have a sign on the main road to guide you down the dusty road to the winery. The location is secluded and pretty but is (in the words of my friend) "definitely a working farm."
You taste in a large old barn but at a very small tasting counter. It was a bit awkward to maneuver with the other people in the space although it didn't seem crowded. I was also underwhelmed by the Penn State decor. Outside are some picnic tables where you can enjoy your wine and/or a picnic with nice views of the surrounding land. The bathrooms are okay - a step up from outhouses.
I liked two of the wines (Pinot Verdot and Graciano) but the others were just meh. I passed on the ports when I saw that the chocolate pairing was a Krackel bar.Listed in: Wine Tasting in Livermore
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Review from crystal h.
Milpitas, CA
3/7/2011
Small tasting area, but a lot of land. The buildings looked old and the walls are peeling, but maybe they want it to look antique? Restrooms outside aren't too bad. more places to take pics here.
Free tasting for about 7 wines or so. 1 white and white dessert wine. More reds and last wine was a dessert wine. I like the white dessert wine. Pours were a good amount.
Staff was attentive, but it wasn't too busy here.Listed in: Livermore Wineries
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Review from Thinking Outside T.
Fremont, CA
7/9/2011
We can't lie... When we started planning our tasting day in Livermore, we totally scouted out the free wineries. That is how we ended up starting our day at Thomas Coyne. When you are driving up to Thomas Coyne, there are some seriously lovely vines flanking the road way, but that view pretty much disappears when you get up to their tasting room. We parked and headed up the gravel hill to their tasting room, which was not in the most attractive building we'd ever seen. Clearly, this space was created for function, and there was not a lot of focus put into style. Not ones to judge a book by its somewhat dilapidated cover, we headed in to taste the wine.
As we came in, we were very warmly greeted by Valerie, who was clearly a long time Thomas Coyne supporter. She let us know every time we were tasting one of her personal favorites (which seemed to be most of them!), and she gave us some helpful food pairing suggestions. She was not the only person pouring that day, and we could hear everyone who was working talk about the wines with equal enthusiasm. These people were passionate about this place and these wines, and it was completely infectious to listen to them. They seemed almost like a close knit, wine loving family, and we had the sense of wanting to be a part of that. They didn't focus on history or process, but they gave a personal touch that is almost unmatched in our tasting experience.
We discovered that Thomas Coyne focused on French varietals and that they alternated between Bordeaux and Rhone styles every week. We were having the Bordeauxs that week, and there were a lot on the menu! We tried a Pinot Blanc, a Merlot, a Cab Sauvignon, a Cab Franc, a Petit Verdot, a red blend of Bordeaux varietals called Confluence, and a red blend or Portuguese varietals called Vino Tinta Reserva (or Big Daddy, as it is more affectionately known). We were also treated to two dessert wines, the rare Chardonnay port called Sweet Emilie, and a traditional port made with Portuguese varietals.
We were really impressed with the boldness of the wines we tasted, and it was apparent that they would pair really well with a hearty meal. The tasting size was a pretty standard ounce, but they were happy to let us try something again when we were overwhelmed by all of the options. Clearly, the only way to remember if we liked a particular wine was to try it again... And then maybe again.
We had a wonderful time at this winery, and we can really see this being a good place to bring our friends who would like to experience all of the French varietals. We will definitely be back, and seeing as we've already finished the bottles we purchased there, we'll need to head back soon to replenish our stock. We'll try to make it a Rhone weekend this time!
For more info visit: http://thinkingoutside... -
Review from Steven B.
12/5/2010
You start out on a long, one lane dirt road. Bumpy, uneven, makes one with stomach problems queasy. Another car comes either you have to pull over into the unforgiving to your car's paint job brush or make them pull over. Never could figure out right-of-way in these situations.
After what seems like miles and miles of dirt road, you finally reach the main grounds of Thomas Coyne. What the heck is this? You park and spot a Deliverance meets Blair Witch building with people coming in and out of it with wine glasses and smiles.
The day we came, they were having an event so unless we bought a ticket for $100, no wine tasting for you! I grabbed my banjo and high-tailed it out of there before I could be asked to squeal like a pig or stand in a corner silently.Listed in: Happy Wine Trails To You!!
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Review from rosquete b.
Belmont, CA
4/10/2011
Complimentary wine tasting
The winery is a rented barn
Knowledgeable wine hostess
Winemaker is avid Penn State Joe Paterno affionado
Rhone and Bordeaux wines
Ma & Pa Kettle atmosphere -
Review from Wendy J.
Pleasant Hill, CA
4/7/2011
3 stars for wine, 5 stars for a great tasting experience! Unfortunately, they were only tasting the Rhone varietals (I'm just not a fan), so i was biased against the wines. However, the staff (including the wine maker's wife) were soooo wonderful to speak with. You could tell they had a passion for what they do, and wanted to tell you about each wine! I will defiantly return when they are pouring their Bordeaux varietals!
The dirt road that leads to the winery is not nearly as treacherous as some of the reviews make it sound. This place definitely has character! -
Review from Ellen H.
Huntington Beach, CA
6/2/2011
I love their red wines. This is a small winery in Livermore. Its a quaint winery and the owner is such a great guy and his wife. They are so knowledgeable and educated. Their passion for wine making makes me excited to learn and understand wine. The road to get here is dirt and windy. The staff is attentive and passionate. Small tasting area but the selection is all wonderful.
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Review from Dianne M.
San Ramon, CA
8/8/2011
This winery has stood the test of time which is why I am giving it a 5 this visit. We have been here three times and each visit was very nice. First visit we purchased Confluence, second visit we did a bottling event for $6/bottle and this visit we purchased 2006 Grenache. I am very happy with their reds, bold like I like and they also have a good desert wine called "Sweet Emily" which our friends purchased. Besides their wines it is in a great location (an old barn, down a dirt road, back in the vineyards), they have friendly servers who explained their wines which is so important for the overall feel of the place and good prices (about $20/bottle). My husband also loved the Penn State references in the tasting room being he is an alumni.
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Review from Berg W.
San Jose, CA
4/18/2010
There is no winery on planet earth that has good wine for such a reasonable price. I don't want to give them any ideas, but they could charge double for their bottles, and I would still buy them.
The tasting room is situated in a very historic building off Vallecitos, apparently in use since 1880. Not a very big space, but they were more than happy and able to cater to our group of 10 with genuine hospitality.
They were pouring all their Rhone wines, and personally, I'm a Rhone guy. I'll take Viognier, Syrah, Granache, and Petite Sirah, over their Bordeaux and Burgundy counterparts any day.
Thomas Coyne makes the best Viognier in the valley, hands down. Way better than any others I've tried. Peachy flowers in a glass.
I liked all the Rhone reds they poured, especially the Granache, although the Quest, Mourvedre, Syrah, and Petite Sirah were excellent as well, and I wouldn't mind owning any of them.
They do a really excellent job with their dessert wines. The last time I came, they were pouring Sweet Emeline and they decided to hook us up even though they weren't officially on the list. Very good sweet Chardonnay, maybe my favorite application of the varietal. The other one was a botrytized Viognier. Liquid honey goodness. Give me cheesecake now.
Officially my favorite winery in Livermore for their under-20-dollar prices, excellent wine, and nice and friendly staff. I wish they would sell their Viognier in San Jose, because I would buy it once a week. -
Review from Sue Ann D.
Sacramento, CA
6/25/2008
At the risk of getting stones thrown at me, I thought this winery was not that great.
There were some good things about this place though.....
-the view is great!
-staff, super nice, friendly, and very accommodating
-generous portions on the wine
-it was nice and quiet at that winery. Very peaceful
The not so great thing about the winery?
The wine! Sorry, but man it was terrible! Maybe I just had a bad experience, but it was so bitter and did not even taste good. I did my best to really taste them and not show my 'bitter face', but holy crap, my face did all the talking and expressing my words couldn't.
Will not be back. I left there very disappointed. :( -
Review from Diana R.
Newark, CA
3/8/2007
The view alone is worth 5-stars!
They had a Pinot Blanc and Petit Syrah that was great! They must have at least 10 wines to taste and an additional 3 dessert wines too. Their Port was pretty tasty too! I'd come here again! No tasting fee either!
As we walked in, Mr. Coyne was sitting outside the barn/tasting room enjoying the beautiful weather. How cute is that??! -
Review from Marissa S.
Livermore, CA
4/1/2010
Wine Tasting in a barn is what Livermore wineries are all about. So many down to earth people and places. Thomas Coyne doesn't charge a tasting fee and has some of the most friendly servers.
The views are fantastic and my favorites are:
1. a very drinkable Malbec for $18
2. Vino Tinto Rosso (Big Daddy)
3. a Merlot I actually like
They interchange their tasting with their other location in Blacksmith Square so when they're pouring Rhones they'll be pouring the Bordeaux and others at the square. Anyway an absolute favorite and being right down the road has nothing to do with it ; ) -
Review from Samantha B.
Livermore, CA
7/28/2010
This is one of my favorite Livermore Wineries. I enjoy tasting at the winery and at Blacksmith's square.
My boyfriend and I love going to the Bottle Your Own Wine events! It has become sort of a Valentine's Day tradition. -
Review from tina p.
San Ramon, CA
1/25/2008
So the wines, for the most part, IMO are like 3-star average... they had a pretty decent pinot blanc, and despite the fact that i don't care much for port and desert wines, i did enjoy both of the ones they were pouring that day... the reds, well i guess i am spoiled, because their Bordeaux style reds didn't really impress me at all. They were drinkable, don't get me wrong, and the prices weren't bad (though not a steal either), but again, i was hoping for knock your socks off good, and i just didn't get that...
So why the 4 star review? Well, I liked the unpretentiousness of the whole operation. the staff was really nice, and Mr. Coyne was there and he talked to us a bit about how they do things. -
Review from Leah D.
Livermore, CA
1/8/2009
I have been to both the winery location tasting room and the Blacksmith square tasting room and they are both awesome.
The winery itself is not like much you see around, it overlooks the valley and is so layed back. The owners were so sweet. We were with a buddy who went to Penn State and he was so excited to see all of the Penn State stuff up around the place.
The wine is delicious (at both locations, they serve different kinds at each) and the bottles are prices so well that we got 2 right off after we finished tasting.
Made me feel like I was out in the country enjoying a picnic. -
Review from Jackie V.
Piedmont, CA
8/23/2010
Livermore is a halfway point for me in Concord and a friend in Milpitas....how convienent we both love wine! My friend turned me on to this place and we've been twice now. As you can see from the pictures, it's a very, shall we say rustic, old barn. it's located just off Hwy 84 and if you aren't careful, you'll miss the turnoff (it's set way back off the road).
The wines are very yummy and cheap, you can get excellent wine for $20 and the people working there are very friendly. This past weekend we actually met Thomas Coyne and he signed a bottle I bought. I'm sure it's not going to be worth anything but he was this very nice old man and the first time I've ever seen the owner/wine maker actually in a tasting room interacting with customers...even running the register!
They have picnic tables to sit outside and enjoy the weather while eating a picnic lunch (if you brought one) and drinking wine. What more could you need? -
Review from Elizabeth G.
San Jose, CA
11/22/2009
Very friendly...we came at 4:28 or something and they close at 4:30 and still let us taste....
I love their dessert wines, and the Sweet Emilie Chardonnay is only like $12! Super reasonable for a dessert wine. -
Review from Cathy D.
Hayward, CA
6/15/2011
so glad that you moved back home, now I truly enjoy visiting. Love your blends and enjoy listening to your stories Tom and his wife. Very nice people.
Stop by and enjoy their ranch, it's cool! -
Review from Jen G.
Los Angeles, CA
7/18/2009 1 photo
I love all their wines, even the red ones.
No tasting fee. Friendly staff.
If I'm ever in the area, Thomas Coyne will definitely be on the "to visit" list. -
Review from Jennifer D.
Tracy, CA
2/16/2009 1 Check-in Here
Ive been to the tasting room at blacksmith square a bunch of times and finally got to go to the actual winery this weekend for their open house.
Ditto the comments about the laid back unpretentious nature of the winery. Its a lovely location and the folks really are all about the wine.
My favs include: Confluence, Late Harvest Viognier* and the Reserve Quest
We got to participate in the bottle yer own event, which was super fun. The wine needs to sit for a minute before we can enjoy it (it was a bit "big" for my taste, but it will settle down), but the price and the experience are well worth the lack of immediate gratification.
* late harvest viognier is sold out but the new release is coming in May. w00t! -
Review from James C.
San Jose, CA
5/23/2011
Thomas Coyne was one of several wineries I visited on a trip around Livermore. It was one of my favorites. The wine tastings are free and the staff is very friendly and knowledgeable. My group had several people who have never gone wine-tasting and they felt welcome.
As other reviewers stated, the place isn't as "polished" as the other larger places, but I like the working and rustic feel of the place. -
Review from Jun W.
Alhambra, CA
3/14/2011
Two words: FREE TASTING. Can't beat that. It's a tiny room in a barn, so it might get tight in there. You might have to elbow a few people to get to the tasting tables. Wine is OK, nothing really popped out.
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Review from kittenheel s.
Mountain View, CA
12/22/2007
Thomas Coyne emphasizes wine over flashy decor. You definitely get a good deal here, bottles are considerably lower in cost than Napa wines. Tastings are free and the pours are generous. The owners and workers are extremely laid-back and friendly, which adds to the ambiance and rustic feel.
The mourvedre varietals are what keep bringing us back for more. Now, if only we could convince our wedding venue to allow us to feature these wines at our wedding ;) -
Review from Sage g.
Alameda, CA
12/18/2010
I loved the white & dessert wines from here, im not much of a red wine drinker. The views are great..Yes you turn down a dirt road, and it was rain today...BUT theres nothing wrong with getting some mud on the tires for great wine. The staff was great, friendly, and very helpful.
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Review from Ralph D.
Fremont, CA
3/16/2011 1 Check-in Here
Thomas Coyne winery is located in the Livermore valley. While the Livermore Valley is an often overlooked AVA, if not ignored all together, there are certainly some wineries worth visiting in this up and coming region. Thomas Coyne is one such winery worth making a trip down the Hwy 84. This winery mostly makes Bordeaux varietals. The wines are low in alcohol and are nicely balanced. A necessary stop when tasting in the LVA. The staff is super friendly and the tasting/barrel room is a neat rustic barn and the tasting is free. Try and see if you can figure out the origin of the Vigne Sauvage wine.
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Review from Juan Carlos T.
Milpitas, CA
11/3/2007
Wines 3 stars. View 1 star, So I should give them 4 star, it seems unfair that I do that since I gave Fenestra 4 stars... So they get 3. Does my logic make any sense? No, it doesn't even make any sense to me. But that is my rating...
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Oh try their special blend for the Harvest festival... it's pretty good, also good value port. -
Review from Diana E.
Sunnyvale, CA
12/2/2008
I enjoyed the style of these wines. They were not overly oaked. More or less reminded me of a bordeaux style wine which are awesome for food pairings. The winery itself in unpretentious, which is a common theme in the Livermore wine region. If you're looking for tradtional California styled wines then these may not fit your fancy.
I enjoyed speaking with the staff, who were indeed knowledgeable about the history and intent of the wines created by the winemaker. This is always helpful when you're evaluating a wine for purchase.
The style of the winery itself, the grounds are peaceful, which made the experience for me even more enjoyable. I did not have one particular wine that I would recommend as I believe wine selection is truly a subjective type of thing. I will say that I did enjoy the wines and will entertain another visit when I present in this region again. -
Review from Nikki B.
Pleasanton, CA
Updated - 4/9/2009
I'm so sad, they have run out of Late Harvest Viognier.
Fret not is my will for now as they said to check back in early July, they will have more bottled by then....but I want my Late Harvest now (whine for the wine).Listed in: The Wine List
1 Previous Review: Show all »
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4/3/2009
3 words = Late Harvest Viognier - headed back for more soon! Also check them out at the tasting… Read more »
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Review from Ed B.
San Ramon, CA
Updated - 1/19/2011
A very good Petite Sirah for a pretty good price. I pretty much buy a half case when I pay a visit to their winery.
1 Previous Review: Show all »
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2/20/2010
I enjoyed most of their wines. The owners and the staff are really friendly and they will give you… Read more »
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Review from Lea B.
Livermore, CA
11/6/2006
They have such a great variety of wines here to taste on weekends. Thomas and Emilie Coyne are ridiculously nice, and most of their volunteer pourers are too. And the wines are good and reasonably priced. The setting is very pretty. You get a great view of rolling hills and vineyards, and there's even a picnic table or two if you brought snacks. The winery's building is historic, giving it a rustic feeling in a good way. A must-see when visiting Livermore Valley wine country.
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Review from Michael L.
Pleasanton, CA
3/23/2009 1 Check-in Here
I enjoyed my visit to Thomas Coyne. The staff was friendly and they poured about every wine they had, at no charge. Thomas and his wife where there and I chatted with him a bit about his wine making. He likes Rhone style wines. He makes a selection from table wine to estate wine with plenty of choices. I think I tasted 12 in all. I bought bottle of the Syrah and the Petite Syrah. They even had a Tannat. It's a rustic place with some history and worth visiting. The view of the valley is one of the best to be seen.
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Review from Kit E.
Mountain View, CA
9/8/2007
Right across the street from Fenestra. This winery had a lot of tastings of blends. We started out with a Pinot Blanc which was pretty good, but all their other wines were just OK, albeit a bit too complex for our tastes. What we really liked was their "Sweet Emilie" Chardonnay dessert wine. Definitely a must taste. Staff was friendly and helpful.
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Review from Diane E.
1/18/2010
Stopped here to taste wine yesterday after picking up my wine club selections at Tenuta. Although their tasting room is nothing fancy, there was something comfortably rustic about it on a rainy afternoon. Bought two bottles of their wine: An '06 Malbec and an '07 Graciano. The most enjoyable part was listening to the stories of one of the volunteer pourers. She was an older woman who had done an extensive amount of traveling and was very knowledgable about wine. I could have stayed and listened to her all day.
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Review from Jessica L.
San Mateo, CA
6/21/2010
eh, not as many good options as the other places but they had snacks and the ladies working were very nice.
Nice picnic area with view outside, but little parking. -
Review from Rob M.
San Mateo, CA
6/20/2005
A really nice place to taste wines, a rustic farm with picnic tables under shade trees set on a hill overlooking the valley. The Viognier and the Syrah are definite must trys.
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Review from jenn s.
San Jose, CA
12/29/2009
They have a good port & TC himself was very nice.
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Review from Bryan S.
CA
3/2/2008
We really enjoyed the atmosphere. The tastings are free and the pours are generous. Mrs. Coyne did the pouring and definitely entertained the crowd. Mr. Coyne was also there, talking about the wines and even signed our wine bottles. For the price the wines are an exceptionally great. They were pouring Rhone wines and just coming back from Provence a few months prior, they were pretty spot on. Nothing over the top about the wines or the winery, but I think that is the whole point. Enjoyed it and will return.
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Review from Kim S.
7/13/2009
Visited the tasting room at Blacksmith Square which had limited choices for a $5/tasting fee. I wasn't a fan of the Rhone style wines available for tasting. Too bad the Petit Verdot & Cabernet Franc mentioned in other reviews weren't available since they're my favs.
