Wine & Roses... and Beer - Alden Lane Nursery

The Valley of Wine & Roses… and Beer

When my mother, Ruth, and father Jack would meet new residents asking what they could successfully grow in our valley the answer would start with, “Grapes and Roses.” Our climate, soil, and water are perfectly suited for both. The name of “Hopyard Road” reflects a time when the Valley was known for filling the beer barrel as well.

The arrival of grapes pre-date roses coming to the valley in the mid-1800s with commercial rose growing to start in the 1930s. The Livermore Amador Valley was “World Headquarters” for commercial rose growing in the 1930s – 1960s. All the international growers and breeders were represented in Livermore and Pleasanton. Pleasanton’s Rose Avenue was named in honor of the industry and Jackson & Perkins Rose Company. Due to urbanization, commercial rose growing has since moved to the San Joaquin Valley, but it confirmed our valley was made for growing beautiful, healthy roses.

In addition to wine grapes, table varieties are equally happy here. Like roses, grapes want full hot sun with good air circulation. Here are the grape varieties we carry:

Table grapes include Black Monukka, Eastern Concord, Crimson, Flame, Golden Italian Muscat, Ladyfinger, Perlette, Princess, Ruby, Summer Royal, and Thompson. Most are seedless varieties.
If you want to be a “Backyard Wine Grower,” choose your favorite from this list: Cabernet Sauvignon, Chardonnay, Merlot, Shiraz or Zinfandel.

Hops were grown commercially on Hopyard Road in Pleasanton. Today there are commercial and backyard growers & brewers who are bringing back the tradition.

Celebrate our valley’s vibrant and growing history by planting a rose, a grapevine, or some hops, – or all three!