New Venture Aims To Make Tri-Valley A Premier Destination

TRI-VALLEY, CA — A new local venture that aims to use hospitality to "add richness and joy to peoples’ lives" in the Tri-Valley using wine, food, and "the most compelling events and experiences possible" has been announced.

The new venture, The Lineage Collection, is a partnership between local vintner Steven Kent Mirassou; Jim McDonnell, formerly of Oracle and now managing partner of Sabio On Main in Pleasanton; and Rikesh Patel, principal and general counsel of the hotel developer Presidio Companies.

The Lineage Collection is being described as a hospitality-focused company offering a set of wine, food, lodging and travel experiences "of unparalleled quality for their guests and members" — from casual to upscale, according to an announcement.

Livermore Valley-based Mirassou of the Lineage Wine Company and The Steven Kent Winery is leading the venture. He will oversee management and operations of the company, as well as hold the title of chief winemaker for all wine projects, according to the announcement.

McDonnell will be responsible for "creating and implementing an interconnected system between the company’s entities as well as additional culinary concepts that provide a wide range of alternatives in food styles and price points," the announcement continued.

Patel will be responsible for overseeing and implementing project financing, and overseeing the development, construction and operation of The Lineage Collection’s initial hotel property during Phase II of the company’s development plans.

“We have assembled a team of people who believe deeply in the power of hospitality to add richness and joy to peoples’ lives," Mirassou said.

Currently, The Lineage Collection comprises three wine brands: Lineage Wine Company, Steven Kent Winery, and the new Ragbag WineWorks. The latter brand is primarily aimed at the millennial marketplace: lower-priced, easy-to-drink wines in kegs, bottles and cans.

The first tangible phase of The Lineage Collection will come to life at Steven Kent Winery in Livermore, with a Lineage Tasting Salon that is expected to open mid-October. There will also be a Lineage Collection patio that will become the focal point for tasting and events, with existing landscaping converted to expanded seating and lounging areas, in the style of a European plaza, according to the announcement. The current barrel room will be transformed into a more open and comfortable environment, with a range of lounge-style seating options, the announcement said.

Future hospitality properties in The Lineage Collection will likely include Mia Nipote Wines, Sabio On Main and a wine bar in a yet-to-be built hotel in downtown Livermore, according to the announcement.

"Additional partnerships will be forged with the goal of making The Lineage Collection the pre-eminent hospitality-centric company in the East Bay," the announcement said.