About 40 miles east of San Francisco, two worthy passions intersect: wine tasting and great shopping. The San Francisco Premium Outlets is located in the Tri-Valley city of Livermore, along I-580—part of the Livermore Valley, which is also California’s oldest wine region. Today, more than 50 wineries dot this area that still feels like a hidden gem.
But first, do some serious shopping. The San Francisco Premium Outlets (formerly called Livermore Premium Outlets) has more than 180 designer-brand retail outlets. Read the roster of brands in this mall’s store directory and you’ll feel like you’re skimming through the latest issue of Vogue. Armani, Burberry, DKNY, Jimmy Choo, Prada—along with names rarely found at outlet malls, such as Eredi Pisano, Karl Lagerfeld Paris, and the San Francisco-born messenger bags of Timbuk2.
While it’s a wish list of designers—all with prices at up to 65 percent off full retail—you’ll find more than clothes here. Le Creuset has an outlet, with big price cuts on high-end cookware. Browse for baubles at Swarovski and other jewelry outlets, get a fresh scent at L’Occitane, tell time at Movado, snag a pair of Skechers, and browse the Mickey and princess merchandise at the Disney store. Even the treats have panache, with option such as a gelato shop and a branch of Godiva.
Before you arrive, do some brainstorming by checking out the center’s deals page, which details the latest specials. Or, sign up for the free VIP Shopper Club to get extra discounts at your favorite stores.