Wineries Dominate At NorCal Wine Competition + Sheep Cause Traffic Jam + New Eateries Open: Saturday Smiles

The weekend is the perfect time to catch up on some of the lighter news from across Northern California. Read on to learn more about the East Bay students who developed a prototype for a robot that can locate and destroy underwater invasive species like purple sea urchins and find out which wineries won awards at the 2026 San Francisco Chronicle Wine Competition.

Plus, we have a list of 10 winter events to beat cabin fever and a roundup of new restaurants and businesses opening in the Bay Area.

Livermore Wineries Dominate At SF Chronicle Wine Competition

• Eight Livermore wines received Best of Class at the prestigious competition, part of 239 total medals awarded to LVWC wineries.

Mutton To See Here: CHP Says Sheep Weren’t On The Lamb In Street Takeover

• The sheep were not on the lam, according to the highway patrol.

Famed Sommelier Adds Serious New Wine Destination To Sonoma Coast

• A veteran sommelier announced plans to open an ambitious Sonoma Coast Wine Bar in Jenner next to a beloved café.

Rage Room Opening Next Week In Pleasanton

• Let off some steam at the West Coast's first iSmash location, which is opening next week.

Dublin Students Develop Robot To Help Restore Underwater Kelp Forests, Win UN Award

• DHS students developed a prototype for a robot that can locate and destroy underwater invasive species like purple sea urchins.

Famed Pizzeria 'Slice House' Opening First Tri-Valley Location In February

• The award-winning pizza franchise from Tony Gemignani said it will open a downtown Livermore location next month.

New Pleasanton Sports Bar Opens, With Restaurant, Private Suites, & Patio On The Way

• Pivot Craft Kitchen & Sports Bar, from the team behind Sabio on Main, recently opened its bar, and the dining room will open soon.

Dublin Mendocino Farms Hosting Grand Opening Next Week

• Guests of the new location in Persimmon Place are entitled to a free entrée for the first two weeks.

10 Winter Events To Beat Cabin Fever In Northern CA

• A Patch guide to getting outside and enjoying events this winter in the Bay Area.

Let us know if you have an idea for a nice news story in your town. Email your story tips to autumn.johnson@patch.com.