Wente Vineyards
Located a mere 35 miles east of San Francisco, Wente Vineyards in Livermore Valley has played an intricate part in the history of California wines, creating many wine customs that we still use today and elevating the wines to the world stage.
Their fascinating history began in 1883 when German immigrant Carl H. Wente settled in Livermore Valley, purchased 48 acres, and built a winery. It wasn’t until 2nd generation Ernest Wente brought back hand-picked Chardonnay vines from Montpellier in France, grafted them together, and propagated them that the famed “Wente” clone was born. This ingenuity earned them the name “The First Family of Chardonnay” in California. Today, over 75% of Chardonnay in California is traced back to these vines!
Fast forward to 1936, when Ernest and his brother were also the first to varietally label their Chardonnay instead of using the French nomenclature “White Burgundy”, a labeling system that continues to be used in the United States today.
Now the longest-running family-owned winery in California, Wente’s legacy is continued by 5th generation sisters Aly and Niki Wente. With winemaker Elizabeth Kester, the Wente sisters have added their personal touches from the vineyard to the glass.
One visit to the gorgeous Estate in Livermore Valley is all it takes to fall in love with Wente. Offering a vast portfolio of wines and experiences, there is something for every level of wine enthusiast, from casual tastings outside on their expansive patio to elevated Reserve tastings, featuring a seasonal food and wine pairing experience led by one of their fantastic wine educators.
Since it was our first time visiting, we opted for the Reserve tasting. The wines we sipped were accompanied by some of the best food pairings I’ve tasted in quite some time, allowing us to fully appreciate the wine as we would enjoy it at home. Among them were watermelon carpaccio with whipped feta which paired perfectly with Niki’s Pinot Noir Rosé, and grilled chicken sausage atop Yukon gold potato salad with beet chips that were to die for with Aly’s Pinot Noir.
Because Wente is the First Family of Chardonnay, I had to taste their beloved white wines! They produce multiple expressions of Chardonnay, from a sparkling Brut to a light and bright stainless steel expression to their Nth Degree bottling that features neutral oak barrel fermentation, 100% malolactic fermentation, and sur lie aging, bringing creamy richness to the palate and lovely spice notes accompanying the apple and peach fruits.
After our wine tasting, we were able to take advantage of the ample outdoor space, where they host a summer concert series! Not into music? They also have a Greg Norman golf course and Grill on the premise. There is something for everyone here!
Wente Vineyards in Livermore Valley is a hidden gem that I’m thrilled to have finally discovered! Cheers