Wente Vineyards

Wente Vineyards - from Napa to Livermore Valley

Wente Vineyards, located in California's Livermore Valley vineyards, was founded in 1883. Today, Wente Vineyards is the "oldest continuously operating, family-owned winery in the United States". It all began in 1883, when Carl Wente started growing grapes on 47 acres. At that time, he had already learned the vintner's craft from Charles Krug in Napa Valley and was able to hit the ground running with excellent soils in Livermore Valley.

1935 - California's first grape variety label

In 1935, Carl's sons - Ernest and Herman - introduced California's first wine label that identified a grape variety - in this case, Sauvignon Blanc. The Wentes' efforts, including the pioneering night harvest, helped establish Livermore Valley among California's leading wine regions.

The Wente Clone - It doesn't get more individual than this

The Wente clone is a particularly heat-resistant rootstock vine used to grow Chardonnay in many California vineyards. In 1912, Ernest Wente took cuttings from the University of Montpellier in France to the USA, and from here they spread not only to Wente but also to a number of other wineries in California before finally being officially certified by the Foundation Plant Materials Service of the University of California.

The Wente vines in all their diversity

The grapes grown at Wente in California are, of course, the American classics

• Chardonnay
• Cabernet Sauvignon
• Zinfandel
• Pinot Noir
• Merlot

Aside from that, however, you'll also find Wente's classic German white wine, Riesling, grown in the coolest of sites. Today, the winery is run by Jordan and Niki Wente. The two sisters are still supported by their father with words and deeds, but they have the last word.