Wente Vineyards - from Napa to Livermore Valley

The Wente Vineyards winery in California's Livermore Valley vineyards was founded in 1883. Today, Wente Vineyards is the "oldest family-owned winery still in operation in the United States." It all started in 1883 when Carl Wente started growing grapes on 47 hectares. At that time, he had already learned the winemaking trade from Charles Krug in Napa Valley and was able to get to work with the excellent soil in Livermore Valley.

1935 – California's first grape variety label

In 1935, Carl's sons—Ernest and Herman—introduced the first wine label in California to designate a grape variety — in this case, Sauvignon Blanc. The Wentes' efforts, including the groundbreaking night harvest, have helped make Livermore Valley one of California's premier wine regions.

The Wente clone. It doesn't get more individual than this

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

The Wente vines in all their variety

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

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

But in addition, you will also find Wente's classic German white wine, Riesling, grown in the coolest locations. 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.