Wente Vineyards facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Wente Vineyards |
|
|---|---|
 |
|
| Location | Livermore, California, USA |
| Appellation | Livermore Valley AVA |
| Formerly | Wente Brothers |
| Other labels | The Nth Degree Small Lot |
| Founded | 1883 |
| Key people | Karl D. Wente, Winemaker |
| Known for | Charles Wetmore Cabernet Sauvignon |
| Varietals | Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Zinfandel, Pinot Noir, Syrah, Chardonnay, Viognier, Sauvignon Blanc, Riesling |
| Website | www.wentevineyards.com |
| Reference #: | 957 |
Wente Family Vineyards is a famous winery located in Livermore, California. It is known as the oldest family-owned winery in the United States that has been open continuously. The Wente Estate is even a special place called a California Historical Landmark, number 957. This winery is very important for creating a popular type of Chardonnay grape. They also helped save a special kind of Sauvignon Blanc grape in California.
The Story of Wente Vineyards
How It All Started in 1883
The Wente winery was started by C.H. Wente in 1883. He bought 50 acres of land to begin his dream. Before this, he learned a lot about making wines. He worked for Charles Krug in the Napa Valley, which is another famous wine region. C.H. Wente chose land with perfect soil for growing grapes.
Keeping the Winery Going During Tough Times
During a time called Prohibition, it was against the law to make or sell alcohol. But Wente Vineyards found a way to stay open. They made "sacramental wines," which are used for religious ceremonies. This helped them keep their vineyards and winery working.
New Beginnings After Prohibition
After Prohibition ended in 1933, things changed. Ernest and Herman Wente, C.H. Wente's sons, were ready to innovate. They were the first in the country to release a wine with the grape type on the label. This was a 1936 Sauvignon Blanc. Soon after, they released the first Chardonnay with its grape type on the label, also from 1936.
Leading the Way in Grape Growing
The Wente family has always been pioneers. They were among the first to use machines to harvest grapes at night. This helps keep the grapes cool and fresh. They also led the way in sustainable farming. This means they take care of the land and environment. Their efforts helped make the Livermore Valley a top place for growing grapes in California.
Expanding Their Vineyards
Over the years, Wente Vineyards has grown a lot. They now have over 2,000 acres of vineyards in Livermore Valley. They also have another 700 acres in a place called Arroyo Seco. This area is in the Salinas Valley. In 1964, Ernest Wente and his son Karl L. Wente planted new grapes there. They planted Pinot Noir, Riesling, and Chardonnay.
A Place to Visit: The Tasting Room
In 1966, Wente Vineyards opened its Tasting Room in Livermore Valley. It was one of the very first places in California where people could come and try wines. Today, the tasting room is even bigger. It has a restaurant and a full 18-hole golf course. It's a great place for visitors to enjoy.
The Famous Wente Grape Clone
What is a Grape Clone?
A "grape clone" is like a copy of a grape plant. It comes from a cutting of an original plant. This means all the grapes from that clone will be exactly alike. The Wente clone is a special type of Chardonnay grape. It is used to plant Chardonnay in many vineyards across California.
How the Wente Clone Was Developed
The story of the Wente clone began in 1908. Ernest Wente took cuttings from a vineyard in Pleasanton. He planted these first Chardonnay grapes on C.H. Wente’s Hayes ranch. In 1912, Ernest Wente, who was then a second-generation grape grower, got more cuttings. He ordered them from a nursery in France with help from a professor.
Spreading the Wente Clone
After Prohibition, cuttings from the Wente vineyard were shared with many other wineries. Eventually, these grapevines were officially approved by the Foundation Plant Materials Service. This service is part of the University of California, Davis. Clones taken from these approved vines are called "Wente" or "heat-treated Wente." If clones were taken before this official approval, they are known as "Old Wente."
Visiting the Wente Estate
The Wente Vineyards estate is a beautiful place. Besides the vineyards, it has a golf course where you can play. There's also the tasting room where you can learn about their wines. The estate hosts many private and public events. It's all located in the lovely Livermore Valley.
