Wente Vineyards facts for kids

Wente Vineyards is a famous winery located in Livermore, California. It holds a special place in history as the oldest family-owned winery in the United States that has been open continuously. The Wente Estate is even recognized as a California Historical Landmark, number 957.

A Look at Wente Vineyards' History

The story of Wente Vineyards began in 1883. A man named Carl Wente started the winery on 47 acres of land. He had learned a lot about making wine while working for Charles Krug in Napa Valley. Carl bought land with excellent soil, perfect for growing grapes.

Later, in 1934, Carl's sons, Ernest and Herman, made history. They were the first in California to put the name of the grape type, or varietal, on a wine bottle. Their first varietal wine was Sauvignon Blanc. Then, in 1936, they did it again with Chardonnay.

The Wente family has always been innovative. They were pioneers in using machines to harvest grapes at night. This helps keep the grapes cool and fresh. They also lead the way in using sustainable farming methods. These efforts have helped make the Livermore Valley a top area for growing wine grapes in California. Over the years, the winery has grown a lot. It now covers more than 2,000 acres in Livermore and an extra 700 acres in Arroyo Seco.

The Famous Wente Grape Type

Did you know that a special type of Chardonnay grape used in many California vineyards is called the "Wente clone"? In 1912, Ernest Wente, who was part of the second generation of the family, brought small plant pieces, called cuttings, from a grape nursery in France.

These cuttings from the Wente vineyard then spread to many other wineries. Eventually, these grapevines were officially approved by the University of California, Davis. Grapevines grown from these approved cuttings are known as "Wente" or "heat-treated Wente." If the cuttings were taken before this official approval, they are called "Old Wente."

What You Can Find at Wente Vineyards

Wente Vineyards is more than just a place where wine is made. It's a whole estate with lots to do! You can find a golf course there, where people can play. There are also tasting rooms where visitors can try different wines.

If you're hungry, there's a gourmet restaurant and a catering service. During the summer, Wente Vineyards hosts fun "Concerts in the Vineyard." Famous artists like The Doobie Brothers and Frankie Valli have performed there. Comedians like George Carlin and jazz artists such as Diana Krall have also entertained crowds. Even popular current artists like The Band Perry have played at these concerts. The catering service makes sure there's delicious food for everyone to enjoy while they listen to the music.