Known to be California’s longest operational family-owned wine estate, Wente Vineyards came into existence in 1883. Carl H Wente acquired the ownership of 47 hectares in the Livermore Valley in California during this year. By 1936, Herman Wente, the second-generation Wente family member, supported the establishment of the Wine Institute of California.
In the next 3 decades, Wente Vineyards grew bigger, as the third-generation member, Karl, started expanding the estate in the Monterey region for growing the Chardonnay and Pinot Noir varietals. By the beginning of the 1990s, the Wente Family started exporting their wines to other countries. Today, these wines have a presence in 75 countries, at least. Recently, in 2010, the Wente Wine Estate got certified as a sustainable vineyard.
Some of the sustainable winemaking techniques used in the vineyards of Santa Rita are the following:
- Recycling used soils with organic fertilizers
- Conserving water using drip irrigation techniques
- Using more natural oils
- Naturally getting rid of pests
- Better management of fuel
- Cooperating with the winemaking community in the region
- Managing vines that are tolerant to droughts
- Recycling corks
- Following sustainable agricultural techniques at all times
Livermore Valley – Located about 20 miles towards the east of the San Francisco Bay area, this vineyard is located on steep slopes. Sandstone cliffs dominate its soils, and it is known for its cool climate. Thanks to these conditions, this place is ideal for growing Chardonnay. Towards the lower side of the valley, the climate is warmer, and is ideal for growing fully-matured Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon varietals.
Arroyo Seco – This vineyard in the region of Monterey Ava, is known for its massive water content and rocky soils. Since this place also enjoys a cool climate all around the year, its conditions are ideal for growing Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, Merlot and Riesling.
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