Wente Family Vineyards is a winery in Livermore, California, that is "the oldest continuously operating, family-owned winery in the United States." The Wente Estate is registered as a California Historical Landmark #957.[1] The estate is renowned for developing one of the most popular Chardonnay clones in the United States,[2] in addition to preserving Sauvignon Blanc Clone 1 in California.[3]
History
The winery was established by C.H. Wente in 1883 on 50 acres of land.[4] Having received training in wines while working for Charles Krug of Napa Valley, Wente purchased a few vineyards and land with ideal soil for grape growing.[4] Wente produced sacramental wines throughout prohibition to keep the winery and vineyards in production.