Issue link: http://digital.copcomm.com/i/637107
{ SOMMjournal.com } 95 CHAPTER 1: The Beginning More than 130 years ago, Carl H. Wente, a German immigrant, purchased 47 acres of vineyard land in California's Livermore Valley, an area settled just 50 years prior by a local rancher for whom the valley is named. Though this region would become well-known during the Gold Rush, it was the First Generation of the Wente family who would plant a different kind of gold here— the first Chardonnay cultivars imported from Montpellier, which would become known as the Wente clone, and the source for the majority of all Chardonnay planted in California. Knowingly or unknowingly, Wente made a brilliant choice in planting Chardonnay at the turn of the century. The rest is history, but significant events in history usually involve someone with a vision that is willing to take a risk—Carl Wente did that. —Robert Bath MS, Professor of Wine and Beverage, The Culinary Institute of America at Greystone 1939 Golden Gate International Exposition: Wente Bros. Sauvignon Blanc wins the Gold Medal and Grand Prize against international and domestic wines. Wente pioneers Monterey County vineyard planting and creates a certified nursery to supply other vintners with vine cuttings and rootstock. Guide Michelin recognizes Wente Chardonnay as the best in California. Third Generation Winegrower Karl L. Wente joins the winery, expanding national and developing international distribu- tion. He becomes a tireless spokesman for the California wine industry, and assists many fledgling growers and vintners. 1949 1960 1960s-70s The Wente family circa 1895. Adds new technology to the winery to heighten quality, including jacketed stainless steel fermen- ters, and experiments with one of the first centrifuges. FIVE GENERATIONS, FIVE CHAPTERS For five generations, the Wente family has been dedicated to the art of winegrowing and the philosophy that the quality of a wine originates in the vineyard. 1963 1969 Wente Vineyards Tasting Room opens—one of the first in California. Develops the first late-harvest botrytis wine, called Spätlese. 1977 Fourth Generation Winegrowers Philip, Eric and Carolyn Wente continue vineyard expansion in the Livermore Valley and Monterey appellations. First Generation: Founder Carl H. Wente.