Issue link: https://digital.copcomm.com/i/359372
86 / the tasting panel / august 2014 C arl H. Wente may have purchased 47 acres in Livermore Valley in 1883—making Wente Vineyards 131 years old—but the vineyard did not harvest grapes until the following year. Thus, 2014 marks their 130th vintage release, an exciting milestone for the family owned and operated winery. Throughout its rich history, the Wente family has certainly left its mark on the California wine industry and the wine world in general. Arguably their most significant contribution, Wente produced the first varietally-labeled California Sauvignon Blanc in 1933 and Chardonnay, a 1936 vintage. Since then, the Wente clone of Chardonnay has become a staple vari- etal throughout the state. Also in 1933, Second Generation Winegrower Herman Wente played an integral part in the WENTE VINEYARDS CELEBRATES A MILESTONE by Emily Coleman A Long and Winding Vine PHOTO: COURTESY OF WENTE FAMILY ESTATES PHOTO: COURTESY OF WENTE FAMILY ESTATES Wente Vineyards releases a new package to celebrate their 130th vintage release. The Wente family circa 1895. Third from the right sits Carl H. Wente, winery founder.