Livermore, California
On our most recent trip to California, we were a bit pressed for time, but wanted to spend a day wine tasting and really wanted to try somewhere new. A little internet research came up with Livermore, California. I had never heard of it, but it was located just east of San Francisco. It fit the criteria perfectly. Now the big question…how was their wine?
One of our stops was at Marietta’s Well (more on that later and they recommended that we go to Wente Vineyards. With the distinction of being the oldest continuously operating, family-owned winery in the US It was established in 1883.
The Wente Estate is like an adult Disneyland! It includes a golf course, tasting rooms and a restaurant. During the summer they host concerts in the vineyards with some big name artists like Diana Krall and The Doobie Brothers.
Wente has several tasting room experiences: The Estate Winery & Tasting Room offers daily tours at 11am and 2pm to see the winemaking process. Wine flights are also available. The Vineyard Tasting Room includes a tour of the sandstone caves as well as information on wine appreciation and a chance to experience some of their wines via $10 tasting flights. There is a large gift shop that includes wine accessories and gourmet food.
We went directly to the Winemaker’s Studio and met with Cheryl and Darrell. What a treat. Both of them are very passionate about wine and wine education. Darrell is a certified sommelier and one of five wine educators employed by Wente Vineyards. Cheryl is the tasting room manager. We were certainly in good hands to explore what Wente had to offer.
The Winemaker’s Studio is a must for anyone who would like to learn more about wine appreciation. There are lots of hands-on educational activities. My only regret is we don’t live closer so I could attend them all! There were four classes being offered by appointment. They included: Black Glass Blind Tasting – where you use senses other than sight to determine a wines color. (I tried looking at wine in a black glass and had no idea if it was red, white or rose). Wine Aroma Seminar – this is a class where you learn how people come up with the terms you read on the wine notes such as notes of blackberry, hints of tobacco and my favorite, fresh cut garden hose. The Wine and Food Pairing – where you learn why certain foods pair well with a particular wine and the class I really want to try – Winemaker’s Blending Experience – where you get to taste various barrels of wine and create a bottle of your own blend. (I am hinting to Al this would be a mind-blowing Valentine’s Day gift).
Darrell mentioned they are always coming up with new classes. Another one that sounded interesting to me was the Size and Shape Glassware Class – here you get to experiment with different types of glassware to see if the size, shape and thickness of the glass really does have an effect on the taste of the wine.
Wente has currently has five winemakers / assistant winemakers on staff. Each one brings their own personality and experience to the small lots that they create. We were told that Wente is considered a “winemaker’s Playground” and we can confirm that after tasting several excellent wines. Here are some of the wines we tasted and our thoughts:
2015 Morning Fog Chardonnay – $15.This was a bit too mineral tasting for me (not a huge Chardonnay fan anyway), but Al liked it. Great price point & I think I have seen it at Costco and Total Wine for about $11
2014 Eric’s Chardonnay –$30. Unoaked and is nice and crisp.
2015 Small Lot Pinot Noir Rose’ -$30. – Fermented in stainless steel so it is crisp and dry. Ideal for summer.
2012 Charles Wetmore Cabernet Sauvignon – $30. A legacy of the vines brought from France by Charles Wetmore, this is a deep rich wine. Would hold up great with beef.
2014 Nth Degree Pinot Noir – $95. Delicious. Would go well with food or by itself.
2013 Nth Degree Cabernet Sauvignon – $120. I did taste chocolate and figs. It was a wonderful wine, deep rich color and a great consistency.
We were intrigued by the wines and fascinated by Cheryl and Darrell but on our next trip we will have to allocate more time to the property itself. Besides the winery and concert venue, there is an 18-hole Greg Norman Golf Course. The Grill includes indoor dining as well as patio service. There is also a gourmet restaurant that we did not get to sample (yet). It serves lunch, dinner and brunch. The menu showed interesting and seasonal offerings like steelhead trout and roasted baby beets along with more typical fare such as burgers and steaks. The property also has several venues for weddings and other events. They include the fabulous lawns, sandstone caves as well as the restaurant and Grill.
My biggest complaint about Wente Vineyards is that we did not allocate enough time to fully enjoy everything that they have to offer. It is definitely on my “return soon” list. I am very excited to experience some of the classes that Darrell described and to hear more from Cheryl about the wines and the interesting history of the area and of Wente. Be sure to check out their website (there is a lot of information there).
Susan’s Score – Cannot Be Missed (be sure to allow enough time, this could easily be a half day visit or more if you are golfing.