Wine Along The 101
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    • 2023 Articles >
      • Simply Italian Great Wines US Tour 2022, A Brief Look at the Complex World of Italian Wine
      • A Night of Sicilian Wine, Spotlighting Cambria and Madaudo Wineries
      • Yealands Wines, “Think Boldly, Tread Lightly”, Leading the World Toward Sustainable Winemaking
    • 2022 Articles >
      • Further Defining the Single Vineyard Cru Wines of Barolo and Barbaresco, the Rise of the MGA
      • The Barolo Cru Wines of Beni di Batasiolo
      • Pyros Wines Sparks World-Class Malbec
      • AlloraVino Imports, a Love Affair with Italian Wine
      • Maisons Marques & Domaines Wine Portfolio: Prestige, Glamour and Good Taste for the Holidays
      • The Original Balsamic Vinegar of Modena PGI, a Condiment and a Culture
      • Rocca delle Macìe, Taking Chianti Classico to New Heights
      • Alluring and Iconic, The World of Chianti Wines
      • Paso Robles Weaves a Thrilling Tapestry of World-Class Wine
      • LXV Wines, The Spice of Paso Robles
      • The Mouthwatering Sauvignon Blancs of Chile
      • The Wines of Portugal, Discover a World of Difference
      • Domaines Albert Bichot, An Exceptional Approach to Burgundian Wine
      • The Wines of Abruzzo Undergo a Renaissance of Quality
      • Ketcham Estate, Exceptional Wines From The Heart of the Russian River Valley
      • La Rioja Alta, S.A., Innovation and Tradition That Stands the Test of Time
      • Vega Sicilia Celebrates 40 Years of Winemaking Excellence
      • Planeta of Sicily Embraces the Past While Reaching For the Future
      • The Spirit of Renaissance is Alive and Well in “South of Somewhere”
      • Gambero Rosso Returns to LA, With the Best of Italian Wines
      • Falanghina and Aglianico del Taburno, Sannio's Ancient Wine Stars
      • Tablas Creek Vineyard Embraces Regenerative Organic Farming
    • 2021 Articles >
      • Make Merry With Domaine Bousquet Sparkling Wines
      • Discover These Enchanting Italian Wines, From the Fog of Piedmont to the Island Breezes of Sardinia
      • Rodney Strong Vineyards and Winery, Revitalizing an Iconic Brand
      • Thanksgiving Tips for the Best Wine and Food Pairing
      • Escape to Paso Robles, a Wine Country Oasis
      • Escape to Paso Robles, a Wonderland of Wine
      • Smith-Madrone Wines, a Napa Valley Pioneer Celebrates Fifty Years of Excellence
      • Oregon’s Willamette Valley, the Land of Pinot Noir
      • Irvine & Roberts Vineyards, Exceptional Pinot Noir and Chardonnay from Southern Oregon
      • BARRA of Mendocino Wines, an Original Organic Wine Play
      • The Opulent and Thrilling Wines of Denner Vineyards
      • L’Ecole No. 41, Expressive Wines That Pass the Test of Time With Flying Colors
      • France's Loire Valley, a Fairytale Land of Storybook Castles and Magical Wines
      • Craft Wine, Shining the Spotlight on America’s Small Wine Producers
    • 2020 Articles >
      • Margerum Wine Company, the Nexus of Sublime Santa Barbara County Wines
      • Catena Zapata, Malbec on High
      • Long Meadow Ranch, the Circle of Life in a Glass of Wine
      • Fontanafredda Barolo Forges a New Future
      • Bordeaux Wine 2017, Surprises in a Challenging Vintage
    • 2019 Articles >
      • The Rising Wine Country of Southern Oregon's Rogue Valley
      • Discover Ashland and the Rogue Valley, Southern Oregon's Serenade to the Good Life
      • Napa Valley Grille, New Fall Menu Paired with European Wines
      • Embrace Your Wine Geek with PRIE Winery & Vineyards
      • Castello di Albola, Chianti Classico on High
      • Nicolas-Jay Wines, the Journey of a Lifetime
      • The Expanding Complexity of New Zealand Wine
      • Prosecco DOC, Splendor in the Glass
      • On the Oregon Wine Trail
      • Albariño and Rioja Star in Spain’s Great Match
      • Exciting and Eclectic, the Wines of Alentejo
      • Blaufränkisch Propels the Red Wines of Austria Into the Spotlight
      • Fascinating Greek Wines of the Cava Spiliadis Collection
      • Revolution In Rioja Wine
    • 2018 Articles >
      • Temecula Valley Celebrates 50 Years of Winemaking
      • The Stellar Wines of Sardinia
      • Italian Wines Prescribed by Doctor Wine
      • The Alluring Wines of Tunisia
      • Gambero Rosso’s Top Italian Wines for 2018
      • Velenosi Wines, From Le Marche to the World
      • Sauvignon Blanc, a Rising Star in Napa Valley
      • Frank Family Vineyards Celebrates 25 Years
      • Markus Wine Co., Sleek New Red Wines Up the Ante for Lodi Reds
      • Lodi Wine, Over 100 Varieties Strong
      • Ramona Valley Wine Country, an Up and Coming Wine Region
      • Hertelendy Vineyards, the Pursuit of Excellence
      • Napa Valley Wine, Nirvana in a Bottle
      • Wine Stroll: Explore Downtown Paso Robles Wineries
      • The Beautiful Shades of Lodi Rosé Wines
      • Doubling Down on Gold Medal Wines: The San Francisco International Wine Competition
      • The Exotic Wines of Lebanon
      • Australian Wines, Rediscover the New Frontier
      • New Zealand Wines, Expanding beyond Sauvignon Blanc
      • Visit France in 2018, a Feast of Food, Wine, Culture and History
      • Bordeaux Wine 2015, A Very Good Year
      • Portugal's Treasure Chest of Wines
      • Livermore Valley, California’s Original Wine Country Reborn
      • Concannon and Wente Vineyards, California’s Pioneers of Cabernet Sauvignon and Chardonnay
      • Livermore Valley Wine Country, the Future Looks Bright
    • 2017 Articles >
      • Viña Ardanza Rioja Turns 75, an Enchanting Wine Gets Even Better
      • The VIP Sparkle of Prosecco Superiore
      • Lodi Wine Country, Seriously Good Wine From A to Z
      • Lodi Wine Country, Old Vines and Great Wines
      • Lodi Wine Country, Winegrowers and Winemakers Focused on the Future
      • Lugana White Wine, Better With Age
      • Santa Barbara Winemakers Road Trip to LA
      • Sweetzer Cellars, a Life Changing Journey of Wine
      • Lugana and Valpolicella, the Yin and Yang of the Veneto
      • Three R’s of Summer Wine, Rosé, Riesling, and Ramato
      • Familia Martínez Bujanda, Wines Without Borders
      • Codorníu Cava, the Ars and Anna Collection
      • New and Exciting Wines from the 2017 Santa Barbara Vintners Spring Weekend Celebration
      • Sensual Delights on Display at Savor Italy Los Angeles
      • Pizza and Franco Pepe, Italy’s Best Comes to LA
      • Montes Wines, Wisdom in Wine From Father to Son
      • Passionate Pinot Noir Lovers Unite at the 2017 World of Pinot
      • Vignalta, Wines of the Highest Order
      • Santa Lucia Highlands Sensational Wines
      • Gambero Rosso’s Top Italian Wines for 2017
      • Law Estate Wines: Quality by Design
      • Taittinger and Calvisius: Champagne and Caviar Dreams
      • Riding High on American Rhone Wines, The Rhone Rangers LA Tasting
      • Discover Monterey Wine Country, wine and so much more
      • Wines of Portugal, the Perfect Dinner Companion
      • Gruet's Enchanting Sparkling Wines
    • 2016 Articles >
      • The Art of Italian Living, SoCal Style
      • Wines of Alsace: Perfect for the Holidays
      • Oso Libre Winery; Vines, Wines, and Angus Beef
      • Best Wines for Thanksgiving
      • Simply Italian Great Wines US Tour Sweeps Through Los Angeles
      • Santa Barbara Winemakers Road Trip: Chardonnay
      • Santa Barbara Winemakers Road Trip: Pinot Noir
      • Santa Barbara Winemakers Road Trip: Rhône Varietals
      • Santa Barbara Winemakers Road Trip: Bordeaux Varietals
      • Achaval-Ferrer, Exceptional Wines from Argentina
      • Celebration of Harvest Grand Tasting 2016 Highlights
      • The Celebrity Sparkle of Ferrari Trento Wines
      • Santa Barbara Wine Country’s Celebration of Harvest 2016
      • The Garagiste Festival, Off the Beaten Path Wines
      • Explore SLO Wine Country, Central California’s Hidden Gem
      • Byron Winery, The Grand Pinot Noir Experiment
      • Crocker & Starr Wines, Organically Elegant
      • Escape to Santa Maria Wine Country
      • The Elegant White Wines of Domäne Wachau
      • Champagne Palmer: The New Champagne on the Block
      • Holman Ranch & Vineyards: Making Memories & Wine at Romantic California Hideaway
      • Luminous Wines of France's Loire Valley
    • Examiner.com Articles >
      • Alma Rosa Winery & Vineyards: Wines Without Compromise
      • All Stars of Pinot Noir Rock the 2016 World of Pinot
      • Ampelos Wines' Biodynamic Brilliance
      • Artisan Uprising: Blood Into Wine
      • Bodegas Beronia Rioja: The Magic of Oak
      • Crawford Family Wines: Unlocking Varietal Flavor
      • Dolin Malibu Estate Vineyards' Chardonnays and Pinot Noirs Shine Bright
      • Hahn Family Wines: Santa Lucia Highlands' Sweet Spot
      • Kimmel Vineyards: Good Wine Flows from Challenging Times
      • Larner Vineyard: Sweet Spot for Syrah and Grenache
      • LOCA for Lodi Wine
      • Lompoc Wine Ghetto
      • Sanford Winery & Vineyards, Delicious Wines That Tell a Tale
      • The Diverse and Divine Wines of Santa Barbara County
      • Santa Barbara Urban Wine Trail
      • The Stellar Wines of California's Sta. Rita Hills
      • Skinner Vineyards, Destiny and Determination
      • Wines of Portugal, The Art of the Blend
  • Wine Reviews
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    • The Sangiovese Stars of San Felice Wines
    • Lucky Rock Wine Co. 2021 Sauvignon Blanc, in Can and Bottle
    • Coen Malbec Reserve 2019, a New World Wine with Old World Sensibilities
    • Sangre de Toro Rosé, A Light and Bright Summer Thirst Quencher
    • Summer and Sauvignon Blanc, Lucky Rock Wine Co. Style
    • Lucky Rock Wine Co. County Cuvée Pinot Noir 2019
    • Monte Velho, Fascinating Wines and Value-Priced
    • Grassl Glasses Add Depth to Wine Enjoyment
    • Domaine Bousquet Sparkling Rosé Brut Makes Everyday a Holiday
    • Festive Ferrari Trento Sparkling Wines For All Occasions
    • Bodegas CARO, the Best of Both Worlds
    • Kosher Wines For the Jewish High Holidays Are Highly Recommended Anytime of Year
    • Oak Farm Vineyards, a Rainbow of Delicious Lodi Wines
    • Lucky Rock Wine Co. Sauvignon Blanc 2019
    • Ron Rubin Wines, The Dream Series
    • Lucky Rock Wine Co. County Cuvée Pinot Noir 2018
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    • Celebrate with this Pair of Spanish Red Wines
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  • Events
    • Garagiste Wine Festival: Urban Exposure 2022 Highlights Hidden California Wine Gems
    • Temecula Valley Balloon & Wine Festival 2019
    • World of Pinot Noir 2019, A Magical Mystery Tour
    • Journey to Planet Pinot at the 2018 World of Pinot Noir
    • Great Wines of Italy Comes to LA
    • Wine Along the Beach at Garagiste Wine Festival 2017
    • Santa Barbara Vintners Spring Weekend Celebration 2017
    • Orbit the World of Pinot Noir at the 2017 World of Pinot
    • Rhone Rangers Los Angeles 2016
  • Wine Travel
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    • Que Syrah, Shiraz!
    • Paso Robles Wine Festival
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The history of California wine lies in the genetic makeup of its most famous winegrape varietals, Chardonnay and Cabernet Sauvignon.  Inspired by their French incarnations 135 years ago, two winemaking families in the Livermore Valley, Wente and Concannon, pioneered their existence in the Golden State, and changed its winescape forever.  Written in their DNA sequences, heritage Concannon Cabernet Clone 7 and Wente Chardonnay Clone channel their French roots, the Cabernet a distant relative of renowned First Growth Château Margaux from Bordeaux, and the Chardonnay from Burgundy.  These grand Old World varietals would take the New World by storm in the 20th Century, upending the Riesling, Carignane, and Zinfandel that made up most of the first commercial wines in California.  Today, 80% of all of California’s Chardonnay and Cabernet vines trace their existence back to these clones.  Wente and Concannon's stories, innovation, and tenacity blazed a path for today’s winemaking success, and have brought new life to the Livermore Valley from where they began.
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Concannon Vineyards, steeped in history, is basking in the glow of a wine renaissance.  Concannon, in ancient Gaelic, translates to “Wisdom without compromise”, which is fitting for the Concannon legacy in Livermore.  What started out as a passionate spark of inspiration laser focused a family business for over a century, while staying true to the original goal of providing quality wine at a fair price.  Each generation followed in the footsteps of the founder, yet added their own spin to the label.  Concannon transformed California’s wine industry into a world player, and their novel approach set trends that are the norms today.  The importance of winegrape clones in the aromas and flavors of wine, the recognition of California’s terroir as on par with Europe’s greatest vineyards, and crafting single varietal wines designated with the names on the bottle labels, all this was revolutionary thinking in the 1800’s.  As wine drinkers today luxuriate in an abundance of quality wines, this was not so common in the time of James Concannon.
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Concannon Vineyards Timeline of important contributions to the California wine industry
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James Concannon, Courtesy of Concannon Vineyards
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Concannon Vineyards harvest 1890's, Courtesy of Concannon Vineyards
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Bottling, Courtesy of Concannon Vineyards
Along a wall in the Concannon winery’s tasting room, a walk back in time reveals how a big idea changed California’s wine industry, where 135 years of innovation and commitment to quality is swirling in today’s wines.  Concannon Vineyards was founded in 1883 by enterprising Irish immigrant James Concannon, who recognized the potential of Livermore Valley.  Truly a trailblazer, Concannon was struck by its similarity to Bordeaux, especially the soils.  He went all in, buying land and studying winegrowing in Bordeaux, and made the first Bordeaux-style wines in California.  So committed to crafting a high quality wine, he imported vine cuttings from Bordeaux, Cabernet Sauvignon from Château Margaux and Sauvignon Blanc from Château d’Yquem.  When Charles Wetmore, a fellow vintner, won the 1889 Gold Medal Awards at the International Paris Exposition, Livermore Valley seemed poised to produce wine in a big way.
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Captain Joe Concannon, Courtesy of Concannon Vineyards
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Captain Joe in Semillon Vineyard, Courtesy of Concannon Vineyards
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Concannon wines for sale after repeal of Prohibition, Courtesy of Concannon Vineyards
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Captain Joe's first Cabernet, Courtesy of Concannon Vineyards
But then Prohibition crippled the fledgling wine industry, and while many wineries went out of business, Captain Joe Concannon, James’ son, continued winemaking in the guise of sacramental wine.  Keeping their vineyards alive, Concannon bided their time for thirteen years, until 1933, when Prohibition was repealed.  Captain Joe re-launched the Concannon brand with vigor, a man ahead of his time by becoming one of the first to bottle Cabernet as a single varietal wine.
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Jim Concannon in Petite Sirah vineyard 1958, Courtesy of Concannon Vineyards
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When Captain Joe passed the baton in 1960 to a new generation, Jim Concannon made history by bottling a 100% Petite Sirah, at this point only used as a blending grape, which gained him the moniker, “The Father of Petite Sirah”.  In 1965, Jim and UC Davis collaborated on a groundbreaking project, to rebuild California’s wine industry.  By propagating cuttings from Concannon’s original Cabernet Sauvignon vine, known as the “Mother Vine” that was imported from Château Margaux in 1893, it was hoped to produce superior Cabernet clones, that would yield high quality fruit.  Concannon Cabernet Clones 7, 8, and 11 were developed, and widely planted in vineyards across California.  Today, 80% of all California Cabernet can trace their heritage back to these Concannon clones.
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John Concannon, fourth generation winegrower
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Jim and John Concannon, Courtesy of Concannon Vineyards and The Tasting Panel
Currently, The Wine Group owns Concannon, but the family is still involved in a big way.  The Wine Group’s resources have allowed modernization of the property, and they have preserved the winery’s heritage, by continuing their tradition of excellence and innovation, in conjunction with the Concannon family.  Ten years ago, John Concannon took the lead in day-to-day operations, and directed the revitalization of the property and vineyards, becoming Certified Sustainable.  Thirteen winegrape varietals are grown on 220 acres, utilizing soil management techniques, water conservation, pest control using natural predators, wildlife protection, solar energy, and recycling.
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Courtesy of Concannon Vineyards
In recognition of Concannon’s contribution to history, three Concannon bottles, Riesling, Angelica, and Sherry, from Prohibition are now displayed in the National Museum of American History, Smithsonian Collection.  An interesting sidenote, the 1925 Riesling was America’s First Varietal Wine Label!
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Today, a visit to Concannon Vineyards is something special.  Surrounded by stunning vistas, the complex is well laid out to welcome visitors.  At the center is the original winery, a California Registered Historical Landmark, which has been outfitted with a tasting room, wine library, and wine bar.  Outside, manicured lawns, fanciful topiary bushes, and a grape arbor offers picturesque places to celebrate special occasions and taste wine.  Concannon is a popular place, over 125,000 people visited last year, and it was voted a top California destination.
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John Concannon and the Mother Vine vineyard
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And that Mother Vine that launched 90,000 acres of prime California Cabernet?  This cherished vine, with its thickened and gnarled trunk, still produces fruit today, of which Concannon bottles only 200 cases.  Surrounded by younger versions of this heritage Concannon Margaux clone, the 1883 Margaux Mother Vine vineyard holds an unique place in history, a monument to the vision that James Concannon had for Livermore Valley, carefully tended and nurtured for future generations.
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Today, Concannon produces three separate collections, the Heritage, Vineyard, and Reserve lines, with 22 different wines.  Of course, Cabernet Sauvignon and Petite Sirah are their pride and joy, but Malbec, Petit Verdot, Sauvignon Blanc, Semillon, Viognier, and Chardonnay flesh out their offerings, along with a few blends.
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Sommelier Leann Kaufman
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Tasting through several wines with Sommelier Leann Kaufman, there were several standouts.  Kaufman pointed out, “This is where Concannon is going, they like the power, they like the restraint, they dip their toe in the complexity just enough for you to go hmmm, I think these guys are thinking really outside the box, and know that all wine needs layers and complexity.”  And as far as that renowned Clone 7 that started it all, Kaufman observed, “I love the Clone 7, it gives us those layers of that dark fruit, yet there’s still an essence of tartness to it. The tannins are firm, the finish is long, it’s a food wine that can stand up to a lot of things and gives us the 10-12 year ageability that we all love.”
Highly recommended, these are just a few of the quality Concannon wines that convey that sense of place that is so special about Livermore Valley.
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Concannon Heritage Petite Sirah 2009 - Only bottled in the best years, earthy notes precede the black fruit, this is a structured, well-integrated wine that is smooth and supple, complex in its coffee, licorice and spice notes, with a white pepper accent, this is one of the best Petite Sirahs I’ve ever tasted.
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The 2014 vintage is also delicious, bright perfumed dark fruit, a rich wine layered with spice, and lingers on the palate
Concannon Reserve Petit Verdot 2010 - Rich and powerful, this intense wine’s dark fruit, spice, and oak notes float on the layers of aromas and flavors, finishing with a nutty accent on the plush finish.
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Concannon “Mother Vine” Cabernet Sauvignon 2014 - Juicy and bright, the layers of dark fruit have an edge of red berry and mocha, full-bodied yet smooth, the finish goes on and on, a very well-balanced Cabernet.
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Wente Vineyards, Courtesy of Wente Vineyards
Wente Vineyards, the oldest, continuously operated family-owned winery in the United States, has been running strong for 135 years.  Like Concannon, Wente is a pioneer and founder of California’s wine industry.  Their Wente clone of Chardonnay changed the landscape of California wine, and continues to win acclaim across many different producers’ wines.  But unlike Concannon, the Wentes have maintained control, and continue to evolve and expand their vision of wine in the Golden State.  Wente has added to their portfolio of Livermore Valley wines, which includes Murrietta’s Well, by establishing estate vineyards in Arroyo Seco, part of the Monterey AVA, and produces wines from over 3000 acres of vineyard land.  And so Wente has become a global brand, exporting their wines to over 70 countries.
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Wente family 1895, Courtesy of Wente Vineyards
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Karl, Ernest, and Herman Wente, Courtesy of Wente Vineyards
Wente’s rich history began in 1883, when resourceful German immigrant Carl H. Wente bought 47 acres in Livermore Valley and founded his vineyard.  His son, Ernest, who had fallen in love with the white wine of Burgundy, convinced his father to import Chardonnay cuttings from Mersault in 1912, from the Montpellier vine nursery in France.  For the next 40 years, Ernest Wente conducted the grand experiment, tinkering with the vines and choosing only the best to plant the vineyards.  During this time, Prohibition placed Wente Vineyards in survival mode, and they sold sacramental wine, while Ernest continued to experiment with rootstocks and other variables for his Chardonnay.  Once Prohibition was repealed in 1933, Ernest and his brother, Herman, took over the winery from their father, and the Wente Bros. label was born.  Together, they produced the first varietally labeled Sauvignon Blanc and Semillon wines, and in 1936, bottled the first Chardonnay labeled wine.  
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Karl L. Wente, Courtesy of Wente Vineyards
Wente’s Chardonnay became much admired, and fellow winemakers asked for cuttings of this Wente Clone to plant their vineyards.  When third generation Karl L. Wente assumed control, he advanced the cause of Wente Chardonnay, by freely providing vine cuttings to all those who wanted to produce the white wine that had swept the state.  The Wente Clone made history when Chateau Montelena won the 1976 Judgment of Paris for its Chardonnay, beating out French rivals in a blind-tasting, and the revolution was born, with Chardonnay becoming the most popular white wine in the US.
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Phil, Carolyn, and Eric Wente, Courtesy of Wente Vineyards
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The baton was passed to fourth generation siblings Eric, Carolyn, and Phil Wente in 1977, and they expanded and modernized the operation, purchasing additional vineyards in the Arroyo Seco area of Monterey and the original Cresta Blanca winery, one of the first Livermore Valley wineries.  This jewel of history has particular significance for the Wente family.  Charles Wetmore, the founder of Cresta Blanca, planted his vineyards with royal stock from Bordeaux in 1882, and he was the one who beat out thousands of French wines for the Grand Prize for his Sauvignon Blanc/Semillon white wine blend at the 1889 Paris Exposition.  Now a California Historical Landmark, the revolutionary win by Wetmore inspired California winemakers, as it confirmed that their vineyard lands had the right stuff to make world-class wines.  With a beautiful site of historical significance, and 2200 acres of prime Livermore Valley land, the brothers and sister established Wente as a wine destination, by opening a restaurant, concert venue, and golf course.  They’ve built upon their initial foundation, and although Wente is known as California’s First Family of Chardonnay, the winery continues to improve and offer many different wines, becoming Certified Sustainable in 2010.  Recognized for their relevance and passion, Wente was christened “American Winery of the Year” in 2011 by Wine Enthusiast.
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Today, Wente is the complete package.  A variety of tours and tastings provide learning experiences in three different tasting venues, nestled among the many picturesque nooks and crannies of the property.  Wine caves, originally dug into the hillside in 1911, have been outfitted as the Wentes’ sparkling cellars, and a place where their best wines can slumber until they are ready to drink.
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The Restaurant at Wente Vineyards, Courtesy of Wente Vineyards
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Executive Chef Mike Ward and Phil Wente
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Master gardener Diane Dovholuk provides seasonal produce for the restaurant
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The Concerts at Wente Vineyards, Courtesy of Wente Vineyards
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The Course at Wente Vineyards, Courtesy of Wente Vineyards
In addition, Wente has diversified it’s business model into what might be called a wine country lifestyle, giving wine tourists more than one reason to visit.  The Restaurant at Wente Vineyards is wine country elegant, dedicated to the best seasonal ingredients, with menus created by Executive Chef Mike Ward.  In fact, Wente is so devoted to serving the very best that much of the produce used to create their dishes comes from an organic garden tucked into the back of the property, lovingly tended to full-time by Master Gardener Diane Dovholuk.  The Certified Sustainable label has brought lots of perks, including the olive tree planting program, from which Wente makes estate olive oil.  Another benefit, 100 head of cattle are raised on open range land, providing grass management and soil fertilization, beyond the sustainable benefit, this grass-fed beef is finished with organic grain and a bottle of Merlot every day for three weeks, before being served in the restaurant.  The Concerts at Wente Vineyards draws top performers to its summer concert series, held in the natural amphitheater on the Wente grounds.  A scenic 18-hole championship golf course, The Course at Wente Vineyards, was designed by Greg Norman, and offers play for both the novice and pro golfer, with The Grill serving casual food and drinks with a view of the greens.
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Fifth generation Karl D. Wente brings the Wente Family legacy to the glass, Courtesy of Wente Vineyards
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The Wente Estate Grown Collection, Courtesy of Wente Vineyards
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The Nth Degree, ultra premium varietal wines, Courtesy of Wente Vineyards
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Wente Winemakers Studio, Courtesy of Wente Vineyards
Now, Karl D. Wente, as the fifth generation winemaker, is carrying the torch forward, crafting four different styles of Chardonnay with the Wente Clone in separate collections; the ultra-premium The Nth Degree, the experimental Small Lot, Single Vineyard, and Estate Grown.  In addition, a total of 38 different wines, red, white, rosé, and sparkling are produced across the various properties, including 14 wines made from Murrietta’s Well and 10 artisan wines from the Wente Winemakers Studio.  
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So what does the Wente clone of Chardonnay taste like?  Overall, the wines are luscious, with an apple, pear, citrus, and stone fruit profile, and a highlight of white flowers accented with sweet baking spice notes.  Vibrant without any oak, the wines hold up well to new oak barrel fermentation, while holding a clean fruit intensity to match.  A ripe, round body, integrated with balanced acidity, belies a mineral backbone, all this leads to a smooth, mouthfilling finish, in other words, a very classic California Chardonnay! Wente’s Morning Fog Chardonnay has a cornucopia of ripe stonefruit, pear, and apple on the palate, but fermentation in stainless steel and neutral oak plays up the fresh citrus in the wine.
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John Concannon of Concannon Vineyards
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Wente Vineyards wines
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Steven Mirassou of Steven Kent Winery
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Colin Cranor of Nottingham Cellars
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Darcie Kent Vineyards tasting room
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(L-R) Dan Rosenberg and Bob Bossi of Dante Robere Vineyards
Wente and Concannon’s vineyards are a living legacy, important in the past and present, as they continue to refine and reinvent their original roots.  They are stewards of this exceptional terroir, whose founders chose Livermore Valley over Napa Valley, while a new generation of winemakers are flocking here to plant their flag.  Next, as more boutique wineries join the community, the future looks bright for Livermore Valley.