Dining at Wente’s Winery in the Livermore Valley

There are 40 wineries in the Livermore Valley Wine Country. The Livermore Valley AVA (American Viticultural Area) is one of the 170 AVA’s in the United States. It is located east of San Francisco along Interstates 580 and 680. I have chosen to review Wente Vineyards because it is California’s oldest family owned and operated winery. It was founded in 1883. Wente has two locations in Livermore. The Telsa Road site has a tasting room and picnic area while the Arroyo Road site has a tasting room, an award-winning restaurant, a world-class golf course and headliner concerts. Wente achieved California Sustainable Winegrowing Certification June 2010. In addition to sustainable wine growing both vineyard sites are also sustainably farmed. The Restaurant at Wente Vineyards menu features its organically farmed herbs and produce.

Arroyo Road Entrance © Spaswinefood

I have visited Wente in the past and enjoyed it very much enjoyed it. During out most recent visit to the Arroyo Road site we decided to have lunch in their restaurant. On Thursday, September 16^th, 2010 for lunch we ordered appetizers and 2007 Southern Hills Cabernet.

Appetizers © Spaswinefood

Cabernet Sauvignon © Spaswinefood

The restaurant features a lunch special Monday-Thursday, which we selected. 

Menu at Wente Vineyard's Restaurant © Spaswinefood

Fabulous Tomato Soup © Spaswinefood

Great Quiche © Spaswinefood

While it was a relatively hot September day there was a gentle breeze so we decided to sit outside on the patio. The setting was perfect. 

Great Setting © Spaswinefood

The service was excellent and the lunch was very enjoyable. 2007 Cabernet was an excellent choice.

Loved this Cabernet! © Spaswinefood

After lunch we did wine tasting. We selected two of their flights to taste. I found myself only liking the Cabernets. Maybe it was the fact I tasted after lunch or was it the predominant taste of tannins in the others I sampled that I found not pleasing to me?

Wine Tasting © Spaswinefood

Overall I would highly recommend dining at Wente’s. The food is great and the service is excellent. Their commitment to California’s Sustainable Winegrowing Program is great news.

Wente Vineyards © Spaswinefood

Sharon

Livermore, California

September 2010
© Spaswinefood

Note: Since visiting Wente's I have tried their fabulous Chardonnays. This is not surprising given Wente's history with Chardonnay. Both their Morning Fog and Nth Degree are amazing. I need to return to their tasting room and re-taste soon.

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