The Wente family planted the vines in their vineyard and allowed the surrounding wineries to snip a few buds to bring back to their own farms. It’s estimated that the Wente clone -- or genetically identical vine grown from that original -- is responsible for 75 percent of all California chardonnays today.
The founder, Louis Mel, sold his Livermore winery to Ernest Wente. The Wente family still cares for the property today. However, Murrieta’s Well distinguishes itself not only from Wente, but also from other vineyards in the Livermore Valley. Murrieta’s Well’s wines are made exclusively from grapes grown on the property, and the vineyard focuses on creating the perfect wine blends in small batches.
Concannon Vineyard is best known for its cabernet sauvignon. In 1893, James Concannon traveled to Bordeaux’s Chateau Margaux after the roots of his vineyards were damaged by pests. He brought French cabernet vines back to Concannon Vineyard, and they ended up growing so well that they became internationally renowned. It’s estimated that 80 percent of all cabernet sauvignon in California comes from the original vines planted by Concannon.
The land BoaVentura sits upon was once a ranch owned by the Concannon family. Today, the farmhouse is the Caires family home, while the barn is used for wine tastings and events that provide visitors with a taste of life in wine country.
Established in 1985, the family-owned vineyard provides a friendly atmosphere that makes you want to visit again and again. Notably, Retzlaff Vineyards became a certified organic vineyard in 2006. This means that the vineyard doesn’t use pesticides, herbicides, or fertilizers and is non-GMO. Retzlaff is best known for its 2013 and 2014 Estate Cabernet Sauvignon Merlot Blends, which won bronze in the San Francisco Chronicle Wine Competition, and its Estate Port made from organic cabernet sauvignon. The port won a silver medal in the Sunset International Wine Competition.
A more recent addition to the Livermore winery scene, McGrail Vineyards debuted in 2008. It’s a green oasis amidst the golden rolling hills of Northern California. Instead of large-scale operations, McGrail focuses on small-batch productions. The winery is best known for its cabernet sauvignon, which has won several awards. In 2019 alone, the 2015 Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon won gold, the 2014 and 2015 Reserve Cabernet Sauvignons won silver, and the 2016 Colton’s Cabernet Sauvignon won bronze in the San Francisco Chronicle Wine Competition.
Darcie Kent Vineyards is owned by a family that has been in the winemaking business for five generations; however, the Livermore location opened in 1996. What really stands out are the winery’s vibrant wine labels that were painted by Darcie Kent herself. The main tasting room provides a chance to enjoy Darcie Kent red blends, award-winning chardonnays, and cabernet Francs. While you’re tasting, you can admire Darcie Kent’s watercolor and acrylic depictions of the local landscape. It’s a tasting room and an art gallery in one!
Rhonda started making wine after she and her husband, Michael, purchased their vineyard in 1996. Together, their passion for wine and belief that winemaking begins in the vineyard led them to Livermore Valley. They are tireless champions regarding the quality of Livermore Valley terroir and their commitment to Livermore Valley grown grapes.
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