Three-quarters of California’s famous chardonnay vines originated in the vineyards of one winemaking family: Wente Family Vineyards. The Wente [pronounced WEN-tee] family has been growing grapes and producing wine continuously since 1883. They’re based in Livermore, about an hour’s drive east of San Francisco. Years ago, the first time I visited, they took our media group on a horseback walk through the local hills. I was petrified. But the horse—and the people—were kind, calming me so I could look around […]
