Tiếng ViệtOur journey into the heart of California wine country began at Livermore Valley, a charming and often-overlooked gem located just an hour east of San Francisco. Surrounded by soft, rolling hills, Livermore benefits from a remarkable “cooling corridor”a natural pathway that channels Pacific Ocean breezes through the San Francisco Bay and into the valley each afternoon. This maritime influence has shaped the region’s terroir, giving its wines freshness, structure, and balance for more than a century.
Livermore Valley – The First American Wine Region to Win International Gold
Few people realize that Livermore Valley was the first U.S. wine region to win an international gold medal at the Paris Exposition of 1889.
The winning wine came from Cresta Blanca Winery, earning California a place on the world wine map decades before Napa Valley rose to fame.
This historic victory remains a cornerstone of California’s wine identity—and Livermore carries that legacy proudly.
Wente Vineyards – The Oldest Winery in California
Our first official winery visit was to Wente Vineyards, founded in 1883 and recognized as the oldest continuously operating family-owned winery in California. Wente is also known worldwide for creating the Wente Clone of Chardonnay, a clone that now influences more than 75% of all Chardonnay plantings in California.
Stepping into Wente’s expansive estate felt like entering a storybook.
Autumn painted the landscape in layers of green, gold, and amber. The crisp air carried the gentle scent of harvest season, and the sunlight scattered itself across the vineyards like brushstrokes on a canvas. It was impossible not to pause and let the scene sink in.
A Family Legacy Rooted in Passion and Vision
Under the shade of an ancient oak tree, we met Michael Parr, Wente’s Vice President of Global Export. Near him stood a stone monument honoring Cresta Blanca’s 1889 triumph, an enduring reminder of Livermore’s pioneering influence on American wine history.
Michael shared the Wente family story:
Each generation has contributed to the winery in its own way some becoming winemakers, others shaping the culinary and hospitality experiences. Together, they created an ecosystem where wine is more than a product; it is a lifestyle.
From vineyards and historic cellars to a celebrated restaurant and even a world-class golf course, Wente embodies the belief that wine should be enjoyed through all the senses.
Livermore Valley – A Pillar of American Wine History
Livermore Valley and Wente Vineyards hold a foundational chapter in the evolution of California wine. This is where visionaries dared to believe in the potential of California’s climate and soil long before the world paid attention.
Here, wine is not just produced—it is lived, nurtured, and passed down through generations.
And as I left Wente, I realized that Livermore offers more than remarkable wines.
It offers stories.
It offers legacy.
It offers inspiration.
It is a place you leave with a full heart—and a deeper appreciation for the origins of California wine.
