Wente Vineyards Visitor Center, Restaurant & Golf

Throughout five generations, the Wente family has been dedicated to the art of winemaking and has been a leader in California’s wine industry. The family operations have grown to include three historic wineries, over 3,000 acres of vineyards, an award-winning restaurant, a Greg Norman-designed 18-hole championship golf course, a conference center for corporate events and weddings, and an outstanding line of entertainers at their Summer Concert Series.

Arroyo Road is the site of the original Cresta Blanca Winery, dating back to 1882. (Cresta Blanca’s history includes the earthshaking 1889 medal win in the prestigious Paris Exposition.) In 1981, the Wente family purchased the
long-abandoned winery site and, building by building, the winery began to regain its elegance. New white stucco walls with red tile roofs were surrounded by replanted vineyards at the foot of the hillsides. Next came the restoration of 650 feet of sandstone aging caves. The property today is a lovely old-California style resort with a first-class golf course, restaurant, event center, and tasting room. Wine production now takes place at their other facilities.

The tasting room is relatively small in comparison to the extensive event areas, dining rooms, lawns and the restaurant, but it serves its visitors well. The oak tasting counter, stained concrete floors and modest boutique make an attractive place to sample their many wines. They pour their Vineyard Selection series wines, which include Sauvignon Blanc, Chardonnay, Riesling, Syrah, Merlot, Zinfandel, and Cabernet Sauvignon. Their higher-end Vineyard Reserve wines include Chardonnay, Merlot, Zinfandel, and Cabernet. Their Reserve Brut sparkling wine is also available.

The winery also has special lots that are made for their club members and winery visitors. These wines are produced separately, with the fruit hand-sorted, and made in much smaller lots. There are no picnic facilities.