Wente Vineyards Southern Hills Cabernet Sauvignon

Wente Vineyards Southern Hills Cabernet Sauvignon is a hallmark red wine from California’s historic Livermore Valley, crafted by America’s oldest continuously operated, family-owned winery. The Southern Hills name refers to the rolling terrain at the edge of the Livermore Valley, where rocky soils and coastal breezes from the Pacific create ideal growing conditions for Cabernet Sauvignon. These vineyards produce fruit with concentrated flavors, balanced acidity, and a structure that reflects the terroir of the region.

This Cabernet Sauvignon is sourced from estate vineyards planted on gravelly, well-drained soils that limit vigor and encourage intensity in the fruit. The vines benefit from warm days and cool nights, which allow the grapes to ripen slowly and develop layers of richness while retaining freshness. Once harvested, the fruit is vinified with careful attention to preserve varietal character and then aged with a touch of oak to add depth, texture, and complexity.

The wine captures classic Cabernet expression, highlighting ripe dark fruit complemented by subtle oak influence. True to Wente’s philosophy, it strikes a balance between accessibility and refinement, offering both approachability for everyday enjoyment and the pedigree of a family that has been shaping California wine since 1883.

Wente Vineyards is widely recognized for its role in establishing California as a world-class wine region, and the Southern Hills Cabernet Sauvignon reflects the winery’s dedication to sustainable farming, estate-grown fruit, and a legacy of craftsmanship carried through five generations. As part of Wente’s core collection, it stands as a versatile and reliable Cabernet that delivers both quality and value, while showcasing the enduring influence of the Wente family in American winemaking.

Wente Vineyards is the oldest continuously operated, family-owned winery in the United States, established in 1883 in Livermore Valley, California. For over 140 years, the Wente family has been at the forefront of American winemaking, blending tradition and innovation across five generations. Today, it is recognized worldwide not only for its historic role in California wine but also for shaping the future of Chardonnay in the United States.

The family’s most influential contribution to the industry is the development of the Wente Clone of Chardonnay. In the early 20th century, second-generation winemaker Ernest Wente imported Chardonnay cuttings from France and began experimenting in the family’s vineyards. Through careful selection, the vines were adapted to California’s climate and soils, producing Chardonnay with distinctive richness and depth. This work gave rise to what is now known as the Wente Clone — a genetic line that is estimated to account for more than 75% of all Chardonnay plantings across California today.

Wente Vineyards farms estate vineyards in both the Livermore Valley and Arroyo Seco in Monterey, two regions that offer contrasting yet complementary terroirs. The cooler, coastal-influenced sites of Arroyo Seco produce wines with freshness, minerality, and expressive aromatics, while the warmer Livermore Valley contributes concentration, ripeness, and balance. All farming follows sustainable practices, reflecting the Wente family’s commitment to stewardship of the land and preservation for future generations.

As a pioneer in California wine, Wente Vineyards has earned its title as the “First Family of Chardonnay.” The winery produces a wide portfolio of estate wines, from approachable everyday expressions to single-vineyard bottlings like Riva Ranch that highlight unique terroir. Beyond Chardonnay, Wente also produces outstanding Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, and specialty wines that reflect the diversity of its vineyards.

Through its history, innovation, and dedication to quality, Wente Vineyards stands as a benchmark in California winemaking. The name carries with it both legacy and trust — a symbol of how one family’s vision helped shape the trajectory of an entire industry while continuing to deliver wines that remain relevant, expressive, and enduringly authentic.