Wente Vineyards Riva Ranch Vineyard Chardonnay

Wente Vineyards Riva Ranch Vineyard Chardonnay comes from one of California’s most historic and respected wine estates, with a legacy dating back to 1883. Produced from the family’s Riva Ranch Vineyard in Arroyo Seco, Monterey, this Chardonnay showcases the unique character of a site that has been central to Wente’s identity for decades. The vineyard benefits from the cooling maritime influence of the Pacific Ocean combined with gravelly soils that naturally limit yields, resulting in wines of structure, depth, and balance.

The Riva Ranch Vineyard has been farmed by the Wente family since the 1960s, and it is here that the famous Wente Clone of Chardonnay has thrived. Widely planted across California and responsible for the majority of Chardonnay vines in the state today, this clone traces its origins to cuttings brought from France in the early 20th century and perfected at Wente’s vineyards. The result is a grape that consistently delivers expressive, concentrated fruit with excellent varietal character.

Fermentation and aging are carefully managed to highlight the richness of the fruit while maintaining freshness and complexity. A portion of the wine is barrel-fermented and aged in French oak, lending subtle notes of spice, creaminess, and texture, while stainless steel fermentation preserves brightness and clarity. The integration of these elements produces a Chardonnay that reflects both the terroir of Arroyo Seco and the long-standing winemaking expertise of the Wente family.

Wente Vineyards has earned recognition as the “First Family of Chardonnay” in California, and the Riva Ranch Vineyard bottling represents a benchmark of their craft. It combines heritage, innovation, and a sense of place, making it not only a true expression of Monterey Chardonnay but also a reflection of the Wente family’s enduring influence on American wine.

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.