Formerly “Wente Vineyards,” the rebrand pays homage to five generations of winemaking tradition while the new packaging reinforces quality and a vision for the future
LIVERMORE, Calif. (April 2, 2025) – Wente Family Vineyards, the country’s longest, continuously family-owned and operated winery, is proud to announce a significant rebrand that places the word “Family” front and center, celebrating five generations of Wente family ownership. In addition to this new identity, the winery’s labels, too, have been updated to appeal more strongly to a new generation of wine consumers, while proclaiming quality, history, and a strategic vision for the future.
The redesign primes Wente Family Vineyards to increase its shelf appeal in a crowded market. It leverages its iconic reputation at the forefront of California wine history while energizing its brand presence and driving home the label’s focus on sustainability and lighter-weight bottles.
“After 142 years, we are so proud to still have our family at the heart of our winery’s story,” said Aly Wente, Fifth Generation Winegrower and Senior Vice President. “We love how much that seems to resonate with each new generation of wine lovers that discovers us, and Wente Family Vineyards drives home the authenticity that means so much to our consumers. Our updated name reinforces what sets us apart, while spotlighting five generations of craftsmanship, innovation, and sustainability.”
To mark the transformation, Wente Family Vineyards is also unveiling bold, modern new labels, with a strong focus on regional roots, reinforcing the distinct character and unique qualities of each of the sub-appellations that go into the wines. These new labels will be reflected on the packaging of each of the signature wines across Wente Family Vineyards’ three core portfolios: the Coastal Vineyard Series (which includes Morning Fog Chardonnay, Southern Hills Cabernet Sauvignon, Louis Mel Sauvignon Blanc, Sandstone Merlot, Mount Diablo Highlands Red Blend, Baily Hill Pinot Noir, Riverbank Riesling, Beyer Ranch Zinfandel), the Riva Ranch Series (which includes Riva Ranch Chardonnay, Riva Ranch Pinot Noir and Riva Ranch Rosé), and the Appellation Series (which includes Livermore Valley Wetmore Cabernet Sauvignon as well as three new wines that will debut in 2026).
The first of these updates to hit shelves is the Riva Ranch Chardonnay, followed closely by the Morning Fog Chardonnay and the Livermore Valley Wetmore Cabernet Sauvignon. The Riva Ranch Chardonnay and Livermore Valley Wetmore Cabernet Sauvignon underwent the most significant redesign transformation across the portfolio.
The previous vintage of the Livermore Valley Wetmore Cabernet Sauvignon earned the 52nd spot on Wine Enthusiast’s “The Enthusiast 100: The Best Wines of 2024” list, while the 2022 Morning Fog Chardonnay secured 40th place on Wine Spectator’s2024 “Top 100.
Across all Wente Family Vineyards wines, each front label now prominently displays “Certified Sustainable” – a visibility that is strategically positioned to attract a more engaged consumer audience, whose purchasing decisions are expected to be increasingly driven by ethical winemaking practices.
That sustainability is palpably demonstrated by the lighter-weight glass bottles that now define the entire portfolio – an eco-conscious innovation that significantly reduces carbon emissions during transport. This significant update was completed amid this rebrand and was championed by the family’s fifth-generation winegrowers, whose forward-thinking approach to sustainability continues to push the envelope in defining how ethical practices are measured. At 410 grams (and under 400 for the Coastal Vineyard Series), most new bottles are now around 34% lighter than their 620-gram predecessors, significantly reducing carbon emissions.
“Our commitment to responsible farming has always been one of the core pillars of Wente Family Vineyards,” said Niki Wente, Fifth-Generation Winegrower and Director of Vineyard Operations. “Proudly stating on the front label that we are Certified Sustainable better communicates that priority to our consumers – an audience who has become admirably motivated by ethical vineyard and winemaking practices.”
The rebrand and new packaging will roll out throughout 2025. For more information, visit wentevineyards.com
About Wente Family Vineyards
Founded in 1883, Wente Family Vineyards has been celebrated for its industry-wide contributions to innovation as the longest continuously operated, family-owned winery in the country, now owned and managed by the fourth and fifth generations of the Wente family, with women leading the charge from grape to glass. The winery draws from certified sustainable estate vineyards in the Livermore Valley, San Francisco Bay, and Arroyo Seco, Monterey appellations to create an outstanding array of fine wines distributed in all 50 states and over 70 countries worldwide.
In 2010, it joined the top 10% of California wineries that meet all three tiers within the Certified California Sustainable Winegrowing codes and designation for both their estate vineyards and winery. In April 2022, the winery won the Wine Institute’s California Green Medal Leader Award. This award is given to one winery each year and recognizing leadership in sustainable practices that span both its vineyards and winery as well as the estate’s socially responsible initiatives that benefit its employees and greater community.
Located just east of San Francisco in the historic Livermore Valley, Wente Family Vineyards – Wente Family Estates’ flagship estate label – is recognized as one of California’s premier wine country destinations, featuring wine tasting, food and wine experiences, outdoor wine & music events, unparalleled wedding venues and The Course at Wente Vineyards, an 18-hole championship golf course designed by Greg Norman. For more information, visit wentevineyards.com.
