April 7, 2026 (Livermore Valley, CA) — Wente Family Estates, the country’s longest continuously family-owned and operated winery, today announced the launch of a major new solar energy initiative across its California operations. The project, in partnership with Regatta Solutions, features a state-of-the-art 4.3 MWdc solar system, reinforcing the Wente family’s five-generation commitment to sustainable winegrowing and demonstrating a significant investment in the future of the Livermore Valley.
The expansive project includes strategic locations across the Wente Family Estates production facilities. High-efficiency solar arrays have been integrated into the flagship winery on Tesla Road, as well as at its sister winery, Murrieta’s Well, and the Wente Family Vineyards Tasting Lounge. Annually, the system is projected to produce over 7 million kWh of clean energy.
This transition to renewable energy represents a massive step forward in the 143-year-old winery’s mission to achieve continuous improvement in its environmental footprint. According to the EPA Greenhouse Gas Equivalencies Calculator, the annual clean energy production of the new system would help offset carbon emissions equivalent to:
- Removing 865 gasoline-powered passenger vehicles from the road for one year or avoiding over 9.4 million miles driven.
- Providing enough electricity to power 1,278 homes for an entire year.
The carbon offset is equivalent to growing 61,297 tree seedlings for 10 years or protecting 3,718 acres of U.S. forests.
For Karl Wente, Chief Operating Officer and Fifth-Generation Winegrower, this project is more than just an infrastructure upgrade – it is a continuation of a 143-year-old philosophy. “At Wente Family Estates, we view ourselves as stewards of the land first and winemakers second. Our commitment to sustainability isn’t a static goal, it’s a process of continuous improvement,” said Wente. “By investing in this 4.3 MW solar project, we are ensuring that our operations are as resilient and forward-thinking as the vineyards we tend. This is a significant investment in our future, allowing us to harness the same California sun that ripens our grapes to power our winemaking process, ultimately reducing our impact on the planet for generations to come.”
Wente Family Estates remains one of the few California wineries to hold the Certified Sustainable Vineyard and Winery designation from the California Sustainable Winegrowing Alliance (CCSW) for both its estate vineyards and winery operations. This solar project joins a suite of Wente Family Estates’ other green initiatives, including:
- Water Conservation: Advanced recycling systems that repurpose production water for vineyard irrigation.
- Eco-Packaging: A 2023 transition to light-weight glass bottles to reduce carbon emissions during transport.
- Regenerative Farming: No-till practices and the use of cover crops to enhance soil health and biodiversity.
- Low Greenhouse Gas Emissions: A recent 3rd party audit found that Wente Family Vineyards comes in at under 25% the international winery average for greenhouse gas emission intensity.
By integrating large-scale renewable energy, Wente Family Estates continues to lead the industry in demonstrating how heritage and high-tech innovation can coexist to protect the environment. Check out Wente Family Vineyards’ dedicated Sustainability page for more information on the team’s ongoing practices – updated regularly with the most current improvements and initiatives.
(Photo Credit: Julep Productions)
About Wente Family Estates
Founded in 1883, Wente Family Estates has been celebrated for its industry-wide contributions to innovation as the longest continuously family-owned and operated winery in the country, now owned and managed by the fourth and fifth generations of the Wente family. 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. The Wente Family Estates portfolio includes an array of consumer brands, such as Wente Family Vineyards, Murrieta’s Well, Angels Ink, Ravel & Stitch, Hayes Ranch, and more. In addition, Wente Family Estates is the US importer for Champagne Castelnau, Blanchard Perez, Blanchard & Lurton, and Bodega Cuarto Dominio.
In 2010, Wente Family Estates 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 company 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.
About Regatta Solutions
Regatta Solutions is an energy project developer and systems integrator specializing in smart power and clean energy solutions. With expertise in Solar PV, energy storage, linear generators, fuel cells, CHP, and intelligent microgrids powered by its Agave® platform, Regatta delivers resilient, sustainable energy systems that maximize ROI and support a cleaner future. Headquartered in San Juan Capistrano, California and serving the Western United States, the company operates under General Contractor License #974377. For more information, visit www.regattasp.com or contact the team directly. For media inquiries, contact sacevedo@regattasp.com
