Wente Family Vineyards has been a family affair since German immigrant Carl Wente first purchased land in the Livermore Valley in 1883; in fact, it is the oldest continuously operated family winery in the United States.

Now, the fifth generation of Wente winegrowers are helping guide the business into the future. Besides Chief Operating Officer and Chief Winemaker Karl Wente, the contemporary Wente leaders are primarily women, including Chairman of the Board Christine Wente, Vice President of Marketing and Experiences Aly Wente, Brand Manager of Murrieta’s Well Jordan Wente, and Director of Vineyard Operations Niki Wente.

Niki, who got her start in the industry as a harvest intern at age 14, says the entire family is committed to cementing Wente’s place in Livermore Wine Country.

“We want Wente to continue to be a wine-focused business that celebrates quality in the bottle and is a great place to work for years to come,” she says.

One of the biggest advantages of such a deep-rooted business is the wealth of long-term employees at Wente Vineyards. “It’s so rewarding working with people who are dedicated to making wonderful wine and being stewards of the earth,” says Niki.

Environmental stewardship is a top priority for Wente Vineyards, and for Niki, whose primary responsibility is agricultural operations. “It’s so important to think sustainably if we want to be around for another 140 years—to be an efficient business that is supporting better practices for the earth,” she says.

Another primary focus is the Livermore Valley visitor experience.
“Not only do we have amazing wines and a range of varietals, the wineries here are so warm and welcoming,” says Niki.

“I’m really proud to be part of the Livermore wine community.”