Ten years ago Chardonnay lovers celebrated the very first National Chardonnay Day. Despite legions of ABC (Anything But Chardonnay) drinkers, this grape continues to be hands down the biggest selling wine of all.

Wente Vineyards in California’s Livermore Valley has celebrated the Chardonnay grape for decades. Founded in 1883, Wente is the oldest continuously family operated winery in the nation. Fifth generation winemaker Karl Wente carries on the family tradition as they continue to produce exceptional wines.

Their love of Chardonnay is evident from the four different offerings available from them. The 2017 Morning Fog is 98% Chardonnay with 2% of Gewürztraminer blended in. It’s 50% barrel fermented in French, American and Eastern European oak with the rest fermented in stainless steel and aged sur lie for seven months. It sells for $18.

Wente’s 2017 Riva Ranch Vineyard is sourced from Arroyo Seco, just northeast of Monterey. At $22, it’s 90% barrel fermented and 10% stainless steel fermented. It, too has 2% Gerwürztraminer.

The 2018 Eric’s Unoaked Chardonnay pays tribute to chairman of the board and 4th generation winemaker Eric Wente. Fermented and aged sur lie in stainless steel, it’s 100% Chardonnay with bright acidity. It sells for $30.

The zenith is Karl Wente’s 2017 nth Degree Chardonnay. Wente’s nth Degree wines are handcrafted and limited production. Barrel fermented for three weeks in new and neutral French oak, the went through malolactic fermentation and spent 14 months sur lie. This exceptional wine retails for $7o.

We wish you the happiest of Chardonnay days. Cheers!

Tom Plant launched WINEormous in 2009 and is a member of the International Food Wine and Travel Writers Association. Based in Temecula, California, he offers intimate winery tours for no more than seven people. Tour details and pricing are available at www.temecula-tours.com. WINEormous is the recipient of the Luxury Travel Guide’s Wine Tour Operator of the Year award for Temecula 2017 and 2018 and the Lux Life Mag Best Customised Wine Tour Operator Temecula for 2019 as well as Most Unique Wine Tour Operator – Southern California. Call now to book your Temecula Winery Tour at (951) 907-9701. Ask about special discounts.