Morning Fog Chardonnay 2022, Wente Vineyards, Livermore Valley

Bright and crisp flavors of pear, melon, citrus and green apple are balanced by subtle hints of toasty oak, and vanilla from barrel aging.

Estate Grown Morning Fog Chardonnay is named for the morning coastal fog pushed by Pacific wind streams into the bowl of the San Francisco Bay and lured inland by Livermore Valley’s unique East-West orientation. Recognized as “California’s First Family of Chardonnay”, the Wente family was the first in California to produce a varietally labeled Chardonnay in 1936 made from thier heritage Wente clones.

Wente Vineyards estate vineyards are located on sloping hillsides, on stony riverbeds, and reside at the base of sandstone cliffs. The morning fog makes it an excellent growing region for Chardonnay. Simultaneously, the warmer temperatures on the hillside allow varieties such as Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon to develop to full maturity.

Three distinct soil types also differentiate the Wente family’s Livermore Valley vineyards: deep-sandy loam, lean soil with large amounts of gravel and rock, and soil composed of red clay, rock, and gravel.