2012 Corks & Cobblestones

The 2012 Corks & Cobblestones event will be held February 3rd, 2012.

HyVee Wine & Food Experience Saturday, February 4th, 2012



Dinner is $100.00 per person
Click, "Buy Now" to make your reservations for the
Corks & Cobblestones Dinner, Feb. 3rd at Dixie Quicks.
Thank You!

PHILIP R. WENTE

Fourth Generation Winegrower

Philip R. Wente is a leading advocate for the Livermore Valley and Arroyo Seco as winegrowing regions and is actively involved in land use and planning issues in the Livermore Valley.  In 1986, Philip spearheaded the South Livermore Valley Planning Process that created a General Plan Amendment adopted in 1993.  This plan outlines a progressive vision designed to preserve and enhance the Livermore Valley viticultural region.  One of the many tools developed during this planning progress was the formation of the Tri-Valley Conservancy, an innovative agricultural land trust that harmonizes real estate development and agricultural land preservation in Alameda County, California.  These initiatives were so successful that they are being used as a model in many other areas of the country.  Philip is current the chairman of the Tri-Valley Business Council and the Livermore Valley Performing Arts Center.  In addition, Philip is involved in the management of his family’s cattle ranch. 

In the 1980s and ‘90s, Philip headed the expansion and redevelopment of the Wente family vineyards, and its land development programs.  He replanted the family’s estate vineyards, utilizing the soil resource and new trellis system technology to further enhance the natural terroir of each vineyard block.  In his role as manager of Wente Vineyards’ land development, he has led a mission to distinguish the region by enhancing investment in vineyard and wineries as well as wine country amenities.  Phil’s realization of the company vision include the Crane Ridge Vineyards Working Landscapes, an innovative harmonization of vineyard development and urban planning, and the Greg Norman designed Course at Wente Vineyards, which brings private vineyard land into public use while maintaining the natural beauty of the surrounding terrain.

Phil is strongly committed to preserving and protecting the family’s vineyards for future generations.  “Our vineyards are our heritage,” explains Wente.  “Farming for the Future is a vineyard program dedicated to sustainable agriculture.  We want to produce exceptional wines with the least environmental impact, and create vineyards that will endure and thrive.”

Like his grandfather Ernest Wente, Phil pursued his love of viticulture at University of California at Davis.  He graduated in 1974 with a degree in agricultural science and management, specializing in viticulture and enology.  Under his supervision of agricultural operations, the winery’s vineyard holdings increased significantly.  In recognition of his commitment to viticulture, Phil was elected chairman of California’s Wine Institute in 1995, a further tribute to his commitment to the stewardship of the California Wine Industry.

Phil lives with his wife, Julie, and their daughters in the Livermore Valley home built by his grandfather early in the last century.

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