After learning about winemaking from Charles Krug, C. H. Wente, a first-generation immigrant from Germany, founded his own winery in 1883. Recognizing that the warm days, cool nights and gravelly soils of the Livermore Valley were ideal for growing grapes, he purchased 48 acres and planted vineyards.

In 1918, C. H. Wente's sons Ernest and Herman joined the business, with Ernest managing the vineyards and Herman acting as winemaker.

The company was later passed on to Ernest's only son Karl, and in 1977, Karl's young son Eric took the helm.

The winery is now managed by the fourth generation of the Wente family, Eric, Philip, Carolyn, and the fifth generation family members, Christine and Karl. The winery has grown to include over 2,000 acres of vineyards in the Livermore Valley, San Francisco Bay and 700 in Arroyo Seco, Monterey.