At Wente Family Vineyards, we believe that great wines begin in the vineyard—and few regions express this better than Arroyo Seco, an extraordinary American Viticultural Area (AVA) nestled in Monterey County. It’s here that we farm some of our most expressive fruit, on a patchwork of vineyard blocks that span this cool-climate region and give rise to wines of elegance, balance, and undeniable character. 

Our story in Arroyo Seco AVA began in 1961, when third-generation winegrower Karl L. Wente recognized the promise of this untapped region. Drawn by the cool winds and fog from nearby Monterey Bay, he saw a unique opportunity to grow high-quality grapes that thrive in moderate climates. Since then, we’ve deepened our roots in the region, tending to multiple vineyard blocks across Arroyo Seco—including our largest, Riva Ranch Vineyard, which has become the cornerstone of many of our most celebrated wines. 

The Arroyo Seco AVA offers something truly special. Its proximity to the Pacific Ocean means that foggy mornings and steady afternoon winds create a long, gentle growing season—ideal for varieties like Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, Riesling, and Gewürztraminer. The soils here are gravelly and well-draining, often flecked with large river stones affectionately called “Greenfield Potatoes.” These rocky soils, combined with pure mountain runoff from the Santa Lucia range, encourage vines to dig deep and yield fruit with exceptional flavor, structure, and natural acidity.

We craft several wines that proudly bear the Arroyo Seco appellation on their labels, each one telling a different part of this region’s story:

• Our Riva Ranch Chardonnay captures richness and texture with layered citrus and stone fruit, lifted by a fresh backbone of acidity.
• The Riva Ranch Pinot Noir brings forward dark cherry, baking spice, and silky tannins that reflect Arroyo Seco’s bright days and cool nights.
• Aly’s Pinot Noir is an elegant expression of the site, with red fruit, rose petals, and earthy undertones.
• Our Niki’s Pinot Noir Rosé celebrates freshness and vibrancy with notes of ripe strawberries, melon, and a crisp finish.
• And for those seeking something truly special, our nth DEGREE Pinot Noir showcases the depth and structure that only select vineyard blocks in Arroyo Seco can provide.

Each of these wines benefits from the unique climate, soils, and topography that define the region—and from our careful, sustainable farming practices that ensure these vineyards thrive year after year.

As a family who has farmed California vines for over 140 years, we feel a deep connection to Arroyo Seco. It’s more than a source of exceptional fruit—it’s a reflection of our belief in place, patience, and purpose. The cool winds, the rocky soils, the layered flavors in the glass—they all speak to a region we’re proud to call home for so many of our wines. 

We invite you to explore our Arroyo Seco-grown wines, from the fresh minerality of our white varieties to the expressive depth of our Pinot Noirs. With every sip, you’ll taste the story of this remarkable region—and the legacy we continue to build, one vintage at a time.