Create. Reveal. Evolve.

Wente Vineyards Announces New Series

6 October, 2010

Complimentary Garden Tours and Chef Demonstrations with Executive Chef Eric Berg

Livermore Valley CA – July 2010 – This summer, The Restaurant at Wente Vineyards is offering a unique chance for the public to explore the inspiration behind their new Local Menu.  On select Thursdays, guests can sign up for complimentary garden tours and a cooking demo from Executive Chef Eric Berg.  Introduced for the late summer months, The Local Menu features ingredients handpicked from the vineyard’s beautiful 1000 square-foot herb and vegetable garden.

Spend the morning in the Livermore sunshine with on-site Master Gardener Diane Dovholuk and learn more about Wente Vineyards sustainability practices.  Following the tour and herb tasting in the garden, Executive Chef Berg will do a demo for guests and share tips on how to create homemade pesto using handpicked garden ingredients.

After the tour and time with chef, guests can enjoy the two-course Local  Menu lunch for only $19.  Each week new dishes will be showcased on the menu dependent upon the changing nature of the garden.  Wine pairings with each course will also be available for an additional cost.

Tours begin at 10:30am and are available August 12 and 26, and September 9 and 23.  Guests will first meet at The Restaurant for an introduction with the chef and enjoy a glass of Mint Garden Lemonade.  To reserve a spot, call Wente Vineyards at 925-456-2450.  Children are welcome!

The Local Lunch Menu (Sample)

  • Grilled Asparagus Salad, crisp pancetta, eight minute glaum farm egg
  • Pan Seared Local Cod, stewed fava beans, fava leaves, fingerling potatoes, lemon aioli
  • Bittersweet Pot de Crème, raspberry fool, spring berries

The Local Menu is available Monday through Thursday, with a two course lunch served for $19 or a three course dinner menu for only $29.

By sourcing ingredients from the garden and local purveyors, Executive Chef Eric Berg brings a solid blend of culinary talent combined with an ardent commitment to the utilization of local produce to The Restaurant at Wente Vineyards.  After graduating from the California Culinary Academy, he previously worked at the Blackhawk Grille in Danville and Lafayette Park Hotel & Spa’s award-winning Duck Club in Lafayette, CA.

Bringing her green thumb and passion to the garden, Diane has worked at Wente Vineyards for the past seven years.  From a small 200 square foot strip, Diane’s vision for the garden will see the garden expand to 2/3 of an acre when complete.  Continuing to grow fresh regional vegetables in the healthiest way possible, Diane is also committed to recycling and composting as many of the materials in the process.

About Wente Vineyards

Wente Vineyards, in its 127th year, is the country’s oldest continuously operated family-owned winery.  Greeting guests with warm hospitality, the winery is run by the fourth and fifth generations of the Wente family.  Located in historic Livermore Valley less than an hour east of San Francisco, Wente Vineyards offers guests a truly unique and memorable experience with acclaimed dining, wine tasting and championship golf.

About The Restaurant at Wente Vineyards

The Restaurant at Wente Vineyards is an accurate reflection of the entire Wente Vineyards experience: estate grown, family owned, sustainable.  When guests visit The Restaurant at Wente Vineyards, it is almost as if they have been invited into the Wente family dining room.  Featuring ingredient-driven California Wine Country cuisine, recently appointed Executive Chef Eric Berg offers seasonal dishes sourced from the Vineyard’s magnificent herb and vegetable garden.  With a wine list of 400 West Coast wines, The Restaurant provides guests with numerous wine pairing options for each dish.  Open seven days a week, The Restaurant serves lunch and dinner, with brunch service on Sunday. The telephone number for reservations and information is (925) 456-2450 or online at www.wentevineyards.com. The Restaurant at Wente Vineyards is located at 5050 Arroyo Road in Livermore Valley, CA.