The Restaurant at Wente Vineyards, which for decades has been a fine-dining mecca in Livermore, is closed for a refresh that will result in a “new casual concept,” the winery announced Wednesday.
When the venue reopens, it will be with a “Vineyard Table and Tasting Lounge,” the website says, intended to “reflect the entire Wente Vineyards experience from our sustainable estate-grown wines to our renowned hospitality.”
The change comes 33 years after the restaurant’s 1986 debut. On the 30th anniversary, Diablo magazine declared it a “Tri-Valley classic” that’s “better than ever.”
“Over the years,” the magazine wrote, “the restaurant’s cuisine has drifted from dainty Californian to American rustic. But now, as it celebrates its 30th, Wente is in balance: Portions are generous, flavors are sublime, and presentations are naturally stylish. Best of all, the quality of ingredients has never been better.”
For that, Diablo credited the work of executive chef Mike Ward, who specializes in whole-animal husbandry but also has a “passion for produce.”
Ward, who became the top toque here in 2015, will oversee Wente’s new culinary program.
A June relaunch is forecast.
During the restaurant project, the winery’s more casual golf-course eatery, The Grill at Wente, will continue serving lunch, brunch, late-afternoon bites and early dinner, with longer hours starting March 11 (from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. weekdays, 6 a.m. to 7 p.m. weekends). The menu features appetizers, an artisan cheese plate, housemade bratwurst, burgers, sandwiches and salads.
Wente, founded in 1883, is the oldest continuously operating family-run winery in the country. The fourth and fifth Wente generations are now running the operation.
Details, grill reservations: 5050 Arroyo Road, Livermore; www.wentevineyards.com.
