Springing from a tale as old as California itself, Murrieta’s Well is defined by its distinctive blended wines, stunning location, and a rich heritage that began during California’s Gold Rush era. The feeling still resonates today in the beautifully restored old stone winery. The winery’s original founder, French-born Louis Mel, was captivated by the unusually gravelly soil akin to some of the great vineyard sites of France. He built the original gravity-flow winery and planted the vineyard with imported cuttings from the famed Chateau d’Yquem and Chateau Margaux. Upon his retirement in the early 1930s, Louis sold the winery to friend and neighbor Ernest Wente.
It has been more than 20 years since Ernest’s grandson, fourth-generation winegrower, Philip Wente, realized a lifelong dream of restoring the historic winery and surrounding vineyards. He teamed up with Sergio Traverso, a well-respected winemaker and leading specialist with respect to Livermore Valley terroir. Together, they remain true to the winery’s heritage and craft estate blends that highlight the best attributes of the terroir.
The winery portfolio has many wines of note, including the two newest releases, The Whip and?The Spur. Both blends combine the best the vineyard has to offer. The Whip is a sophisticated yet approachable blend of aromatic white grapes; while The Spur, awarded Best Buy by Wine & ?Spirits, is a red blend with enticing flavors of dark fruit, chocolate, and spice. Murrieta’s Well also offers a full line of tasting room-only wines, including the rich and bold Los Tesoros Petit Verdot, an ideal wine to enjoy with a hearty meal.
Murrieta’s Well provides an exceptional location for weddings, private parties, and corporate events. The historic barrel room, featuring barrel-lined walls and heavy wood beams and pillars, creates an unforgettable experience.
It’s a quick trip from downtown San Francisco to this winery tucked away in the picturesque Livermore Valley. The winery takes visitors back in time, offering not only a charming setting, but also a taste of some truly unique wines.
WHAT TO BUY
’12 The Whip – $21
White peach, green apple, vanilla, butterscotch, orange blossom
’11 The Spur – $25
Black cherry, blackberry, chocolate, spice, toasted oak
’09 Los Tesoros Petit Verdot – $37
Anise, sage, black olive, ripe black cherry
CONTACT
925-456-2395
tastingroom@murrietaswell.com
murrietaswell.com
TASTING
Tasting Room Open Daily
May–Oct 11–4:30
Nov–Apr Wed–Sun 11–4:30
3005 Mines Rd.
Livermore, CA 94550
SPECIAL NOTES
Private tastings, vineyard tours, events, weddings.
Touring & Tasting is a media company that produces a wine and travel magazine and is also partner in the Hitched Wine Club.
Steve Cooper is the co-founder and editor-in-chief of Hitched. You can follow him on Twitter at @hitchedmedia.
