Wente Vineyards / Restaurant Awards & Accolades

At The Restaurant at Wente Vineyards, we strive for excellence in every aspect of the dining experience. For us, the ultimate award is creating the memory of a truly memorable and unique dining experience. We are also proud of the critical acclaim we have received.

Honors and Awards

Wine Spectator Best Award of Excellence
Outstanding Wine List every year since The Restaurant’s opening in 1986

DiRona
(Distinguished Restaurants of North America)
One of the Best Restaurants in North America
Every year since 1993

Restaurant Hospitality Magazine
Best Wine List in America
2006 & 2005

Wine Enthusiast
Award of Unique Distinction 2007 & 2006

Diablo Magazine
Diablo Food Awards, Favorite Restaurants of the East Bay
2009, 2008, 2006, 2005, 2004, 2003

Sante Magazine
Sustainable Cuisine Award, 2007
Sustainable Cuisine Award, 2005
Cooking for Wine, West Coast, 2002
Honoring Excellence in Restaurant Wine & Spirits Cooking, 2001
Cooking for Wine, West Coast, 2001

Zagat Survey Award of Distinction
1995 - 2007

In Wine Country’s Golden Grape Awards
2006 Best Winery to Visit Winner/Best Wine Country Restaurant Splurge Nominee
2007 Best Wine Country Restaurant Splurge Winner

Livermore Valley’s Taste of Terroir Food & Wine Experience
2008 Judge’s Best: Executive Chef Arthur Wall’s Braised Duck, Shelling Bean Salad, Hen of the Woods Mushrooms, Arugula, Lemon-Summer Truffle Vinaigrette paired with
The Nth Degree Merlot

Wente Vineyards Restaurant Accolades

“A restaurant that would be judged first-class by any standards, anywhere.”
Gerald Asher, Gourmet Magazine

“Enticing evidence that you do not have to go dine in Napa or Sonoma to dine well in the wine country.”
San Francisco Chronicle

“When the fourth generation of the Wente family turned to restauranting, some offered prayers for their deliverance, but some knew the family’s drive for perfection would win out ... and it has. The place is stunningly beautiful, comfortable, worth a special trip!”
Travel-Holiday Magazine

“...is what travel editors like to call a ‘destination’ restaurant - that is, a place that is well off any path you are likely to find yourself on, but worth the journey.”
San Jose Mercury News

“Take an elegant South of France restaurant, redefine it for California and set it down in the wine country. This is the Wente Vineyards Restaurant.”
Contra Costa Times

“...a beautifully appointed restaurant with excellent food created by talented chef ... It offers all the beauty and rustic charm of Napa without the drive.”
Oakland Tribune

“Best of the East Bay, Top Five Restaurants-The Restaurant at Wente Vineyards.”
Diablo Magazine