|
|
Article: Wente plans to cut back on sparkling wine production Vineyard cites lack of popularity, increasing competition as reasons
- Article from:
- Oakland Tribune
- Article date:
- December 29, 2003
- Author:
CopyrightCopyright 2003 Oakland Tribune. Provided by ProQuest LLC. (Hide copyright information)
|
LIVERMORE -- As the new year approaches, more Valley wineries are
selling sparkling wine than ever before, but the future of the
popular holiday beverage remains uncertain in this region.
Wente Vineyards, which is by far the largest producer of sparkling
wine in the Tri-Valley, is planning on phasing out production because
of high production costs, the long aging process and the relatively
small market, among other factors, Wente officials said.
An 80s trend
Wente released its first sparkling wine in 1983 in celebration of
Wente's 100-year anniversary. It was introduced at a time of an
explosion of interest in sparkling wine (this is the term used when
the bubbly beverage is made anywhere ...