Niki Wente

Director of Vineyard Operations
Wente Family Estates

Niki Wente joined the Wente Family Estates Vineyard Operations team in early 2017. She follows in the footsteps of her father, Phil Wente, who managed the vineyard land before her.

Niki graduated from Cal Poly San Luis Obispo in 2014 with a Bachelor of Science in Wine & Viticulture. During her time at school, Niki spent her summers as an intern in various wine- related roles, including Viticulture and Marketing with Wente Vineyards and Cellar Operations with Edna Valley Vineyards. Immediately following her graduation, Niki worked as a Viticulture harvest intern. Following a San Francisco stint in technology, she quickly returned to viticulture. She joined the Huneeus Vintners team, working in Grower Relations and sourcing fruit from over 30 California growers (from Cazadero to American Canyon) for Flowers Vineyard and Winery, Faust, Illumination, and Quintessa. She also worked on biodynamic estate vineyard viticulture projects for Quintessa and Faust.

In her current role at Wente Family Estates, Niki oversees farming operations for roughly 3,000 acres of land. She makes critical decisions in the farming plans for over 200 blocks – in both the Livermore Valley and Arroyo Seco, leading the team towards improved efficiencies, with a specific focus on vine health, fruit quality, and sustainable vineyard practices. With certified sustainable vineyards through the Certified Sustainable California Winegrowing (CCSW) Alliance, Niki and her team focus on carbon sequestration, water conservation, naturally integrated pest management, minimizing chemical inputs, and reducing emissions.

Niki presently serves on the Board of Directors for six different organizations. The Livermore Valley Winegrowers Association, the Arroyo Seco Winegrowers Association, and the Monterey County Vintners & Growers Association are regional organizations focused on the enrichment and prosperity of their specific American Viticultural Areas (AVA). The Salinas Valley Water Coalition, with the goal of protecting sustainable water rights and Las Positas College Viticuture & Winery Advisroy Board, providing guidance in the development of of their farming program. Additionally, Niki is on the Wente Foundation for Arts Education board, the charitable arm of Wente Family Estates. Niki retired from the Alameda County Resource Conservation District board of directors in September of 2023 after 6 years of service. During her time on this board, she contributes to natural resource conservation, wildlife, habitat preservation, and agricultural enhancements in partnership with the National Resources Conservation Service.

Niki resides in the Livermore Valley with her husband, Nick, her children, Siena and Luca, and their dog, Riley.