Karl Wente Rocks from Coast to Coast

Courtesy of Wente Vineyards

When Karl Wente isn’t tending to harvest at Wente Vineyards, he’s on a free-spirited musical odyssey, traveling the country in search of the latest sounds. Recently, the fifth-generation Livermore winemaker was able to combine his passions by launching the national “Discover the Wine, Discover the Music” program, which promotes up-and-coming musicians on bottles of Wente wine.

So how does the program work?
A necker [bottle tag] with information about these great new artists will be attached to bottles that go out all over the country. Using a code that’s printed on the necker, you’ll go to our website and be able to download free songs. There’s some really cool stuff—everything from Texas country to Manhattan-style hard jazz to psychedelic rock. I’m a big diversity-is-the-spice-of-life guy.

And you offer pairing suggestions for the music on the website?
I tried to imagine an evening unfolding and when you’d want to hear each song, and then what you’d want to be drinking. So, for early evening, there’s a song by The Bellrays, “Have a Little Faith,” that I matched with a Sauvignon Blanc—a solid uplifting wine. Its acidity matches with the percussion in that song. And the band Hopewell mixes well with Cabernet Sauvignon. Pair a Cab with their song “Beautiful Targets” late at night.

What was the best concert you went to this year?
Without a doubt, that would be the Michael Franti show I saw at Tipitina’s in New Orleans. He started at 3 a.m. and played until 6:30 a.m. without stopping. Unbelievable energy the whole time—amazing!

Tune in at www.wentevineyards.com/discover