Following a “brief but productive” tenure as Wente’s interim CEO since January, Peter Yeung will become the permanent chief exec of the Californian winery, thought to be the longest continuously family-run and operated producer in the US.
Peter Yeung will step up as Wente Family Estate’s official new CEO with immediate effect after “successfully guiding the historic estate’s strategic operations” since January 2026, the company said.
Yeung will oversee all aspects of the Californian wine producer based in Livermore Valley, including viticulture, winemaking, global sales, marketing, and hospitality for its portfolio of brands, which includes Wente Vineyards, Murrieta’s Well, and the new Cresta Blanca, the launch of which Yeung oversaw in May.
“It’s an honour to steward Wente Family Estates alongside the fourth and fifth generations of the Wente family, carrying on the values of quality, value, innovation, and stewardship of the land that have helped this winery span 143 years (and counting),” commented Yeung.
“I look forward to continuing to work alongside current and future generations of the Wente family and our incredibly talented team to build on this winery’s rich heritage while driving innovation, deepening our commitment to sustainability, and expanding our global reach.”
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Brief but productive
Prior to Yeung’s “brief but productive tenure” as interim CEO, Yeung served on the winery’s advisory board, “providing valuable counsel” to the company’s senior leadership team, said Christine Wente, chairman of the board.
“Peter’s steady leadership, strategic mind, and boundless energy are tremendous assets for our winery,” she continued.
Before joining Wente Family Estates, Yeung co-author the book Luxury Wine Marketing, and co-hosted wine business podcast XChateau. He was also vice president of strategy and business development at prestigious Californian estates Realm Cellars in Napa Valley and Kosta Browne in Sonoma.
Shake-up
Yeung’s appointment comes amidst a raft of other changes to the senior leadership team, including Aly Wente’s appointment to the role of chief revenue officer and Karl Wente to the new role of chief operating officer. Niki Wente continues to serve as director of viticulture, while Jordan Wente works as senior brand ambassador.
“Our family and team provide a multi-generational perspective that enables our success for the decades ahead,” said Christine Wente.
Founded in 1883, Wente Family Estates is thought to be the longest continuously family-owned and operated winery in the US. The winery owns certified sustainable vineyards in the Livermore Valley, San Francisco Bay, and Arroyo Seco, Monterey appellations. Wente Family Estates is also the US importer for Champagne Castelnau, Blanchard Perez, Blanchard & Lurton, and Bodega Cuarto Dominio.
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