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Mankas
Wooden
Rd Valley
S U I S U N V A L L E Y
by Charles Neave
Though often – too often – overlooked, Suisun Valley is one of the
last of California’s remaining hidden gems, despite the fact that it is
barely a dozen miles from the City of Napa. But for years Suisun has
been known as a trusted and quality stand-in to the star winemakers
of Napa and Sonoma.
Now, with the recent introduction of Frank and Liz Vezér and their
best friends and partners, Sam and Mimi Mizirawi, things are
changing.
To begin with, the Vezer’s bought the 30-acre ranch and vineyard
formerly contracted to the “Sin Zin” people and “Ravenswood.” That
was followed in very short order by their purchase of the entire
Western “Pony Express” village of Mankas Corners, a property with
160 years of colorful history. Then they acquired Suisun Valley’s
Crown Jewel, the Blue Victorian in the very heart of this valley of
rolling hills, farms, pasture and vineyards.
Also a 160-year-old homestead, it has towering century-old date
palms and a gorgeous and, yes, a very blue Victorian manor. All three
locations are working winery sites, with some of the most unique and
hospitable tasting rooms you have ever experienced, stocked with an
array of good wines and staffed by people who are simply glad you
stopped by and who want to share the area’s history, stories and wines
with you.
However, what is the best part about the Vezér Family wineries and
this tranquil valley are their wines. There are the crisp, tropical fruit
whites that even red wine drinker would love, and then there are the
Vezér reds. Reds that are lush, jammy and with a silky smooth finish.
And all their wines pair perfectly with food; in my mind the ultimate
test of any wine.
All of the wines from Vezér and Blue Victorian have won awards,
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BLUE VICTORIAN WINERY
Exceptional Wines, Over the Top Hospitality
and most of these awards are Best in Class, double gold and gold. “We
are thrilled that we have just won gold at the New York’s International
for their 2006 Cab,” said Frank Vezér. Also, at a blind tasting recently
held at the elegant Bay Leaf Restaurant in Napa, Vezér’s 2006 Cabernet
Sauvignon was unanimously preferred over a famous 97 point Napa
Valley Cabernet.
One cannot write an article on Vezér and Suisun Valley without
mentioning the La Salette, if it is not already known as the world’s
most exquisite Petite Syrah blend, it is certainly known as the world’s
most expensive, where a magnum of La Salette sold to two investors
for $30,000 in a live charity auction. Have no fear though, in the
tasting room a bottle is far more affordable price, though it is indisputably
a wine for those special occasions.
But Vezér is all about hospitality and family, and this is the main
reason why Suisun Valley is being recognized as the “wine hospitality
valley.” The Vezér family warmly invites you to visit all of the
twelve wineries in the valley, and to make it a full weekend destination.
You can even plan a dinner at the Vintage Café, right next
to one of the Vezér tasting rooms, and spend the night in one of the
areas many fine hotels.
For more information on this special part of the Northern California
Wine Country, go to SuisunValleyTheNapaBackroad.com. And
be sure to visit the Vezér website at www.VezerFamilyVineyard.com.
37
Soscol
29
Big Ranch Rd
12
Silverado Trail
Silverado Trail
Monticello Rd
Napa
Jameson Canyon Rd
80
Mason
680
121
Atlas Peak Rd
Green Valley Cellars
Green Valley Rd
Rockville Rd
Jarvis
S U I S U N
V A L L E Y
W I N E R I E S
Rock Creek Vineyard
Cordelia
Suisun
Valley
BLUE VICTORIAN
WINERY
VEZÉR FAMILY WINERY
Rockville Rd
Suisun Valley Rd
Abernathy Rd
Waterman Blvd
80
Fairfield
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Wooden Valley Rd
Suisun Valley Rd
Daniel Capp
Wines
Gordon Valley Rd
Gardens, Deli & Barista Wooden Valley
Suisun
Winery
Wine Coop
Ledgewood
Creek
Winterhawk
Tenbrink
Altamura
Vineyards
Oliver
VEZÉR
Private Ranch
& Tasting Room
BY APPOINTMENT ONLY
Clayton Rd
Eagle Eye
ANHEUSER BUSCH
BREWERY TOURS
JELLY BELLY
FACTORY AND TOURS 12
Suisun City
Mankas Hills Winery