Mank<strong>as</strong> 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 l<strong>as</strong>t 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 h<strong>as</strong> been known <strong>as</strong> 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 w<strong>as</strong> followed in very short order by their purch<strong>as</strong>e of the entire Western “Pony Express” village of Mank<strong>as</strong> 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, p<strong>as</strong>ture and vineyards. Also a 160-year-old homestead, it h<strong>as</strong> 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 t<strong>as</strong>ting 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, 28 BLUE VICTORIAN WINERY Exceptional <strong>Wine</strong>s, Over the Top Hospitality and most of these awards are Best in Cl<strong>as</strong>s, 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 t<strong>as</strong>ting recently held at the elegant Bay Leaf Restaurant in Napa, Vezér’s 2006 Cabernet Sauvignon w<strong>as</strong> 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 <strong>as</strong> the world’s most exquisite Petite Syrah blend, it is certainly known <strong>as</strong> 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 t<strong>as</strong>ting room a bottle is far more affordable price, though it is indisputably a wine for those special occ<strong>as</strong>ions. But Vezér is all about hospitality and family, and this is the main re<strong>as</strong>on why Suisun Valley is being recognized <strong>as</strong> 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 t<strong>as</strong>ting rooms, and spend the night in one of the are<strong>as</strong> many fine hotels. For more information on this special part of the Northern California <strong>Wine</strong> <strong>Country</strong>, 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 M<strong>as</strong>on 680 121 Atl<strong>as</strong> 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 Follow us on Twitter @<strong>Wine</strong><strong>Country</strong>TW Wooden Valley Rd Suisun Valley Rd Daniel Capp <strong>Wine</strong>s Gordon Valley Rd Gardens, Deli & Barista Wooden Valley Suisun <strong>Wine</strong>ry <strong>Wine</strong> Coop Ledgewood Creek Winterhawk Tenbrink Altamura Vineyards Oliver VEZÉR Private Ranch & T<strong>as</strong>ting Room BY APPOINTMENT ONLY Clayton Rd Eagle Eye ANHEUSER BUSCH BREWERY TOURS JELLY BELLY FACTORY AND TOURS 12 Suisun City Mank<strong>as</strong> Hills <strong>Wine</strong>ry
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