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Welcome toS U I S U NV A L L E YSuisun Valley – Hidden But Treasured Wine Countryby Charles NeaveFirst, foremost and always, the Suisun Valley in Solano County just25 minutes from Napa, has its roots – often quite literally – in the businessand passion of agriculture. And nowhere is that more evidentthan in the rich earth and thriving vineyards and farms of the SuisunValley, the stretch of land that runs to the west of Fairfield and Interstate80, and borders the county of Napa on two sides.Perfectly situated between a pair of coastal mountain ranges, theMount George Range on the west and the Vaca Mountains to the east,this verdant six by two mile valley sits within the Coastal climateregion. It is also an area where fog rarely visits, though it is not far fromboth the Sacramento River delta and San Francisco’s San Pablo Bay.Set within this compact area are more than 10,000 acres of richfarmland, almost a third of them planted to the grapes that helpsupply the area’s flourishing wineries, and many with a more familiarNapa Valley label. This region is part of the North Coast Appellation,a district famous for what is known as “ultra-premium” fruit, which inthe case of wine lovers everywhere means wine grapes, planted to astaggering number of both familiar and rare varieties.If you look at a map of where many growers in Napa County andbeyond source their grapes or own vineyards, you will be surprised athow many have vineyard holdings here. This is in addition to thedozen or so wineries that call the Suisun Valley their home, and bothmake, age, bottle and market their wines here. Many also have theirown tasting rooms, and during the year hold – both individually andcollectively – special events to lure those who appreciate wine to theircellar doors.The Suisun Valley is also dotted with farm stands and workingfarms that welcome visitors. There are quaint spots to eat and relax,and it is the driving force behind the annual Tomato Festival in Fairfield,and for other events that occur throughout the year. But most ofall it stands as enduing symbol of the real, living heritage of this partof the hidden but treasured wine country of Northern California.30www.WineCountryThisWeek.com