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The Napa Back RoadVezér Family Vineyards in Suisun Valleyby Charles NeaveThough often – too often – overlooked, Suisun Valley is one of thelast of California’s remaining hidden gems, despite the fact that it isbarely a dozen miles from the City of Napa. But for years Suisun hasbeen known as a trusted and quality stand-in to the star winemakersof Napa and Sonoma.Now, with the recent introduction of Frank and Liz Vezér and theirbest friends and partners, Sam and Mimi Mizirawi, things arechanging.To begin with, the Vezer’s bought the 30-acre ranch and vineyardformerly contracted to the “Sin Zin” people and “Ravenswood.” Thatwas followed in very short order by their purchase of the entireWestern “Pony Express” village of Mankas Corners, a property with160 years of colorful history. Then they acquired Suisun Valley’sCrown Jewel, the Blue Victorian in the very heart of this valley ofrolling hills, farms, pasture and vineyards.Also a 160-year-old homestead, it has towering century-old datepalms and a gorgeous and, yes, a very blue Victorian manor. All threelocations are working winery sites, with some of the most unique andhospitable tasting rooms you have ever experienced, stocked with anarray of good wines and staffed by people who are simply glad youstopped by and who want to share the area’s history, stories and wineswith you.However, what is the best part about the Vezér Family wineries andthis tranquil valley are their wines. There are the crisp, tropical fruitwhites that even red wine drinker would love, and then there are theVezér reds. Reds that are lush, jammy and with a silky smooth finish.And all their wines pair perfectly with food; in my mind the ultimatetest of any wine.All of the wines from Vezér and Blue Victorian have won awards,and most of these awards are Best in Class, double gold and gold. “Weare thrilled that we have just won gold at the New York’s Internationalfor their 2006 Cab,” said Frank Vezér. Also, at a blind tasting recentlyheld at the elegant Bay Leaf Restaurant in Napa, Vezér’s 2006 CabernetSauvignon was unanimously preferred over a famous 97 point NapaValley Cabernet.One cannot write an article on Vezér and Suisun Valley withoutmentioning the La Salette, if it is not already known as the world’smost exquisite Petite Syrah blend, it is certainly known as the world’smost expensive, where a magnum of La Salette sold to two investorsfor $30,000.00 in a live charity auction. Have no fear though, in thetasting room a bottle is far more affordable price, though it is indisputablya wine for those special occasions.But Vezér is all about hospitality and family, and this is the mainreason why Suisun Valley is being recognized as the “wine hospitalityvalley.” The Vezér family warmly invites you to visit all of thewww.WineCountryThisWeek.comtwelve wineries in the valley, and to make it a full weekend destination.You can even plan a dinner at the Vintage Café, right nextto one of the Vezér tasting rooms, and spend the night in one of theareas many fine hotels.For more information on this special part of the Northern CaliforniaWine Country, go to SuisunValleyTheNapaBackroad.com formore details. And be sure to visit the Vezér website at www.Vezer-FamilyVineyard.com for directions and your tasting (and tastingroom) options.3737SoscolSoscolSilverado TrailSilverado Trail29291212Big RanBig Ranch RdSilvMonticello RdSilverado TrailMonticello RdNapaNapaJameson Canyon RdAtlas PeaMason121121Green Valley RdRockville RdJarvisRockville RdSuisun Valley RdWooden Valley RdSuisun Valley RdMankasAbernathy RdWoodenValley RdWaterman BlvdOliverGordon Valley RdClayton RdEagle EyeBLUE VICTORIAN Daniel CappWINERYBLUE VICTORIAN WinesDaniel CappVEZÉR FAMILY WINERY WINERY WinesVEZÉRVEZÉRGardens,FAMILYDeli &WINERYBarista Wooden Valley Private RanchGreen Valley CellarsGardens, Suisun Deli & Barista Winery & Tasting VEZÉRRoomWine CoopWooden Valley Private RanchBY APPOINTMENT ONLYGreen Valley CellarsSuisun LedgewoodWinery& Tasting RoomWine Coop CreekBY APPOINTMENT ONLYLedgewoodSuisunCreekSuisun Valley WinterhawkValley Winterhawk8080FairfieldTenbrinkFairfieldTenbrinkANHEUSER BUSCH80ANHEUSER BUSCHCordeliaBREWERYBREWERYTOURSTOURSJELLY BELLYFACTORY AND TOURS 12680Suisun CityMankas Hills WineryJameson Canyon RdAtlas Peak RdMasonGreen Valley RdRockville RdJarvisS U I S U NV A L L E YW I N E R I E SRockville RdSuisun Valley RdWooden Valley RdSuisun Valley RdMankasAbernathy RdWoodenValley RdWaterman BlvdOliverGordon Valley RdClayton RdEagle Eye31