They continue to win gold medals with their estate-bottled Merlot wines, as well as several other varietals and blends. The Lanza family after three generations still own Wooden Valley Winery, and Mario's descendants today continue a tradition of fine wine making using grapes from their own vineyard, as well as grapes from other vineyards in Suisun Valley. Mario Lanza joined the winery in 1944 as a partner, and took over full ownership 11 years later. Wooden Valley Winery dates back to 1933, which makes it the oldest winery in Suisun Valley under continuous operation. Today, these valleys boast several family-run wineries and vineyards, which with new vineyard locations, different variaties of grapes, specialized growing techniques, and skilled winemaking are poised for even greater success and recognition in the future. Over the years there has been recognition that the Mediterranean climate, fertile soils, and sunny hillsides of Suisun Valley and Green Valley result in high-quality grapes. Yet new vineyards and wineries sprang up in adjacent Suisun Valley with the prosperity that followed the end of World War II, and more came with the "wine boom" of the 1960s. Several large wineries and vineyards sprang up in Green Valley in the 1860s, but phylloxera epidemics in the 1870s, and the 1919 enactment of Prohibition devastated the local grape industry. For this reason, Suisun Valley and neighboring Green Valley, with Napa, Sonoma and Mendocino Counties are joined under the North Coast Appellation, an officially recognized wine district famed worldwide for quality wines Separated from Napa Valley on the west by a mall range of low hills, the similar climates, soils and geography of these valleys are some of the best in the State for growing grapes. So we are excited to go and have a fresh tasting of what is in their current list so we can talk about what’s new over there.With a wine-making tradition more than a century old, Suisun Valley is a little known corner of Solano County that has gained recognition as one of the premier grape-growing regions of California. We haven’t, for various reasons, been to Vezer recently. Maybe they don’t have the Napa name on them, but they can contend with the big boys given a few years below their belt. They age just beautifully giving you a wine that truly shines. What I mean by that is that they really benefit by being put away for a few years to mature. Everyone loved it who tried it even picky me.įor me, when talking about Vezer wines, I would describe most of their wines as “cellar wines”. We opened it on our niece’s 21st birthday celebration dinner and the wine was as memorable as the celebration itself. Rich deep tones of berry, smooth and satisfying. We recently opened one of those gift bottles from Frank, a 2006 Zinfandel that had been stored in our cellar and it was absolutely beautiful. (Yep, you guessed it a 60’s themed event where people dress up in costume and come for a great time). Vezer hosts many concerts throughout the summer months and I have consumed many, many bottles of this wine whilst enjoying bands at events like VezerStock. A great balanced wine good for barbecues, picnics, and just for easy sipping. It is a Portuguese white wine grape in keeping with the family’s background. One of the wines I love to drink when I am there on a lovely sunny afternoon is their Verdelho. The sea of fall color you see are all grape vines. Thank you, Vezer Family Vineyards for all the joy and happy memories you have brought to our lives.Ī canon protecting the vineyards at Vezer ranch. It is also special to our group of wine friends who came together as a group in this place our bond was formed there, thanks to Frank Vezer’s generosity. Some of my favorite photos that I have ever taken are on their properties. I was just starting out with my first camera and I didn’t really know what I was doing. These people know how to party! Frank invited me to their home and ranch vineyard allowing me to photograph there. They made us honorary members of their wine club and we have attended many of their events. When I was going through serious health issues, they gave us many bottles of wine to wish me better health. The owners, Frank and Liz, have been unbelievably generous to us. We have many happy memories of their summer concerts, meet-ups with friends in their gorgeous gardens, a wedding, and the friendship we have with the Vezer family and staff. There are many reasons for our fondness for this little family run place. It is a bit off the beaten track and not in Napa at all but in Suisun Valley. Vezer Family Vineyards holds a very special place in our hearts. Share on Facebook Share on Twitter Pinterest Email
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