80 North
The Suisun Valley has been growing grapes for as long as Napa, and indeed farmers in this valley once sold grapes to wineries in that valley. Once known mostly for its pears and plums and walnuts, the valley’s orchards have mostly been pulled out and the area is becoming known for growing grapes and for especially great Petite Syrah grapes.
Drive this scenic loop in Suisun Valley
The Suisun Valley has been growing grapes for as long as Napa, and indeed farmers in this valley once sold grapes to wineries in that valley. Once known mostly for its pears and plums and walnuts, the valley’s orchards have mostly been pulled out and the area is becoming known for growing grapes and for especially great Petite Syrah grapes.
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| Suisun Valley Road sign in Fairfield, California |
●Larry’s Produce
4606 Suisun Valley Rd., (707) 864-8068. Daily 9am-5pm (mid-June-Dec. only).
This fresh-from-the-farm produce stand offers everything in season. Fall activities at Larry's Produce include a pumpkin field, corn bath, hay pyramid, and corn maze, and in December--Christmas trees.
This fresh-from-the-farm produce stand offers everything in season. Fall activities at Larry's Produce include a pumpkin field, corn bath, hay pyramid, and corn maze, and in December--Christmas trees.
●Il Fiorello Olive Oil Company
2625 Mankas Corner Rd., (707) 864-1529. Tasting daily 1-5pm, $5; tour at 11am, by appt., $25.
Roosters crow and chickens cluck at this olive oil mill that makes international quality oil and whose name means “little flower” in Italian. The Il Fiorello Olive Oil Company facility makes 13 different kinds of extra virgin oil here, including a delicate, smooth Moraiolo that is great on a salad or omelette, and a gentle-but-spicy Jalapeno-Lime that is divine on fish and tacos (did you know there are thousands of varieties of olive oil?). My tasting included those two as well as a bigger, more pungent Green Valley Estate and their Signature balsamic vinegar reduction--each with a tiny seasonal tidbit that enhanced the flavors. We were taught to swirl the oil to release aromas. All of the olive groves and everything else used here is organic. In addition to milling their own oil, this facility mills for others. The minimum is 1,000 pounds, less in a communal oil. Cooking classes are scheduled regularly (August featured Everything Tomato).
Roosters crow and chickens cluck at this olive oil mill that makes international quality oil and whose name means “little flower” in Italian. The Il Fiorello Olive Oil Company facility makes 13 different kinds of extra virgin oil here, including a delicate, smooth Moraiolo that is great on a salad or omelette, and a gentle-but-spicy Jalapeno-Lime that is divine on fish and tacos (did you know there are thousands of varieties of olive oil?). My tasting included those two as well as a bigger, more pungent Green Valley Estate and their Signature balsamic vinegar reduction--each with a tiny seasonal tidbit that enhanced the flavors. We were taught to swirl the oil to release aromas. All of the olive groves and everything else used here is organic. In addition to milling their own oil, this facility mills for others. The minimum is 1,000 pounds, less in a communal oil. Cooking classes are scheduled regularly (August featured Everything Tomato).
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| exterior of Il Fiorello Olive Oil Company in Fairfield, California |
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| tasting set up at Il Fiorello Olive Oil Company in Fairfield, California |
●Suisun Valley Antiques & Collectibles
2525 Mankas Corner Rd., (707) 422-HAUL. M-F 8am-4:30pm, Sat-Sun 10-3:30pm.
The motto at Suisun Valley Antiques & Collectibles is “When you want it gone . . . call John.” After sorting through it all and sending about 1 per cent to the dump, he keeps the rest on his very big spread and he wants you to come and take it away. “Bring something to trade. I love trading!,” John invites. Allow at least an hour to browse the goods.
The motto at Suisun Valley Antiques & Collectibles is “When you want it gone . . . call John.” After sorting through it all and sending about 1 per cent to the dump, he keeps the rest on his very big spread and he wants you to come and take it away. “Bring something to trade. I love trading!,” John invites. Allow at least an hour to browse the goods.
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| front yard of Suisun Valley Antiques & Collectibles in Fairfield, California |
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| John at Suisun Valley Antiques & Collectibles in Fairfield, California |
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| back yard at Suisun Valley Antiques & Collectibles in Fairfield, California |
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| wine corks for sale at Suisun Valley Antiques & Collectibles in Fairfield, California |
●Vezer Family Vineyard
2522 Mankas Corner Rd., Suisun Valley, (888) 823-VINE. M-Thur 11am-5pm, Fri-Sat 10am-6pm, Sun 10am-5pm. Tasting $20/10 wines+includes tasting more at Blue Victorian; fee waived with wine purchase.
The premium wines I tasted at Vezer Family Vineyard include a vibrant 2013 Estate Zinfandel that is tasty even without food, a very good 2013 Cassie-Estate Petite Sirah, and an exquisite 2012 estate La Salette Blend (65% Petite Sirah, 35% Zinfandel) that was my hands-down favorite. A lovely tree-sheltered picnic area is available. Special events are held regularly, including many tribute band concerts, and a cottage rental is available above a premium tasting room in back used for private tastings.
The premium wines I tasted at Vezer Family Vineyard include a vibrant 2013 Estate Zinfandel that is tasty even without food, a very good 2013 Cassie-Estate Petite Sirah, and an exquisite 2012 estate La Salette Blend (65% Petite Sirah, 35% Zinfandel) that was my hands-down favorite. A lovely tree-sheltered picnic area is available. Special events are held regularly, including many tribute band concerts, and a cottage rental is available above a premium tasting room in back used for private tastings.
Blue Victorian Winery
This sister winery is nearby at 5071 Suisun Valley Rd, (707) 422-8025.
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| exterior of Vezer Family Vineyard in Fairfield, California |
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| tasting line up at Vezer Family Vineyard in Fairfield, California |
●Wooden Valley Winery & Vineyards
4756 Suisun Valley Rd., Suisun Valley, (707) 864-0730. Daily 11am-5pm. Tasting/$10; fee refundable with wine purchase.
Begun at the end of prohibition in 1933, the family-run Wooden Valley Winery & Vineyards is the area’s oldest winery. Wines in general are well priced and include the light Rosetta made with white Gamay grapes that is named after the owner’s great grandma and which is a lovely sipping wine, especially on a hot day.
Begun at the end of prohibition in 1933, the family-run Wooden Valley Winery & Vineyards is the area’s oldest winery. Wines in general are well priced and include the light Rosetta made with white Gamay grapes that is named after the owner’s great grandma and which is a lovely sipping wine, especially on a hot day.
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| sign at Wooden Valley Winery & Vineyards in Fairfield, California |
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| lovely rusted family truck at Wooden Valley Winery & Vineyards in Fairfield, California |
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| tasting room at Wooden Valley Winery & Vineyards in Fairfield, California |
More information on Fairfield.
More things to do along Highway 80.
More ideas for exploring Northern California.
images c2017 Carole Terwilliger Meyers
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