Discover Suisun Valley

Suisun Valley offers city dwellers a place to escape crowded streets and see the country, buy fresh produce and taste wines.

It is located just west of Fairfield. It has fertile soils with a Mediterranean climate good enough to grow grapes for fine wines, just as in the neighboring, world-famous Napa Valley.

The valley has its scenic attractions, framed as it is by oak-covered hills, with acres of vineyards, orchards and other farming areas. It has buildings such as the 1900, one-room Gomer School, complete with bell tower. It has small commercial areas such as Manka’s Corner with restaurants and other businesses.

Wine is a big part of the valley. Suisun Valley in 1982 won federal recognition as the Suisun Valley Appellation, making the valley an American Viticultural Area. Grape varieties ranging from Sauvignon Blanc to Chardonnay to Gamay to Pinot Noir to Riesling are grown in the valley.

Several small wineries have tasting rooms. In addition, other wineries have grouped together to run a cooperative tasting room on Suisun Valley Road.

A big winery has come to Suisun Valley. The Wagner family, owner of Caymus Vineyards in Napa Valley, is building a winery at the very southern end of the Suisun Valley appellation capable of producing 5 million gallons of wine annually. It plans to bring grapes and wines from other locations to the Cordelia Road site for bottling, as well as grow grapes there.

But Suisun Valley is more than grapes. People can go there to buy corn, strawberries, dried fruit and nuts and other produce from small, family run produce stands. They can buy olive oil made from olives grown and processed in the valley.

Solano County wants to get the word out. It has designated Suisun Valley to become an agritourism area. Goals include creating several more small centers with businesses that cater to valley visitors.

AMERICAN ARMORY MUSEUM

The American Armory Museum strives to educate future generations about, and impress upon them, the sacrifice, bravery and enduring significance of the U.S. military. Numerous vehicles are on display, with some available for rides. Various static displays are also set up to illustrate life in the field while in the armed forces. The museum features such military vehicles as the 1955 Larc amphibious cargo hauler, the M35A2 cargo truck, the 1944 M5A4 artillery tractor, the M936A1 wrecker and recovery truck, the FV433 Abbot self-propelled artillery vehicle, the HET 1070 heavy equipment transport, an Israeli M-5 half track armored personnel carrier, a Ford GWP jeep, the M561 Gama Goat amphibious vehicle and the Super Mack heavy-duty truck. Ask in advance about ride fees. The museum opened in May 2016. Admission is free, although donations are accepted. Open from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Wednesday through Saturday and by appointment. Ride fees for vehicles are to be determined and are subject to change without notice. LOCATION: 4144 Abernathy Road, rural Fairfield in Suisun Valley MORE INFORMATION: 707-389-6846, info@ AmericanArmoryMuseum.org, www.americanarmorymuseum.org.

MANKA’S CORNER

Manka’s Corner is a small commercial area amid the farmlands of Suisun Valley. Solano County is promoting Suisun Valley as an agricultural tourist draw and Manka’s Corner is a key part of the plan, given that it has restaurants and shops where valley visitors can stop. People can eat at the Mankas Steakhouse, see artwork at The Little Art Shop or buy used items at John’s Hauling, among other things. The area’s name comes from Christley Manka, a pioneer to Suisun Valley around 1850. He established a tavern at what is now Manka’s Corner. LOCATION: Mankas Corner Road and Clayton Road MORE INFORMATION: www.suisunvalley.com

IL FIORELLO OLIVE OIL COMPANY

Nestled in the gentle, rolling hills of rustic Suisun Valley, you’ll find Il Fiorello Olive Oil Company, home of international award-winning Extra Virgin Olive Oils, rich Balsamic Vinegar Reductions and savory treats from Il Fiorello’s expansive culinary kitchen. The farm is certified organic and Il Fiorello is dedicated to sustainable agriculture, embracing the fundamental principles of biodiversity. Il Fiorello grows olives, citrus and a dizzying assortment of fruits, vegetables and herbs. Guests are invited to enjoy the peaceful farm and elegant gathering spaces, learn the secrets of great olive oils, savor a glass of wine or beer, indulge in charcuterie and small-bite appetizers and relax in the soothing charm of the unhurried countryside. LOCATION: 2625 Mankas Corner Road, Fairfield MORE INFORMATION: 707-864-1529, www.ilfiorello.com AMERICAN ARMORY MUSEUM

GLASHOFF’S STUDIO

Home to an eclectic array of art and sculptures, Phil Glashoff’s farm in Suisun Valley also shows off the agricultural side, with a seasonal fruit stand and pumpkin patch. One of the area’s most prominent artists, Glashoff’s works can be toured by appointment. Those in the area can visit for produce in October. Much of the art is made up of salvaged rusty machinery, fire extinguishers, compressor covers, motorcycle tanks and other items that had been abandoned and scattered around the farm. The sculptures have brought Glashoff attention from around the world. Those who appreciate art find there is goodwill and humor in each piece. LOCATION: 2489 Rockville Road, Suisun Valley MORE INFORMATION: 707-427-8060, glashoffgallery@aol.com

SUISUN VALLEY-GREEN VALLEY WINE TASTING

Solano County has its own wine country in the Suisun and Green valley areas, and they offer plenty of tasting opportunities. Visitors can try locally produced wines at several locations: BackRoad Vines: tasting room at Village360, 4949 Suisun Valley Road, Fairfield. 707-759-0185, http://backroadvines.com. Caymus-Suisun Winery: 4991 Suisun Valley Road, Fairfield. 707-286-1776, https://www. wagnerfamilyofwine.com. GV Cellars: 1635 Mason Road, Fairfield. 707-8642089, www.gvcellars.com. Rock Creek: 4610 Green Valley Road, Fairfield. 707-864-2471, rockcreekvineyard.com. Sonoma Harvest Wine and Olive Oil Tasting Room: 770 Chadbourne Road, Fairfield. 707-389-4815, www.tastesonomaharvest.com. Suisun Creek Winery: 2350 Morrison Lane, Fairfield. 707-864-1818, www.suisuncreekwinery.com. Suisun Valley Wine Cooperative: 4495 Suisun Valley Road, Fairfield. 707-864-3135, www.svwinecoop. com. Tenbrink Vineyards: 4185 Chadbourne Road, Fairfield. 480-7334, www.tenbrinkvineyards.com. Vezer Family Vineyard: Mankas Corner Winery, 2522 Mankas Corner Road, Fairfield. 707-429-3958, www.vezerfamilyvineyard.com. Wooden Valley Winery: 4756 Suisun Valley Road, Fairfield. 707-864-0730, www.woodenvalley.com.

GLASHOFF’S STUDIO