Exceptional Wines,
Over the Top Hospitality
The good news is, first, that there is truth in advertising, in that the Blue Victorian in the Suisun Valley is both quintessentially Victorian and very, very blue. Two shades, to be exact, with white trim. And, this being one of the wineries owned by the Vezer family, it also offers a menu of exceptional wines from this hidden jewel of wine country, an agricultural valley that has been producing fine wine grapes for many decades.
The Vezer family (as in Vezer Family Vineyards) bought this nearly century-old landmark about two years ago and have lovingly restored it. Winery founder Frank Vezer did the designs for the new interior and the addition of a barrel room and commercial kitchen (for special events such as weddings, dinners and receptions outdoors or in the spacious barrel room). His wife Liz did the design work, as she has done at their two other historic valley properties: the Old Suisun Fire House and Town Hall, and 160-year-old Mankas Village, where their is another tasting room and smaller barrel room, plus a deli.
The result is that the Blue Victorian (and the other properties) has never looked better. There are a dozen or so towering palm trees, a circular drive that goes around a diamond-shaped garden and fountain out front, a bocce court off to the left, rose bushes and a set of elegant iron gates. Fittingly, it is all surrounded by vineyards, on land that was part of an early Spanish land grant,
In the comfortable tasting room at the front of the Blue Victorian, with it's glazed walls, white plantation shutters, antiques and marble-topped tasting bar, half-a-dozen Vezer Family wines are available, all of them made in small production lots, using local fruit.
Among the wines is a soft, fruit-filled Pinot Grigio that is wonderful with food, or just to sip on, a surprisingly elegant and altogether delightful Sauvignon Blanc (even if you're not a fan of this varietal - inexplicable as that may be - trust me and try a sample) and a complex Zinfandel that is full of olive flavors and a black pepper earthiness.
In addition, you are welcome to sample the Special Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon, a spectacular blend of Cabernet, Petite Sirah, Merlot and Zinfandel. Follow with an approachable Syrah that is as user-friendly as a Syrah gets, and then finish with a Port-like Finito Primitivo that is rich, dense but in no way abrasive, with a good balance of sweetness and ripe fruit. An enjoyable end to a tasting, and to any meal.
"Frank and Liz Vezer are a great addition to the Suisun Valley," said winery general manager Christopher Livadas. "The passion they bring to the wines they produce overflows and is evident to everyone that visits the Blue Victorian and the Vezer tasting room at Mankas Corner. The most occurring comments from visitors is the beauty of the properties and the over-the-top hospitality that Frank and Liz provide."
The tasting room at the Blue Victorian is open daily Saturday from 10 a.m. until 6 p.m., and the rest of the week from 11 a.m. until 5 p.m. Located at 5071 Suisun Valley Road, it is less half an hour from the City of Napa and just 15 minutes from Fairfield and Interstate 80. For more information, go their website at www.BlueVictorian.com or give them a call at (707) 422-8025.
