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Why you need to explore Suisun Valley, undiscovered wine country
Unspoiled wine destination
There’s a good reason why Fairfield, California’s tourism slogan reads "uncomplicated, uncongested, unspoiled." This wine region, located just 20 miles from the town of Napa, is best known as being home to the world-famous Jelly Belly Candy Company. Yet most people don’t realize it also boasts a lovely historical city center and a picturesque wine trail in the lush Suisun Valley, featuring award-winning wineries and tasting opportunities.
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Photo courtesy of Fairfield Convention & Visitors Bureau
The charm of yesteryear
Fairfield, like many small historic towns throughout California, has a charming main street. The colorful neon sign which spans Texas street was erected in 1925 and remains a source of civic pride to this day.
Photo courtesy of Joanne DiBona
Jelly Belly tour
Don’t miss the free Jelly Belly Candy Company self-guided factory tour. Did you know it takes over a week to make a single Jelly Belly jelly bean? You’ll marvel at all the portraits of famous people, made from thousands of jelly beans, on display throughout the factory.
Photo courtesy of Fairfield Convention & Visitors Bureau
Undiscovered wine country
Few travelers driving Interstate 80 between Sacramento and San Francisco realize that just a few miles from the Fairfield city limits is a thriving wine country. You can see acres of grapevines growing amid a backdrop of the verdant rolling hills of the lush Suisun Valley.
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Photo courtesy of Joanne DiBona
Rustic charm, fabulous wines
One of the Suisun Valley’s winery gems is the lovely, rustic Blue Victorian, part of the Vezer Family Winery, where you can enjoy a 30-minute signature wine tasting of their award-winning vintages for $30 per person.
Photo courtesy of Joanne DiBona
No ordinary beer
There isn’t a brew imaginable that hasn’t been perfected at Fairfield’s Heretic Brewing Company. This innovative company takes beer to a whole new level with a list of brews that will make your head swim. Try the Chocolate Hazelnut Porter, or the "Juicier than Thou" IPA with mango, just two of the many options available in their tasting room, which also features a full kitchen offering a variety of locally-sourced menu options.
Pay a visit to Fairfield's neighbor, the city of Napa
The picturesque city of Napa, gateway to the world-famous Napa Valley, is a mere 20 miles from the heart of Fairfield. Depending on the time of year, it may be next to impossible to book a room in Napa Valley, so keep Fairfield in mind as it offers a wide variety of excellent hotel accommodations at all price levels.
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Photo courtesy of Joanne DiBona
Pedaling past the vines
The backroads that traverse Fairfield's wine country are less trafficked than in other parts of the region and make biking a scenic joy all year long. Several bike rental bike shops are available both in Fairfield and surrounding areas.
Photo courtesy of Joanne DiBona
Historic Fairfield
Fairfield, founded by clipper ship captain Robert Waterman in 1856 and named for his hometown of Fairfield, Connecticut, was formally incorporated in 1903 and serves as the county seat of Solano County. The Old Solano County Courthouse, erected in 1914, is one of the many historical buildings that line the streets of Fairfield’s downtown. Fairfield is also the home of the Travis Air Force Base, which was built east of town in 1942.
Rock out
You’ll enjoy a wide variety of local entertainment along the Suisun Valley wine trail. This rock band, performing at the Wooden Valley Winery, specializes in the "oldies-but-goodies" song list, which inevitably propels dancers of all ages to the dance floor.
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Small town charm
Small towns across the United States are a joy to visit, as there can be many opportunities to gather together for a community celebration. We weren’t there to photograph Fairfield’s upcoming Tomato Festival, but chances are it's a colorful event to experience, indeed.
Gourmet cuisine
Fairfield offers a wide variety of excellent dining options. For a truly gourmet experience on Fairfield’s Suisun Valley wine trail, pay a visit for lunch or dinner to the Mankas Steakhouse where you will enjoy exquisite cuisine fresh from the valley's farms.
Vintage finds
If you love to shop for antiques, you won’t want to miss a visit to the Pieces In Time antique store, centrally located on Fairfield's Texas street, for some wonderful finds at reasonable prices.
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Photo courtesy of Joanne DiBona
Olive garden
Taste exceptional Suisun Valley olive oil and wines while looking out over the picturesque olive groves at Il Fiorello Olive Oil Company. The family-owned, organic farm is open daily from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. for tastings of world-class olive oil with food pairings, unique balsamic vinegar reductions and sustainably-grown wines and local craft beer.
Photo courtesy of Joanne DiBona
It's all in the details
As you walk along Fairfield's main street, don’t forget to look up to capture a view of exquisite architectural details from the 1920s that decorate many of the vintage buildings.
Old World charm
Fairfield’s Suisun Valley’s rustic charm is evident at the picturesque Wooden Valley Winery and Vineyards. Open since the 1930s, Wooden Valley was purchased by Italian first-generation immigrants, Mario and Lena Lanza in 1944. Their grandsons now operate the winery. You’ll feel, and taste, the Old World tradition in their delicious wines.
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Photo courtesy of Joanne DiBona
Mellow mood
Turn off your cell phone for an afternoon and enjoy a wine tasting as you lay back and relax in any one of Suisun Valley's many rustic wineries.
Photo courtesy of Joanne DiBona
Sunset magic
Watch the sun sink below the hills of the Suisun Valley at the Vezer Family Winery while you sip the exceptional wines created from the lush vineyards surrounding you.
About Joanne and Tony DiBona
Joanne and Tony DiBona know a thing or two about creating photo galleries to share their personal travel experiences around the world with their readers. Their articles have been featured on 10Best for the past decade, as well as in national and international print and online media. Their awards for photography and journalism fill up an entire wall in their office, the most recent being a top national award for their US and international galleries published on 10Best. Follow their travel adventures on their scenic photography website and travel blog. Have a question about travel? Contact them on their Instagram and Facebook pages.
Read more about Joanne and Tony DiBona here.
Connect with Joanne and Tony via: Website | Facebook | Instagram | Twitter | Pinterest
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