CaptK and I experienced an interesting and unique shore excursion while cruising the California Coast aboard the Discovery Princess. We took a flavorful adventure to a charming spot that I'm so excited to share with you, Caymus-Suisun Winery. Just over the eastern mountains from Napa Valley is the relatively unknown American Viticultural Area (AVA) Suisun Valley. This place is a treasure trove for anyone who loves wine, history, and stunning landscapes. This winery makes a great stop when traveling by land to Napa Valley and Sonoma Valley or as a shore excursion off a cruise ship.
A Walk Through History with Charlie Wagner
Our adventure began with a dive into the rich history of the winery. Caymus Vineyards is famously known with its roots in Napa Valley, but the venture into Suisun Valley adds another fascinating layer to the Caymus story. Charlie Wagner, a name that rings synonymously with innovation in winemaking, envisioned this extension. Charlie is the son and grandson of farmer and winemaker, Chuck Wagner and Charlie Wagner, Sr. Chuck Wagner, along with his parents, Lorna and Charlie Wagner Sr. purchased the now Caymus Winery, Napa in 1972 and were the the driving force behind the excellence at Caymus Winery.
As the next generation of Wagners, Charlie, the youngest, had a vision to capture the unique essence of Suisun Valley, an area less crowded yet filled with potential. His passion for winemaking combined with the fertile grounds of the Suisun Valley is what gave birth to Caymus-Suisun. It is not just about the grapes, it’s about a dream to bring out the hidden, vibrant personality of this untapped region.
The Grapes of Suisun Valley
The Suisun Valley produces a variety of grapes that thrive exceptionally well in its unique climate. As we walked through the vineyard, we learned that the valley's well-drained soils and warm but fog cooled climate creates the perfect conditions for growing lush, full-bodied grapes. They cultivate a range of varieties here, including Petite Sirah, Zinfandel, Petite Verdot, and Sauvignon Blanc.
The Petite Sirah particularly grabbed my attention. It seems to soak up the sun, yielding a dark, intense fruit that's high on flavor and character, which really encapsulates the Suisun Valley vibe. It is the primary varietal in their acclaimed Grand Durif Wine, Suisun Valley. It is also part of their wine, The Walking Fool Red Blend.
Suisun Valley vs. Napa Valley: A Unique Contrast
You might wonder, what sets Suisun Valley apart from its famous neighbor, Napa Valley? Located just to the east of Napa Valley, this smaller ( 8 miles long, 3 miles wide) slice of terroir is warmer in the north and cooler in the south near San Francisco Bay and Solano Bay. Only 3000 acres of Suisun Valley are covered with vineyards, compared to 45,000 in Napa Valley. It's has an understated charm and slightly off the radar status, which is precisely what makes it perfect for explorers like us.
Unlike Napa’s bustling and sometimes overwhelming atmosphere, Suisun retains a laid-back, hometown feel. Its agricultural landscape is more diversified than Napa and Sonoma Valleys. Besides producing outstanding wine, Suisun is known of their exceptional peaches. As we walked through the vineyards at Caymus-Suisun, we could see fruit trees in the distance and we were able to taste cherry tomatoes directly off the bush.
There is an inviting simplicity in the way vintners operate. This means more intimate experiences for visitors, letting the character of the wines speak loud and clear. Never the less, appointments are required at most wineries in Suisun Valley as well as Napa and Sonoma Valleys.
Tasting the Finesse of Caymus-Suisun Wines
And finally, the highlight of our tour, wine tasting! The winery offers a carefully curated selection of their finest creations. We tasted 7 wines from throughout the Caymus portfolio, Bay Rose, Emmolo Sauvignon Blanc, Mer Soleil Chardonnay, Sea Sun Pinot Noir , Caymus Zinfandel, Caymus-Suisun Grand Durif, and The Walking Fool Red Blend. The highlight of the tasting session, for me, was the Grand Durif, a stunning wine made from Petite Sirah grapes. It was beautifully balanced, with bold flavors of blackberry and plum, leaving a touch of spice lingering on the palate.
Another favorite was the Caymus Zinfandel, which was nothing short of exquisite. It had a wonderful aroma of cherries and blackberries, with a smooth, rich taste that was complemented perfectly by hints of toasted oak from the aging process.
Final Thoughts
Our tour at Caymus-Suisun Winery was nothing short of magical, and it's a reminder of how sometimes, taking the less trodden path brings you closer to hidden wonders. If you're planning a trip to the region, cruising the California Coast on the Discovery Princess as we were, or simply find yourself longing for an authentic and refreshing wine experience, Caymus-Suisun should definitely be on your itinerary. It’s a taste of paradise you will not want to miss!
Cheers to new experiences and delightful wines! If you've been to Suisun Valley, I'd love to hear your stories and recommendations, please leave them in the comments.
For More Information on Things to Do and Day Trips From Vancouver, as well as Information on Cruising on the Discovery Princess, Check out these Blog Posts:
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