Located 30 miles from Napa, Vacaville is the gateway to the world-famous wine-growing area, yet it has a few of its own wineries that are always in the discussion for the best in the area. If you’re a fan of fine wines, Vacaville doesn’t disappoint. The next time you want to sip on the good stuff, make sure to check out a few of these wineries.
Vezer Family Vineyards
The Vezer Family is one of the longest-tenured families in all of Napa Valley and the surrounding area, offering their expert winemaking skills to the area for decades. While the winery itself is most popular for weddings and formal gatherings, don’t let that deter you from making a visit. Walk-ins are always welcome in their tasting rooms and for just $20, you can sip some of their best sellers. The tasting experience takes just 30 minutes, and is one of the most affordable and enjoyable experiences in the region.
Hop into their tasting room from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Thursday, Friday and Saturday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., and Sunday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tastings start at $20.
Wooden Valley Winery
Founded in 1933, Wooden Valley Winery has been a staple of the Vacaville winery region for the past 85 years. Once a prune and and pear orchard, Wooden Valley Winery eventually became a full-fledged winery in 1955 when all 300 acres were replaced with grapes. Since then, Wooden Valley Winery has produced some of the finest reds, whites, and premium wines, including a chardonnay, sauvignon blanc, riesling, and more.
The tasting room is one of the only of its kind, open daily from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. The tasting fee is $15, but if you buy any wine, the fee is 100 percent refundable.
Thornhaven Estates Winery
Thornhaven Estates Winery is one of the newer wineries in the area, but with 15 years under their belt, they’re well established. Located right near the heart of Vacaville, Thornhaven is one of the city’s most popular wineries, offering a careful, passionate approach to winemaking that you won’t see from some of the bigger names in Napa Valley.
When you’re at Thornhaven Estates, it’s more about the atmosphere than the wine itself. The patio overlooks the area known affectionately as Summerland. Once you get a glimpse of the area with your favorite wine in hand, you’re headed for true bliss. The standout wines here include the German-influenced Gewurztraminer, which features flavors such as lychee ad spice, pairing perfectly with sweet and spicy dishes. If that’s a bit too rich, opt for the Tortured Grape. Perfect for dry, semi-sweet, and sweet wine drinkers, you’ve never had anything quite as balanced as this.
Whether you love a nice merlot with dinner or a pinot grigio before or after dinner, Vacaville has just what you need to satisfy your tastes. To add to the experience, you can even stay the night, enjoying beautiful scenery and great conversations, friends, and beverages. Thornhaven Estates is open daily from 12 p.m. to 5 p.m.
Image via Flickr by khawkins04 licensed via CC BY 2.0
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