Sunflowers in wine country?

July 12th, 2012

Sunflowers in Suisun Valley

In August of 2010, a beautiful view of the valley appeared outside of our tasting room. Our neighbors to the north removed a pear orchard that I believe was over fifty years old. On that day in 2010 I couldn’t have imagined a better view but I was wrong. This year in that same narrow strip of land separating the winery from our Home Ranch Vineyard, the view once again took on a whole new look. Sunflowers have bloomed this week and with the Vaca Mountain Range and vineyards as a backdrop, the view is spectacular! Because sunflowers are a rotation crop they probably won’t be back for a few years. If you happen to be driving through Suisun Valley, stop in and take a look at the view I get to enjoy every day!

Salute’

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“Uncorked”

June 15th, 2012

Suisun Valley Uncorked

On Saturday June 23rd, my family along with our Wooden Valley staff will host Suisun Valley “Uncorked” ; an event sponsored by Suisun Valley Vintners & Growers Association (SVVGA).  This event was designed to feature wines bearing “Suisun Valley” on their label. To be eligible to boast belonging to the Suisun Valley Appellation, 85% of the grapes used in the wine must be Suisun Valley grown.

To compliment the wonderful array of wines being poured during the event, SVVGA has partnered with local favorite Chef Daniel Bell of Chef 2 Go Catering. Chef Daniel has catered many Suisun Valley events and has planned a wonderful menu for the evening.

After hosting similar events in other locations SVVGA is delighted to bring this wine and food event home to the valley. “Uncorked” will join Passport Sunday, Harvest Celebration and Anniversary Celebration in a growing list of incredible Suisun Valley Vintner & Grower’s Association events.

To learn more about this fantastic new event visit Suisun Valley

See you at “Uncorked”

Salute’

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Valentine’s Day in “Wine Country”

February 16th, 2012

Valentine's Day

Valentines Day in Suisun Valley

Valentine's Day in Suisun Valley

After accepting an invitation from some wonderful friends, my wife and I spent Valentine’s Day in that famous valley over the hill. That day was a reminder of how fortunate I am to work in such a beautiful environment, even in the middle of winter. After a tasty lunch at one of our favorite restaurants, we visited a couple of wineries, one being a popular champagne house on Silverado Trail. I took the vineyard photos on Suisun Valley Road just before finishing off the afternoon at Wooden Valley, where we enjoyed a barrel tasting of the 2010 Petite Sirah paired with dark chocolate. Thanks Jim and Nan for helping me look good on Valentine’s Day; my wife had a wonderful time!

Salute’

 

Posted in Food, Ron's Travels, Suisun Valley, Vineyards, Wine | No Comments »

A great time to learn…

January 19th, 2012

Lanza Kids Pruning Wooden Valley's Grape Vines

Lanza Kids Pruning Wooden Valley's Grape Vines

Lanza Kids Pruning Wooden Valley's Grape Vines

Lanza Kids Pruning Wooden Valley's Grape Vines

Lanza Kids Pruning Wooden Valley's Grape Vines

Lanza Kids Pruning Wooden Valley's Grape Vines

With the combination of unseasonably warm weather and our kids on winter break from school my vineyard managing brothers took the opportunity to teach the next generation of Lanzas the art of pruning a young vineyard. This time in a young vines life is critical and the decisions made during pruning a new developing vineyard can be difficult because it sets the structure for the vine. For these kids, pruning the young vineyard is one of the best ways to learn how a vine produces fruit and how it functions. After day two, the boys were well educated on grape vines and were set out to work on their own. They claim that it was the best job they’ve had at Wooden Valley but I think that had more to do with the crazy, sunny 65 degree, weather we’ve been experiencing thank the somewhat boring job pruning can be. Salute’

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Big Toys….

December 8th, 2011

Larry Lanza operating 615 Scrapper

Ken Lanza operating a D-8 Bulldozer

One of the biggest joys in preparing a new vineyard for planting is getting to use very large earth moving equipment or “Big Toys”. In these photos, my brothers Larry and Ken are operating a 615 Scrapper and a D-8 Bulldozer. Larry is on the Scrapper leveling the fields so the water can drain properly while Ken is using the Bulldozer to deep- rip the soil in order to give the young vines a head start in establishing a strong root system. I’m very fortunate to have family members that are heavy equipment operators, because I’m definitely not one. I think my brothers would admit that they have fun operating these “Big Toys”. Land preparation is only the first step in a long three-year journey to bring a new vineyard to its first harvest. I’ll keep you posted along the way!! Salute’

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