Our Story
On a handshake, Mario agrees to keep the name Wooden Valley Winery, named after the road on which it sits. Mario's word is important to the family; we have kept the name just as he promised. The newly enlarged tasting room was built over the old building. During construction, the old building was dismantled and carried out through the tasting room doors. To date, this was the largest single purchase of land for Lanza Vineyards. Having worked on the thousand-acre Scarlett Ranch in his youth, owning this parcel was a dream come true for Chick. The focal point of the remodel was a new bar handcrafted using 100-year-old redwood wine tanks. The solid 35-foot-long bar top was so heavy it took eight men to put it in place. The wine displays behind the bar were crafted using the same redwood. A significant move for the business, this new system would only accommodate 750ml bottles, moving our focus toward ultra-premium wines. In February of 2003, we shipped our first wine club selection to a small number of loyal customers. Since that first shipment, our club has grown to nearly 2000 members. Lanza Vineyards is certified as a California Sustainable Winegrower. Our beautiful Suisun Valley has become a destination for wine enthusiasts, and we see new faces every day. With this in mind, the beautifully remodeled space expands our tasting area and increases the outdoor space to accommodate more guests. Our look may have changed, but our values and Lanza-style hospitality have not! •
The original winery is built anticipating the end of Prohibition.
Wooden Valley Winery is founded at the end of Prohibition by brothers Salvador and Manuel Brea.
Mario Lanza and Lena Carlevaro meet in Oakland, CA. Their families both came from the small town of Silvano D’Orba, in northern Italy.
Mario and Lena marry.
Mario joins the Brea brothers as a partner of Wooden Valley Winery.
Mario and Lena settle in Suisun Valley.
Mario worked as a partner in the Oakland Scavenger Company, but he was injured in a workplace accident. His doctor recommended that he move from the Bay Area to a warmer climate. The rest is history…
Mario purchases the ranch next door to the winery. He gradually replaces its 36 acres of pear and prune trees with grapevines. The property would grow to over 300 acres of prime vineyards.
The Lanza supper begins as a Sunday tradition. Today, the family has grown a bit…but we celebrate often.
Mario becomes the sole owner of the business.
On a handshake, Mario agrees to keep the name Wooden Valley Winery, named after the road on which it sits. Mario's word is important to the family; we have kept the name just as he promised.
Lena handles the accounts and runs the tasting room.
Mario and Lena’s son Richard (Chick) Lanza begins working for the family business.
With a love for farming and his family business, Chick became the Winemaker and held that position for 20 years.
Mario and Lena sell wine from the tasting room, while Chick delivers wine along a route, much like a milkman, in gallon jugs. His route extends down to the Bay Ares. Just like the milkman, he knows how much to deliver to each stop. If a woman has a large family, well, she gets a lot of wine!
Chick marries Adrienne Struble, and together, they continue to grow the business.
The first new tractor is purchased, with many more to come.
The Barrel Room/Warehouse is built to accommodate our future production growth.
Our Tank Room/Fermenting Cellar is built to expand production & winemaking capabilities.
A new tasting room is built.
Rick Lanza becomes the Winemaker for Wooden Valley Winery.
With hard work and a strong desire to succeed, the Suisun Valley AVA is recognized under the guidance and leadership of Chick Lanza.
Ron Lanza takes on the leadership role as Head of Winery Operations.
Mario Lanza passes away. (1909 - 1984)
Larry Lanza becomes a Vineyard Manager of Lanza Vineyards.
Ken Lanza joins Larry and becomes a Vineyard Manager of Lanza Vineyards.
A 224-acre parcel of the historic Scarlett Ranch is acquired.
Our tasting room gets a new look.
New bottling line is installed.
Wooden Valley’s Wine Club is created.
Wooden Valley Winery & Vineyards expands its grape and bulk wine sales to the Eastern United States...servicing home winemakers, bulk wine sales, and private label programs.
Wooden Valley Winery celebrates its 75th Anniversary.
Driven by the demand of our East Coast customers, Lanza Vineyards begins an Italian varietal program, planting Sangiovese and Primitivo grapes.
Lena Lanza passes away. (1914- 2011)
Our Italian varietal collection is expanded with the addition of Barbera.
The celebration of our 85th Anniversary.
Tasting Room remodel.
