Local Mom-and-Pop Vineyard a Winner

Local Mom-and-Pop Vineyard a Winner
By Ines Bebea

SUISUN VALLEY - Even before opening its tasting room to the public, the Vezer Family Vineyards and Winery in Suisun Valley was branded a winner in the 2006 and the 2007 San Francisco Chronicle Wine Competition.

This year's competition featured 3,800 wines by 1,572 wineries from 20 states. Vezer won a double gold and a bronze prize for its Verdelho and Zinfandel, respectively. The Zinfandel won a bronze in the 2006 competition.

"In our mom-and-pop operation, we are interested in quality over quantity," said Issam Mizirawi, general manager and cellar master for Vezer. "Our level of high quality and achievements are a result of the passion from the owners Frank and Liz Vezer."

The Vezer family bought the 32 acres of land on Clayton Road in 2003, but have been in Suisun Valley since 1998. The recent recognition in the wine competition reaffirms their commitment to Suisun Valley and the potential of wines grown in the area, Mizirawi said.

"I think that the wines from here [Suisun Valley], can put us not only on the state map but on the national map as well," Mizirawi said. "Competition is good for business, and we can compete."

The vineyard, which has a production of 2,500 to 3,000 cases per year, is working on complying with the county's building codes and permits to host tours and events on the property. Until the tasting room opens - tentatively scheduled for May - Vezer wines can be found at the Athenian Grill Restaurant in Suisun City, and the Vintage Cafe on Mankas Corner.

"Right now there are only two tasting rooms in Suisun Valley," he added. "I think that having tastings here will benefit all businesses. If you go to Napa, you can visit at least 10 wineries in a day, if you come here and you can only go to two tastings, is that going to be worth it for you?"

Reach Ines Bebea at 427-6934 or ibebea@dailyrepublic.net.