Show 547, October 14, 2023: Suisun Valley Wine Co-op and Sunset Cellars with Fah Sathirapongsasuti Part One

Fah Sathirapongsasuti of Suisun Valley Co Op

Suisun Valley Wine Co-op in Fairfield (established in 2007) represents three local, family owned micro wineries with distinct wine styles and approaches to winemaking tasting their wines in a single, unique, visitor-friendly indoor and outdoor tasting room.”

“The three member wineries (Sunset Cellars, Blacksmith Cellars and King Andrew Vineyards) share a common goal of crafting high quality, distinctive wines from grapes grown locally in Suisun Valley and nearby regions. As long-time friends, the winemakers collaborate, exchange ideas, and lend hands in the vineyards and the cellars. With deep mutual respect, they are proud to represent one another’s wine at the Co-op.”

“Most of the tasting room staff at the Wine Co-op are actual wine producers and grape growers. They all take turns pouring the wines. While visiting them, you will learn firsthand their vision and philosophies behind the wines. The Co-op Team enjoys spending time with visitors and like sharing Suisun Valley’s rustic and authentic charm.”

Fah Sathirapongsasuti, the principal of the Suisun Valley Wine Co-op and Winemaker and Co-owner of Sunset Cellar, joins us to uncork all that is the Suisun Valley Wine Co-op.

“Winemaker Matt Smith built Blacksmith Cellars on the philosophy of crafting distinctive varietal driven and blended wines that he is passionate about. The process of winemaking is a lifestyle he embraces and enjoys and it shows in his releases.

“Founded by Doug and Katsuko Sparks in their garage in San Francisco’s Inner Sunset District, Sunset Cellars believes in “Zen Zin” a minimalist winemaking style and respect for our grower’s efforts in the vineyards. In 2007 they founded the Suisun Valley Wine Co-op. Fah and Mio succeeded them as winemaker and co-owners in 2021”

“Wine grower Roger King and his wife Carol (King Andrews Vineyards) bring you unique and boutique wines of Suisun Valley and Solano County. Small lot winemaking from the vineyard to the winery brings fresh vibrant wines to your palate. They grow, vint and bottle their wines with limited intervention.”

Show 547, October 14, 2023: Suisun Valley Wine Co-op and Sunset Cellars with Fah Sathirapongsasuti Part Two

Fah Sathirapongsasuti of Suisun Valley Co Op

Suisun Valley Wine Co-op in Fairfield (established in 2007) represents three local, family owned micro wineries with distinct wine styles and approaches to winemaking tasting their wines in a single, unique, visitor-friendly indoor and outdoor tasting room.”

“The three member wineries (Sunset Cellars, Blacksmith Cellars and King Andrew Vineyards) share a common goal of crafting high quality, distinctive wines from grapes grown locally in Suisun Valley and nearby regions. As long-time friends, the winemakers collaborate, exchange ideas, and lend hands in the vineyards and the cellars. With deep mutual respect, they are proud to represent one another’s wine at the Co-op.”

“Most of the tasting room staff at the Wine Co-op are actual wine producers and grape growers. They all take turns pouring the wines. While visiting them, you will learn firsthand their vision and philosophies behind the wines. The Co-op Team enjoys spending time with visitors and like sharing Suisun Valley’s rustic and authentic charm.”

Fah Sathirapongsasuti, the principal of the Suisun Valley Wine Co-op and Winemaker and Co-owner of Sunset Cellar, continue with us to uncork all that is the Suisun Valley Wine Co-op.

“Founded by Doug and Katsuko Sparks in their garage in San Francisco’s Inner Sunset District, Sunset Cellars believes in “Zen Zin” a minimalist winemaking style and respect for our grower’s efforts in the vineyards. In 2007 they founded the Suisun Valley Wine Co-op. Fah and Mio succeeded them as winemaker and co-owners in 2021”

Show 546, October 7, 2023: Winemaker Chuck Wagner, Caymus Vineyards, Napa & Caymus -Suisun Winery, Suisun Valley / Fairfield

Chuck Wagner of Caymus Vineyards

Caymus Vineyards and Cabernet Sauvignon are synonymous with wine enthusiasts globally as one of the most sought-after wines to pour and share around the table for special celebrations. Now Princess Cruises is working with this renowned winery to offer the exclusive Caymus Vineyards Winemaker Dinner, available initially on Princess ships sailing North America itineraries Alaska voyages, and eventually across all ships worldwide.”

“Available in the popular Crown Grill specialty restaurant for $140 per person, the new Winemaker Dinner leverages the expansive expertise of Chuck Wagner, owner and winemaker of the renowned Napa Valley’s Caymus Vineyards, to deliver a five-course menu, crafted to complement the tasting notes of his wines.”

“Wagner, along with the Princess culinary team, personally selected the wines paired with the multi-course menu served. In addition to Caymus Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon, he has perfectly matched up the dinner courses with varietals from the family’s other offerings, including Caymus-Suisun ‘The Walking Fool’ Red Blend, Mer Soleil Reserve Chardonnay, Sea Sun Pinot Noir and Emmolo Sparkling.”

“We have an appreciation for family, friends, delicious food and great wine, along with the many connections between them,” said Chuck Wagner, Caymus Vineyards owner and winemaker. “We love how Princess also recognizes that cruise travel fosters deeper relationships with its guests and the destinations they visit by sharing experiences around the table, and we’re thrilled to pour our wines and share our passion through a specially curated dinner with this beloved cruise line.”

We’ll meet Chuck Wagner and also hear about the new Caymus-Suisun Winery in Suisun Valley and the very special visitor experience available there.

Show 545, September 30, 2023: Village 360 and BackRoad Vines, Suisun Valley / Fairfield with Proprietress Jody Anselmo

Jody Anselmo of Back Road Vines

“Located in beautiful Suisun Valley adjacent to Fairfield, BackRoad Vines Winery and Venue is dedicated to bringing back the traditional “Old School” art form of wine making. Their approach to handcrafting unique and distinctive wines has developed through experience and taking time to smell the wines.”

“Plan a visit to the ‘backroads’ and enjoy a glass of wine in the tasting room or lunch on the patio. BackRoad Vines specializes in Syrah, Cabernet Sauvignon and red blends. The winery also features two bocce ball courts and a small creek just a short walk from the tasting room. Summer and fall events are very popular and may include bocce ball league and tournaments, wood-fire pizza nights, or live music.”

The Landing restaurant at Village 360 serves Lunch Monday thru Friday from 11:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. Think Creole Salmon with seasonal woodfired veggies, quinoa, black beans, cilantro with a honey chipotle aioli. Desserts from their accomplished in-house pastry chef (ex-Thomas Keller‘s Bouchon Yountville) are a bonus. Dinner is Friday only from 5 to 9:00 p.m. Sunday Brunch is served from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. Reservations are suggested.

Proprietress Jody Anselmo joins us to pull the cork on all that is BackRoad Vines Winery.

Show 543, September 16, 2023: IL Fiorello Olive Oil Company, Fairfield, CA Part One

Ann Sievers of Il Fiorello Olive Oil Company

IL Fiorello Olive Oil Company is a family-owned company dedicated to growing and milling the finest quality artisan olive oil. Owners Ann and Mark Sievers produce oil from their own certified organic groves. Their properties are located in Green Valley and Suisun Valley between Fairfield and Napa Valley, a still-rural area where creek-side soils allow good drainage for the trees.”

“An interactive Olive Oil Tasting is offered daily at 11 a.m., 1 p.m. and 3 p.m. Reservations are required, 14 ppl maximum. $25 per person. Enjoy a comparative tasting of IL Fiorello’s Extra Virgin Olive Oils, Co-Milled Oils, and Balsamic Vinegar Reductions. Led by their experienced staff, you will learn how to appreciate olive oils and enjoy a chef-crafted food pairing to expand your palate. Reserve ahead for Charcuterie & Cheeseboards or Soup of the Month.”

“A Farm Menu prepared by their on-site chef is available daily from 11:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. Reservations strongly advised.”

“A Tour & Olive Oil Tasting experience generally commences at 10:00 a.m. and are available daily. Reservations are required. The time limit is 2 hours ($50/person)”

“During the tour of the IL Fiorello organic property, the guide discusses the history of olive oil, the significance of the term extra virgin, and the production of their international award-winning olive oils. Guests visit the olive grove to look at the different olive varieties and how IL Fiorello cares for their trees. The tour continues with a visit to their state-of-the -art Pieralisi Gold olive mill, capable of milling 5 tons of olives an hour. The Tour concludes with a guided tasting of IL Fiorello’s olive oils and balsamic vinegar reductions.”

Founder and distinguished Culinary Educator Ann Sievers joins us along with Husband and Founder, Mark Sievers.

Show 543, September 16, 2023: IL Fiorello Olive Oil Company, Fairfield, CA Part Two

Ann Sievers of Il Fiorello Olive Oil Company

IL Fiorello Olive Oil Company is a family-owned company dedicated to growing and milling the finest quality artisan olive oil. Owners Ann and Mark Sievers produce oil from their own certified organic groves. Their properties are located in Green Valley and Suisun Valley between Fairfield and Napa Valley, a still-rural area where creek-side soils allow good drainage for the trees.”

“An interactive Olive Oil Tasting is offered daily at 11 a.m., 1 p.m. and 3 p.m. Reservations are required, 14 ppl maximum. $25 per person. Enjoy a comparative tasting of IL Fiorello’s Extra Virgin Olive Oils, Co-Milled Oils, and Balsamic Vinegar Reductions. Led by their experienced staff, you will learn how to appreciate olive oils and enjoy a chef-crafted food pairing to expand your palate. Reserve ahead for Charcuterie & Cheeseboards or Soup of the Month.”

“A Farm Menu prepared by their on-site chef is available daily from 11:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. Reservations strongly advised.”

“A Tour & Olive Oil Tasting experience generally commences at 10:00 a.m. and are available daily. Reservations are required. The time limit is 2 hours ($50/person)”

“During the tour of the IL Fiorello organic property, the guide discusses the history of olive oil, the significance of the term extra virgin, and the production of their international award-winning olive oils. Guests visit the olive grove to look at the different olive varieties and how IL Fiorello cares for their trees. The tour continues with a visit to their state-of-the -art Pieralisi Gold olive mill, capable of milling 5 tons of olives an hour. The Tour concludes with a guided tasting of IL Fiorello’s olive oils and balsamic vinegar reductions.”

Founder and distinguished Culinary Educator Ann Sievers continues with us along with Husband and Founder, Mark Sievers (the milling expert.)

Show 542, September 9, 2023: Restaurateur Molly Tou, Two60 Kitchen + Bar, Fairfield, CA Part One

Molly Tou of Two60 Kitchen and Bar

“Helmed by long-time Fairfield Restaurateur Molly Tou (ex-Sticky Rice) and Chef Joey Jaraba, Two60 Kitchen + Bar is a great new addition to Fairfield’s growing dining scene, opened in 2020 at 260 Pittman Road.”

“Over the last 23 years, Chef Jaraba has developed a career out of fusing his own background from the Philippines with his dishes. Two60 blends modern American cuisine with global influences to create a menu deeply rooted in sourcing ingredients from local farms. Besides traditional American fare such as hamburgers, steak and salads they feature items with Asian and Italian influences such as Shanghai Lumpia, Ahi Poke Towers and Pastas.”

“The restaurant is family friendly, including a children’s menu with grilled cheese sandwich, chicken strips and fries, simple pastas and grilled chicken and vegetables. There are two separate dining areas one in the main room and a bar/ seating area off to the back for people who enjoy a bustling bar atmosphere.” There is also patio seating.

“The completely renovated space in Cordelia is the perfect place to grab an innovative bite and a nice cocktail with house-made syrups. You’ll notice the cocktails are named after some streets in Green Valley and Cordelia. They are also serving local favorites including Tolenas Vineyards, Wooden Valley, Caymus Vineyards and Heretic Brewing.”

Proprietress Molly Tou is our guest.

Show 542, September 9, 2023: Restaurateur Molly Tou, Two60 Kitchen + Bar, Fairfield, CA Part Two

Molly Tou of Two60 Kitchen and Bar

“Helmed by long-time Fairfield Restaurateur Molly Tou (ex-Sticky Rice) and Chef Joey Jaraba, Two60 Kitchen + Bar is a great new addition to Fairfield’s growing dining scene, opened in 2020 at 260 Pittman Road.”

“Over the last 23 years, Chef Jaraba has developed a career out of fusing his own background from the Philippines with his dishes. Two60 blends modern American cuisine with global influences to create a menu deeply rooted in sourcing ingredients from local farms. Besides traditional American fare such as hamburgers, steak and salads they feature items with Asian and Italian influences such as Shanghai Lumpia, Ahi Poke Towers and Pastas.”

“The restaurant is family friendly, including a children’s menu with grilled cheese sandwich, chicken strips and fries, simple pastas and grilled chicken and vegetables. There are two separate dining areas one in the main room and a bar/ seating area off to the back for people who enjoy a bustling bar atmosphere.” There is also patio seating.

“The completely renovated space in Cordelia is the perfect place to grab an innovative bite and a nice cocktail with house-made syrups. You’ll notice the cocktails are named after some streets in Green Valley and Cordelia. They are also serving local favorites including Tolenas Vineyards, Wooden Valley, Caymus Vineyards and Heretic Brewing.”

Proprietress Molly Tou continues as our guest.