Top left: Ron Lanza with Lena Lanza, top right: The Lanza Family,
bottom left: Chef Daniel Bell on the BBQ, bottom right:
The Godfathers provided entertainment.

1933-2008: We kicked-off our anniversary with a party including the release of new Lanza Reserve Wines, music, food, and lots of fun!

Mario Lanza and Lena Carlevaro Lanza were the first generation of the Lanza family to come to Wooden Valley Winery.

Mario had a friend, Salvador Brea, who with his brother Manuel had founded a small winery in Suisun Valley at the end of prohibition in 1933- Wooden Valley Winery.

It was the perfect place for Mario. He moved his family to Suisun Valley in 1944 joining the Brea brothers as a partner. He became sole owner in 1955, with the understanding that the name of the winery would stay the same. On a handshake Mario agreed to continue the business as Wooden Valley Winery.

For 75 years the Lanza Family has worked the soils of Suisun Valley to bring forward wines that are a testament to the unique terroir of our valley. These private reserve wines have been meticulously hand crafted by winemaker Rick Lanza utilizing practices handed down through three generations. We are pleased to share this family favorite with you. Salute!

In today's busy world we understand that you may not always be able to find the time for an leisurely visit to Wooden Valley Winery. You may just want to pick-up a bottle of wine on your way home, or enjoy our wine at a local restaurant.

Since September 1, 2000, Cathy Thomas has been a valued member of our Tasting Room staff at Wooden Valley Winery. Cathy’s interest in learning and talking about wine has remained high throughout the years. She never tires of the subject of food and wine, and is often found sharing recipes. Cathy’s positive attitude has a noticeable impact on people around her. She’s always happy to be at the winery, is a great friend to everyone on the Wooden Valley staff, and never has anything bad to say about anyone. Cathy won a dinner with Ron Lanza last year at the Holiday Dinner, but they have not yet found the time to get together for it. Hopefully they will enjoy that dinner before this year’s Holiday Dinner!

The third annual Fun Family Farm Days returned to Suisun Valley in August, September, and October this year, and we hosted a variety of fun activities at Wooden Valley Winery. Over the course of three Sundays we offered Facility Tours, Barrel Tasting, Mag Pie baked goods, and a special tasting of the Lanza Family Private Reserve Wines. In August long time customers of Wooden Valley rolled back the years and got to fill their own jug of wine, like they did when Mario was here. There was also a display of Model A cars, Mr. Jelly Belly visited the winery, there was a Kids’ Coloring Station and Grape Stomping Competition, the winners of the Grape Stomp got to take home a hat or t-shirt. In October, Miss Kristen read Spooky Stories, and the Suisun Valley 4-H held demonstrations. Fun Family Farm days certainly brought a lot of activity and fun to Wooden Valley this year, and we truly enjoyed welcoming so many families to the winery.

2006 Lanza Family Reserve Chardonnay - Appellation America Best of Appellation
2007 White Gamay - Orange County Fair Wine Competition
2007 Sauvignon Blanc Appellation - America Best of Appellation
2006 Merlot - Orange County Fair Wine Competition
2006 Syrah - Appellation America Best of Appellation
2007 Valdiguie - Appellation America Best of Appellation
2005 Cabernet Sauvignon - Alameda County Fair Wine Competition