Mario Lanza and Lena Carlevaro Lanza met in Oakland, California, in 1934 and were married three years later. Both came from families rooted in the small northern Italian town of Silvano Di Orba, sharing not only a cultural heritage but a deep sense of tradition and family.
Mario worked as a partner in the Oakland Scavenger Company until a workplace accident changed the course of his life. On medical advice to seek a warmer climate for recovery, Mario began to look beyond the Bay Area for new opportunities.
He found one through an old friend, Salvador Brea, who, together with his brother Manuel, had established a small winery in Suisun Valley at the end of Prohibition in 1933 — Wooden Valley Winery.
The move proved to be just what Mario needed. In 1944, he relocated his family to Suisun Valley and joined the Brea brothers as a partner. A decade later, in 1955, Mario became the sole owner of Wooden Valley Winery. In honor of the winery’s roots, and on a simple handshake
agreement, he pledged to keep the original name.
That promise has left a lasting legacy. Salvador had named the winery after its location on Wooden Valley Road — a name that has since changed to Suisun Valley Road. Yet, thanks to Mario’s commitment, the distinctive name “Wooden Valley” remains a proud and enduring part of Suisun Valley’s winemaking heritage.
Mario Lanza loved the land. Not long after taking over Wooden
Valley Winery, he purchased the neighboring ranch and began transforming it. What was once 36 acres of pear and prune orchards slowly gave way to vineyards. Over time, the property expanded into more than 300 acres of prime winegrowing land — a testament to Mario’s vision and dedication.
Lena was the heart of the winery. She managed the books and welcomed visitors in the tasting room, treating every guest like extended family. Whether someone was stopping by for the first time or returning year after year, Lena made them feel right at home.
Soon, their son Richard “Chick” Lanza joined the family business. He grew up among the vines, with farming in his blood and winemaking in his future. In 1960, Chick became the winery’s lead winemaker — a role he held for the next 23 years.
In 1961, Chick married Adrienne, and together they helped carry the family legacy forward. While the winery still sold bottles from the tasting room, Chick took a hands-on approach to distribution. Much like a milkman, he personally delivered wine to loyal customers throughout the Bay Area, often in gallon jugs or 25-gallon barrels.
He knew his customers well. He remembered every order, every family. If a customer had a large household, Chick made sure the delivery matched the need – because at Wooden Valley, wine wasn’t just a product. It was part of the family table.
As Wooden Valley Winery flourished, so did the Lanza family. Adrienne and Chick raised four sons on the vineyard, and by the age of ten, each boy had learned to drive a tractor and work the land. They grew up immersed in the rhythms of vineyard life, taking on every task — from cellar work to bottling to harvest — gaining a deep, hands-on understanding of the family business.
Today, that legacy continues with the next generation. Rick Lanza, Mario’s oldest grandson, is now head winemaker, and his nephew Ryan, son of Ron Lanza, serves as assistant winemaker. Together, they blend tradition with innovation to craft the wines enjoyed today.
Now exclusively producing estate-grown wines, Wooden Valley offers a range of varietals — from familiar favorites to rare classics — all rooted in the same land the family has farmed for generations.
The current generation of Lanzas is driven by a bold vision: to help establish Suisun Valley as a world-class wine region. With the fourth generation now stepping into their roles, the future looks bright for Mario and Lena’s great-grandchildren — and for the legacy they continue to build.
At its core, Wooden Valley Winery remains all about family. We’ve preserved the tradition of gathering often with loved ones over great food and wine, celebrating the fruits of our labor. Today, that circle has expanded. Wine Club members and visitors are invited to be part of our extended family through exclusive dinners, harvest celebrations, and seasonal events held throughout the year.
It’s a tradition rooted in community, sustained by passion, and poured into every glass.