Suisun: a new eldorado

Chuck Wagner, founder of Caymus Vineyards, knows this valley well and explored it thoroughly over the past decade. It reminds him of the Napa Valley of the early 1970s, where history was being made before his eyes, when anything was possible.

Suisun Valley, just a 30-minute drive from Napa Valley, is influenced by the San Francisco and San Pablo bays. This emerging region enjoys a maritime climate with warm days and cool nights.

The Wagner family were visionaries in recognizing the quality of the region and forged strong partnerships with local producers and restaurateurs while establishing their own vineyard. Today, their vineyard covers more than 240 hectares of vines where the Durif (Petite Sirah) and Zinfandel varieties are particularly well suited.

Jenny, Chuck and Charlie Wagner

A spectacular new venue

Inaugurated last May, Caymus-Suisun is only the second property in the family to bear the Caymus name. By entrusting its design to the firm behind the mythical Apple stores, the Wagner family wanted to offer a unique place to its visitors. The modern architectural style, mixing glass and steel, allows guests to witness the breathtaking sight of the vineyards and gardens of the estate. This singular beauty is also apparent in the wine glass, where the new Caymus-Suisun label meets the same quality standards that have earned Caymus its place amongst California's finest wineries.

Five exquisite pairings with Caymus 

Among the new range of wines produced by the winery, the Durif or Petite Sirah grape variety finds in the sunshine and freshness necessary for optimal ripeness in the Suisun Valley. Generous and opulent, the Grand Durif offers beautiful accents of tobacco, sweet spices and ripe plums combined with toasted and vanilla notes. It is delicious alongside filet mignon or a braised lamb shanks with red wine and fennel.

Braised lamb shanks with red wine and fennel

Preparation: 10 minutes

Cooking time: 3 hours

Servings: 4

This new wine from the Suisun Valley is named after Jenny and Charlie Wagner’s great-great grandfather, Johannes Glos. He was regularly seen walking from his home down to work at the valley’s wineries below. For this reason, he became affectionately known by the nickname “The Walking Fool”. The Walking Fool brings together Petite Sirah and Zinfandel in a velvety, vibrant blend of juicy raspberry and cranberry notes complemented by espresso, tobacco, and sweet spice flavours. The ideal candidate to enhance a beef tartar with cocoa or gnocchi with red wine and mushroom sauce.

Beef tartare with cocoa and hot peppers

Preparation: 15 minutes

Cooking time: none

Servings: 2

Bonanza exemplifies exploration – heading down the road of the unknown in search of the best Cabernet Sauvignon terroirs. After scouting the nooks and crannies of the Golden State, the Wagner family crafted a blend of different parcels and vintages, each of which adds luster to this luscious, aromatic red with flavours of dark fruit jam, pastry and plum. A powerful wine to match your favourite grilled dish or a Lac Saint-Jean tourtière.

Tourtière (meat pie) from Lac Saint-Jean

Preparation: 30 minutes

Cooking time: about 4 hours

Servings: 12

The iconic wine of the estate along with its big brother (Special Selection), Caymus Cabernet Sauvignon bears the signature of the sub-appellations between Coombsville and Calistoga. Dark, with generous fruit and ripe, velvety tannins, this Napa Valley red can be enjoyed in its youth or after cellaring. Its complex and exuberant profile evokes flavors of cocoa, blackcurrant, and ripe fruit. An elegant red to enjoy with a medallion of venison in red wine sauce or a beef stew with vegetables and barley.

Beef stew with vegetables and barley

Preparation: 25 to 30 minutes

Cooking time: 5 hours

Servings: 4 to 6

Charlie Wagner, son of founder Chuck Wagner, has made Mer Soleil wines a passion project for three decades. Named after the two elements that are essential to the balance of wines – sea and sun – Mer Soleil Reserve Chardonnay has an impressive round mouthfeel with clean flavours of lemon, apricot, and toasted almonds all supported by an enticing freshness. A textured pairing with butter chicken or a decadent brie from the oven.

Brie with maple syrup, apples and walnuts

Preparation: 8 minutes

Cooking time: 10 to 12 minutes

Servings: 4

To further the discovery

In partnership with Wagner Family of Wine and Fréchette, vins d'exception