Tolenas Vineyards and Winery

Tolenas Vineyards and Winery is a second-generation Suisun Valley project created by Lisa and Cliff Howard. Lisa grew up on the family farm at the Chadbourne Road property, where she and her siblings sorted cherries and peaches for the fruit stand. In 2015, she and Cliff began making wine with guidance from Lisa's parents, Linda and Steve Tenbrink. The name Tolenas connects the winery to Rancho Tolenas, the historic land grant that once extended across parts of Solano and Napa counties, while the modern business carries the family's farming tradition into a new generation.

The winery operates from a red barn beside a white Victorian home and an estate vineyard. The family farms multiple Suisun Valley sites, including warmer upper-valley plantings and cooler ground closer to the winery. Petite Sirah and Zinfandel reflect the warmer portions of the property, while Pinot Noir is planted near the winery where coastal breezes and fog have a stronger influence. The portfolio has also included Sauvignon Blanc, rosé and red blends. The surrounding farm extends beyond grapes to orchard crops and olive oil.

Tastings take place outdoors on a lawn shaded by a large walnut tree and individual umbrellas. Reservations include a private table and guided service, with a flight that typically features five current releases. Wine is also available by the glass or bottle. Guests may bring a picnic or snacks, but outside beverages are not permitted. Guests under 21 can be accommodated when included in the reservation, provided the group understands that the visit remains an adult wine experience.

Tolenas is open Friday through Monday from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Reservations are highly recommended for all parties and required for groups of six or more. The relaxed lawn, vineyard views and direct family connection make Tolenas a strong choice for visitors who want to slow down, eat a picnic and experience Suisun Valley as a working family farm rather than a formal tasting salon.

Suisun Valley sits in western Solano County, just east of Napa Valley and directly west of Fairfield, tucked between the Vaca Mountains and the Howell Mountains. It was recognized as an American Viticultural Area in 1982, among the earliest AVAs in California, and it has quietly grown wine grapes since the 1800s. Cool marine air draws in off San Pablo Bay each afternoon, and the valley runs roughly a 14 degree temperature swing from its lower to upper reaches, giving the region long, even ripening across more than twenty grape varieties. Petite Sirah, Cabernet Sauvignon, Zinfandel, and Sauvignon Blanc are the calling cards, alongside Chardonnay, Barbera, Grenache, and other warm-climate grapes. Locals sometimes call Suisun Valley "Napa's backside," and the comparison is fair: family farms, unhurried tasting rooms, and honest pricing give it the feel of Napa a half century ago. Most wineries here are family owned, and it is common for the person pouring your wine to be the one who grew and made it.

Hours, tasting fees, and reservation policies change with the season, so it is worth checking the winery's website or calling ahead before you visit, especially on weekends. The details on this profile may have shifted since publication, and the producer is always the most authoritative source.

Not Yet Reviewed

Suisun Creek Winery

California · Suisun Valley

Not Yet Reviewed

Suisun Valley Filling Station

California · Suisun Valley

Not Yet Reviewed

Sunset Cellars

California · Suisun Valley

Not Yet Reviewed

Tenbrink Family Vineyards

California · Suisun Valley

Not Yet Reviewed

Vezer Family Vineyards at Mankas Gardens

California · Suisun Valley

Not Yet Reviewed

Wooden Valley Winery

California · Suisun Valley