When most folks hear the words Wine Country, Napa Valley immediately comes to mind. However, a lesser known, yet equally majestic corner of the Golden State lies only a mere nineteen miles (30 kilometers) away in Fairfield, California. This area extends to the Suisun Valley, located just beyond Fairfield city limits, and is blessed with rolling green hills, blue skies, open spaces, and of course, sprawling vineyards that produce that good, California wine. Free from the congestion so often found in over-populated tourist traps and large cities, this location is ideal for the wine enthusiast on the hunt for a premium wine tasting experience, or the traveler looking to seek refuge from everyday hustle and bustle.
Brimming over with natural beauty and all its charms, Fairfield has much more to offer by way of entertainment than just wine. Although, their award-winning Zinfandel and Petit Sirah are certainly a plus. You will find a splendid array of weekly to monthly live music events, markets, and art showings in Fairfield, and don’t you worry wine lovers, there is plenty of that “vin” to go around.
Read on to find out about the best things to do in Fairfield, CA.
1. Jelly Belly / Factory tour
Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account
Formerly known as Herman Goelitz Candy Company and Goelitz Confectionery Company, Jelly Belly in Fairfield, California, is a retail store that’s famous for its jelly beans that come in an array of sweet treats and flavors. The signature product of the company is the Jelly Belly ‘jelly belly’ bean that comes in over 50 varieties, which range in flavors like lime, cherry, orange, and more. There are also uncommon candy flavors such as pancakes with maple syrup and eggnog that are all licensed. Harry Potter fans can enjoy Bertie Bott’s Every Flavour Beans. You’ll be spoilt for choice here in the world of Jelly Belly.
Jelly Belly
Address: One Jelly Belly Ln, Fairfield, CA 94533
Website: Jelly Belly
Opening hours: 9am - 5pm (daily)
2. Heretic Brewing Company
Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account
A locally-owned microbrewery in Fairfield, Heretic Brewing Company is renowned for its award-winning lagers and ales. This microbrewery distributes to multiple countries and states. Visitors get a chance to taste over 20 beers, along with trying out delicious appetizers and other meal servings. There are board games available here, too. For tasting tours, free tours are offered every Friday, Saturday, and Sunday at 4 pm. Some of the products here include Torment Dark Belgian Strong, Shallow Grave Robust Porter, and Chocolate Hazelnut Porter.
Heretic Brewing Company
Address: 1052 Horizon Dr, Fairfield, CA 94533
Website: Heretic Brewing Company
Opening hours: Tue - Sun: 2pm - 7pm (closed on Mon)
3. IL Fiorello Olive Oil Company
Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account
IL Fiorello Olive Oil Company is situated in Suisun Valley and it offers tastings and tours daily, but only after you make an appointment. This family-owned artisan olive company focuses on producing and using local well-made products that in turn support the neighboring winemakers as a community. The olives are made from olive trees that are located on two different properties. Visitors can also take part in cooking classes, Olive Farm events, and more.
IL Fiorello Olive Oil Company
Address: 2625 Mankas Corner Rd, Fairfield, CA 94534
Website: IL Fiorello Olive Oil Company
Opening hours: 11am - 5pm (daily)
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4. Scandia Family Center
Getting back into the swing of things! Only $2.50 for 25 pitches. Open at 10am every day.
Posted by Scandia Family Center on Tuesday, June 23, 2020
A 9-acre (3.6-hectare) entertainment zone, Scandia Family Center is a fun family park featuring water bumper boats, laser tag, two award-winning mini-golf courses, and more. There are also baseball batting cages, a spacious arcade, and a clubhouse for kids. After indulging in a whole lot of fun, kids can re-energize at the Scandia Cafe by trying all the delicious bites, along with some tasty juices and smoothies. If that isn’t all, this entertainment center is also known for hosting the best parties - be it corporate team building or birthday parties.
Scandia Family Center
Address: 4300 Central Pl, Fairfield, CA 94534
Website: Scandia Family Center
Opening hours: Sun - Thu: 10am - 10pm; Fri - Sat: 10am - 11pm
5. American Armory Museum
Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account
Posted by American Armory Museum on Thursday, December 6, 2018
Situated at the crossroad of Suisun Valley and Abernathy Road, American Armory Museum features an incredible display of records and military vehicles that are over 100 years old. Some of these military vehicles are from the Vietnam War, Korean War, and World War II. Among these vehicles, the spotlight is on General George S. Patton’s 1943 Command Jeep. Visitors also get to see the Marmon-Herrington tank, a 1942 Harley Davidson XA, and a World War II Achilles tank. These are some of the very few vehicles that still exist today. Some of the memorabilia include the original American flag, mannequins dressed in replica or original uniforms, and many more.
American Armory Museum
Address: 4144 Abernathy Rd, Fairfield, CA 94534
Website: American Armory Museum
Opening hours: Wed - Sat: 10am - 3pm; Sun: 10:30am - 4pm (closed on Mon & Tue)
6. Rockville Hills Park
Editor's Note: There's no photo available at the time of writing
A 633-acre (256-hectare) park in Fairfield’s Solano County, California, Rockville Hills Regional Park is best known for its blue oak trees, volcanic rocks, and grasses all over. Along with this, you’ll also get to see a few of the aquatic species, grassland savannas, and woodlands. People who can benefit from this blissful place are families, mountain bikers, and hikers who love nature. Enjoy exploring miles of trails and also check out the native trees, rock formations, and plants. You must purchase passes to enter the park and must carry an ID at all times.
Rockville Hills Park
Address: 2149 Rockville Rd, Fairfield, CA 94534
Website: Rockville Hills Park
Opening hours: Mon - Sat: 6:15am - 8pm (closed on Thu & Fri)
Price: 3 USD
7. Solano Town Center
Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account
Nestled in the heart of California Wine Country, just between Sacramento and San Francisco, this vibrant retail complex - Solano Town Center in Fairfield, California - is home to over 125 stores. The shopping mall offers an array of shops, eateries, services, and a movie theater. It also serves as a tourist destination and a spot that locals love to visit. Some of the well-known brands found here are Macy’s, IMAX, Best Buy, JCPenny, H&M, Red Robin, and Wild Wings, among so many others.
Solano Town Center
Address: 1350 Travis Blvd, Fairfield, CA 94533
Website: Solano Town Center
Opening hours: Mon - Sat: 10am - 8pm; Sun: 10am - 6pm
8. Mankas Gardens Tasting Room & Barrel Rooms
The Vezer Family Vineyard is one of the top wineries in this area, and the Mankas Gardens tasting room is home to the Vezer Family Vineyard’s most exclusive reserves. It sits peacefully within a meticulously landscaped garden which also houses their charming, rustic Mankas Legacy Barrel Room. With a gorgeous patio area on the grounds, this location is the perfect combination of natural beauty and aesthetically pleasing design. An extremely popular wedding destination, the Mankas Gardens also hosts summer concerts - live music and wine galore!
Vezer Wine Tasting
Address: 2522 Mankas Corner Road, Suisun Valley
Website: Vezer Wine Tasting
Mankas Corner Barrel Room Legacy Tour
Address: 2522 Mankas Corner Road, Suisun Valley
9. Blue Victorian Tasting Room, Barrel Room, and Vineyard
The second of three Vezer family properties is the Blue Victorian Tasting Room. Previously a residential farm house, this 170-year-old property is now the site of the Vezer family’s award-winning wine production. Robin’s egg blue and absolutely heart melting, The Blue Victorian hosts daily blending tours, by appointment, which include the ever-enticing ‘Palate Party.’ Guests get to enjoy mouth-watering food pairings of fine cheese and chocolate. The grounds consist of acres of vineyard and palm trees, and just like the Mankas Gardens, live music is a year round plus. If you are in the market for a historic, and without a doubt unique experience, this option is the one for you.
Blue Victorian Barrel Blending Tour
Address: 5071 Suisun Valley Road, Suisun Valley
Website: Blue Victorian Barrel Blending Tour
10. Vezer Estate Ranch
Probably the most interesting offering the Vezer family makes is the option to visit their private residence and ranch. Set on exactly 31 acres (12.5 hectares) of vineyard, the Vezer Estate is something like a dream. Reminiscent of Tuscany, this property is all romance and charm, and a probably more-than-ideal wedding destination. Also unique to this location is the ATV tour of the grounds, an adventure you won’t find at the other two locations. Picture yourself now, cruising through the vineyard, stopping not to smell the roses, but instead to bask in the glory of the prized Vezer family grapes. Get up close and personal with the source. Drink some wine. Live your best life.
Estate Ranch Vineyard and Tasting Tour
Address: 5066 Clayton Road, Suisun Valley
11. First Wednesdays
Hosted at the Suisun City Train Depot Plaza on the first Wednesday of the month, for the months of May to October, is the fun-filled, family-friendly First Wednesdays event. Spend the evening outdoors enjoying delicious appetizers, wine, and live music. It is the perfect way to sample the local fare as well as checkout the local talent.
First Wednesdays
Address: 177 Main Street, Suisun City
Website: First Wednesdays
12. Fairfield Farmers Market and Thursdays on the Green
The weekly Farmers Market in downtown Fairfield is a lively hive buzzing with a variety of activity. You can stop by to check out the local produce or have a picnic on the green with friends and family. Not only is there a selection of mouthwatering farm-fresh fruits and vegetables, but local artisans and craft-makers set up shop to sell their handmade goods as well. It is a fine occasion to support small, local businesses and enjoy all the town has to offer.
Fairfield Farmers Market
Address: Texas Street, Fairfield
Website: Fairfield Farmers Market
13. Wine on the Square
More wine? Well, wine not! This tasting event occurs weekly in Fairfield and features wines from all over the region and further. Hosted at the Cast Iron Grill and Bar, the evening includes the essentials of a wine night: a large outdoor fireplace, more live music, tasty appetizers, good conversation; need I say more?
Wine on the Square
Address: 700 Main St., Suisun City
Website: Wine on the Square
14. The Lawler House Art Gallery
Built in 1860, The Lawler House is now the home of The Lawler House Gallery, a non-profit organization that promotes art exhibition, inspiration, and education. They provide a space for fine artists all over Solano County to house and showcase their work. Every three months the gallery shares a new exhibition. Currently on show at The Lawler House is a contemporary and abstract exhibition called “Untitled.” You can stop by the gallery to view the art or to enroll in classes or workshops.
The Lawler House Art Gallery
Address: 718 Main St., Suisun City
Website: The Lawler House Art Gallery
15. Live Music at Favela's Fusion
Editor's Note: There's no photo available at the time of writing
Every Friday night at Favela’s Fusion Tequila Lounge is live music night. From Mariachi to Cuban Trio, to Jazz, each weekend is a treat for the ears and the stomach! Favela’s Fusion offers beautiful Mexican cuisine served from within an old Mexican Tequileria. Favela’s Fusion brings a rustic, old world charm to new world experiences, with inspiration from the cooking of owner Veronica Favela-Diaz’s father, combined with that of traditional Sabores de Mexico. Named the best new business in Solano County in 2008, Favela’s Fusion is ready to serve you up a handmade margarita with a side of lively tunes that will blow your mind.
Live Music at Favela's Fusion
Address: 1500 Oliver Rd., Fairfield
Website: Favela’s Fusion
Memories and beauty
Sometimes it is the most unassuming of places that have the most to offer in the way of memories and beauty. Small in size but grand in charm, Fairfield, California is a prime choice when looking for a small-town getaway. Something about the place emanates a heartwarming, homey sort of quality, with all the beauty and wildness California is known for. Make Fairfield your next destination when looking to find some peace of wine, I mean, peace of mind.
History
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