Suisun Valley Wine co-op offers taste of boutique wineries

When you're running a boutique winery with limited production, the last thing you've got resources for is a tasting room.

The rust-red painted wood clapboard building looks like a box, accented with brick trim, green awnings, a few shrubs plopped in half wine barrels and not much else.

[...] inside, the welcome is warm, and someone has taken care with the decor, from the sleek, teak-like wineglass storage boxes hung on chains from the open-rafter ceiling, to the artful floral arrangements, cozy rocking chairs and carved wood benches.

In a nice signature touch, staffing is done by the winemakers, winery and vineyard owners, and assorted winery employees.

There's no flash here - my two hosts were quiet and got into chatting about their work only when prompted - but keep in mind that there aren't many tasting rooms at all in this neck of the woods.

There are some interesting varietals to explore here, including a sparkling blanc de blanc from Blacksmith ($20), King Andrews Albarino ($17), Mangels Verdelho ($15), Mangels Tempranillo ($18) and Sunset Barbera ($23; Late Harvest, $20).