Back to Roots and Branching Out

50 years ago, the Wagner family founded Caymus Vineyards winery based in Rutherford, Napa, California that has developed in to the wine scene mogul we know today. In 1972, only 240 cases of Cabernet Sauvignon launched the beginning of Caymus’ worldwide popularity and the demand for the luscious, round and rich profile of their highly sought-after wines. As Caymus’ success broadened so did their portfolio, expanding to other labels under the Caymus umbrella such as Conundrum, Mer Soleil, Emmolo, Red Schooner, Bonanza, and Sea Sun. Most recently, the Wagners have launched an exciting new wine label, titled Caymus-Suisun, by carefully cultivating and farming high-quality grapes in the picturesque region of Suisun.

The Wagner Family - An endearing history

Johannas Glos, was the first farmer of the Wagner family that settled in California in 1881 and laid the groundwork for the continuous agricultural family line that would span across future generations. “The Walking Fool” red wine blend produced by the Caymus-Suisun winery is an homage to Glos, and named in his honour. (Review below)

Chuck Wagner opened Caymus winery in 1972 at the age of 19 with his parents Lorna and Charlie Sr., who would work together for decades on their commercial winery. Chuck endearingly refers to this time as “the precious history of my life.” While Charlie Sr.’s ancesters were settling in to farm land in 1881, Lorna Belle Glos Wagner’s family was also settling in Napa. Lorna and Charlie Sr. grew up within a mile of each other in Rutherford, Napa Valley and eventually, would live and work together for over 50 years.

Today, the winery is still family-owned by Chuck and his children Charlie and Jenny Wagner who carry on their family legacy in winemaking and farming for the family business.

Suisun Valley AVA

Caymus-Suisun Wines

The first wine of the new winery - Durif a.k.a. Petite Sirah. A grape that grows quite well in Suisun, and with it’s dark, inky and robust profile they aptly named this one Grand Durif. “The Walking Fool” bottle, crafted by Jenny Wagner, blends Petite Sirah with Zinfandel, another grape that flourishes under the warm sun and within the Suisun soils. The blend for this wine crafts a fresh, fruity style with broad, soft tannins and a hefty structure. While Rhone varietals have much claim to fame in this AVA, Caymus-Suisun has crafted a “Bay Rose” from Grenache.

The wines of Caymus-Suisun of course share similarities to the wines of their home brand - unwavering building blocks as a staple of California wine, but they are also reflective of the region from which they’re farmed. They’re certainly an exciting introduction of the budding Suisun Valley and the new Caymus-Suisun winery.