Snowbirds Living in the Philippines : Vino Godfather Winery in Mare Island, Vallejo, California

Sunday, August 17, 2025

Vino Godfather Winery in Mare Island, Vallejo, California

Vino Godfather Winery is located in Vallejo, California, on Mare Island💚

. It is housed in a historic mansion that served as a former military officer's residence, built in 1901. The winery specializes in handcrafted, small-batch wines, including a variety of red, white, and sparkling options.

Ruth and I attended Dodie's Shakespeare Performance at the Backyard of Vino

GodFather Friday Night. This was my first time visit, so I took photos inside the

Historic mansion ( see bottom of this page). Here's what I learned form the Internet

of this winery and its activities.

Tasting experience

Historic setting: The tasting room is located within the mansion, featuring vintage decor and a grand staircase. You can also choose to enjoy your wine on the front porch with comfortable seating, or in the spacious backyard area.
Wine selection:
Vino Godfather
offers a diverse selection of wines, including:
- Sparkling: 2021 California Blanc de Blancs and 2021 California Rosé Demi Sec (both award-winning).
- White: 2023 Pinot Grigio, 2023 Viognier, 2023 Sauvignon Blanc, and 2022 Speakeasy Chardonnay.
- Red: 2022 Pinot Noir (Double Gold Award Winner), 2018 Prohibition Red, 2018 Prohibition Tempranillo, 2022 Malbec, 2017 Triple Crown Red Blend, 2022 California Cabernet, 2020 Cabernet Sonoma County, 2022 Petite Sirah, and 2017 St. Peter's Church Clone Zinfandel.
Tasting options: You can choose a tasting flight of five wines, purchase wine by the glass or bottle, and enjoy charcuterie and snack pairings.
Customer service: Many reviewers highlight the friendly and welcoming staff, such as Bennie "Joey" McKay and Thomas Massingill, who provide excellent service and knowledge of the wines.
Events: Vino Godfather hosts a variety of events, including concerts, pop-ups, lunches, holiday parties, and more. Check their Facebook page or website for upcoming events.

Beyond the wine

Venue Rental: The mansion and spacious gardens can accommodate various events, such as weddings, anniversaries, and family reunions.
History: The location offers a glimpse into the history of Mare Island and its former military importance, with the chapel at the end of the road being the oldest naval chapel in the United States.
Relaxing atmosphere: The environment is described as casual, relaxed, and festive, making it a comfortable place to spend an afternoon or evening.
Accessibility: Plenty of parking is available, and walk-ins are welcome for tastings (reservations are encouraged for groups).

In summary, Vino Godfather offers a unique wine tasting experience in a historic setting, complemented by a diverse selection of wines, welcoming staff, and various events.

Here are my photos inside this historic mansion built in 1901.

The winery in located in Mare Island, Vallejo, Here's the website for the history of this

naval base.

https://www.history.navy.mil/browse-by-topic/organization-and-administration/historic-bases/mare-island.html

Meanwhile, another historic building in Mare Island is the St. Peter's Chapel. This historic church building is located on Walnut near Cedar Avenues, Vallejo, Solano County, California, in the historic core of the Mare Island Naval Shipyard.

It is the first Naval chapel in the Pacific, the first interdenominational chapel in the armed services, and the second chapel built on a U.S. Navy property, the first being the original Naval chapel in Annapolis replaced in 1904.

Dedicated on 13 October 1901, St. Peter's Chapel is the oldest extant Naval chapel in the United States and has one of the largest collection of Tiffany windows in situ under one roof. It is "a key contributing element of the Mare Island Historic District, listed in the National Register of Historic Places and a National Historic Landmark, and individually, as one of the most important chapels owned by the U.S. Navy."^:

^{Another historic building in Mare Island is the Admiral Mansion. It's available for rent for weddings, parties and other receptions in conjunction with the St Peter Chapel.}

^{Lastly, as usual, I purchased a baseball cap from Vino Godfather}for my collection:

💚Historical Importance of Mare Island ⚓

Mare Island, located in Vallejo, California, is historically significant as the first United States Navy base established on the Pacific Ocean. Founded in 1854, it served as a shipyard and naval base for over a century, playing a crucial role in shipbuilding and repair during major conflicts, including World War II. Today, Mare Island is a site of cultural and historical interest, featuring preserved naval buildings, a museum, and a golf course. The island is also undergoing redevelopment, with plans for residential, commercial, and recreational spaces, making it a unique blend of history and modernity.

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Joys of Retirement

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