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Welcome to
Manka's Meadow
Our passion for supporting our local Suisun Valley agricultural community through the establishment of a quality agri-tourism focal point, and a desire to maintain a rural feeling at Manka’s Corner are the primary influences behind our thinking for the future enhancement we have planned for our “Manka’s Meadow” effort. We hope to create a place that reflects the warmth of our friendly neighbors, the country lifestyle we all enjoy, and showcases all the best that Suisun Valley has to offer. We look forward to sharing details as this project takes shape and creating a place where local residents, and outside visitors alike, can enjoy a rurally oriented, quality experience at Manka’s Corner for years to come. Cheers!
Manka's Meadow
Plan Area
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At Manka’s Corner, we are committed to celebrate the Valley’s history, families, and agricultural traditions while creating a destination rooted in authenticity. Glashoff Sculpture Art, with its deep connection to Suisun Valley, will be featured in portions of the project as an expression of the region’s true character.
Manka’s East
Vision
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Manka’s EAST
LOCAL BUSINESSES
Suisun Valley Filling Station
I’m a fifth-generation Suisun Valley native, born and raised in the region. In 2018, when the vintage gas station at Manka's Corner became available, I saw the potential to create the perfect tasting room for small, local, family-run wineries and breweries. With the encouragement of my family and friends, I founded The Suisun Valley Filling Station, which has since become a beloved gathering spot for locals and a hidden gem for tourists.
Farmer's Closet
As sisters born and raised in Suisun Valley, we are now raising the fourth generation and honoring our late parents through our boutique. Our store reflects our deep local roots, offering a carefully curated selection of clothing, gifts, and gourmet pantry items. We treat each customer like family and remain loyal to our local values.
Wild Oak Wellness
We created Wild Oak Wellness (WOW) to be more than just a studio. Our vision was to build a nurturing community rooted in kindness, authenticity, and encouragement. At WOW, you’ll find a space where you are seen, supported, and celebrated…a place to come as you are, discover what you need, and leave with a deeper sense of calm, clarity, and connection. Both valley residents, Dorene brings her background in nursing, teaching yoga locally since 2010, and teaching nursing at Solano College since 2005, and I bring my experience in business, sports, health, and wellness. Together, we’ve created a program that we hope feels truly special for you.
Space Available for Lease or Collaboration, see below:
Join the
Manka’s Meadow Community
We’re currently welcoming tenants for our upcoming collection of new businesses.
Space Available for Lease or Collaboration, see below:
Join the
Manka’s Meadow Community
We’re currently welcoming tenants for our upcoming collection of new businesses.
Suisun ValleY
HISTORICAL TIMELINE
Before the 1800s
The Suisun Valley, rich in natural beauty and resources, was home to the Patwin tribe, known for their deep connection to the land.
1837
A vast expanse of 18,000 acres, known as Suisun Rancho, was granted to Sam Yeto, also known as Francico Solano, or Chief Solano of the Suisun area Patwin Indian tribe, a distinguished leader of the Suisun people, received this land grant from Mexican Governor Juan Alvarado. Solano received this land grant substantially due to his friendship with, General Mariano Vallejo, of the Mexican Government, marking the area’s early colonial history. Seems a bit ironic in retrospect, to receive a land grant to your own historical lands…
1840s-1850s
Following the end of the Mexican–American War, Gold Prospectors poured into California. Some gave up prospecting and decided to settle permanently, bringing new agricultural practices to the fertile valley.
1842
In 1842, early Southern California Pioneer William Wolfskill receives a land grant near present day Winter’s CA, called Rancho Rio de los Putos, for 28 square miles along present day Putah Creek, source of Lake Berryessa. William lived in southern California and was married to General Mariano Vallejo’s first cousin. William is credited with bringing the first commercial wine grapes and citrus trees into California. William’s younger brother, John Reid Wolfskill, began farming this land, along with the help of three more younger Wolfskill brothers who migrated to California in 1850 to help farm the Wolfskill Rancho. The third Wolkskill brother in the pecking order was Mathus Wolfskill, who was granted 2000 acres of prime orchards by his brothers, John and William.
1855
In 1855, former Gold Miner Christley Manka, buys an interest in a store and schoolhouse from John W Barton, which was then known as Barton’s store. This is todays Manka's Grill Steakhouse, run by Kyle Barraza, and owned by Frank Vezer. Christley Manka buys out Barton’s remaining interest in 1859, and the old stage coach stop becomes known as Manka's Corner. Christley Manka’s best friend becomes Joeseph C. Wolfskill, who lives directly across the street, and who administers Christley Manka's estate upon his death in 1888.
1860s
The advent of the railroad connected Suisun Valley to broader markets, boosting local agriculture and paving the way for economic growth.
1866
In 1866 Mathus Wolfskill moves from the Putah Creek ranch, and together with his son Joeseph, buys two major ranches totaling about 1200 acres of what is today, lower Gordon Valley, stretching from Manka's Corner all the way up to today’s Abruzzini Ranch. Mathus has two sons, John W. Wolfskill, and Joeseph C. Wolfskill. John W. Wolfskill becomes a very successful land investor, oilman, and rancher in Southern California. He is credited with creating the towns of Escondido, near San Diego, and the town of La Brea. He also owned a large ranch under what is present day UCLA and Westwood Village. John W. Wolfskill was a contemporary of Charles Victor Hall, Mark Hall’s great, great, grandad who was also a southern California early oilman. Hall discovered the Olinda oilfields of modern-day Fullerton, CA, directly adjacent Wolfskill’s La Brea oil holdings, where Hall founded and acted as CEO of Fullerton Oil Company. Hall and Wolfskill were operating businesses in the same industry at the very same time. Hall also owned the rancho comprising the modern-day town of San Marcos, near San Diego, and directly adjacent the Wolfskill holdings in present day Escondido.
1872
Ana Luisa Dalton, another early ancestor of Mark Dalton Hall, marries Louis Wolfskill, eldest son of William Wolfskill, and first cousin to brothers Joeseph C. Wolfskill, and John W. Wolfskill, both of Suisun Valley at one point or another. We put this tidbit in the history line, because it is interesting to Mark and Tam that Mark is actually distantly related, via marriage, to the Wolfskill clan. So is Linda Ronstadt, by the way, and we’ve never met her, so it is not that big of a deal…pretty much any early pioneers in California from the 1830’s, likely knew each other pretty well.
1885
Mathus and his son Joeseph Wolfskill begin constructing what was to become the grandest Mansion in all of Suisun Valley, in approximately 1882. By 1885, the Victorian Era Mansion is complete, and it is considered one of the most noteworthy homes in the entire Solano County region. After Joeseph’s father Mathus passed in 1891, Joeseph and his wife Mary raised three children in the home. They were named Mathus (named after Joeseph’s father), Jerena, and Clarence. Jerena, who was born in 1893, lived in the home her entire life. She married Ernest Cicero Armstrong (which is why some people call it the Armstrong House), in 1920. Jerena passed away in 1997 at the ripe old age of 104. Most of her personal effects were still in the house, just as she left them the day she died, when we purchased the home, 27 years after her death.
Mid-20th century
Post-war expansion saw a boom in fruit and vegetable farming, establishing the valley as a key player in California's agricultural sector.
1960s-1970s
Vineyards begin to expand in Suisun Valley, slowly pushing out row crops, plums, pears, and other stone fruits as wine grape quality is recognized for its quality.
1982
Recognition of the area’s unique terroir led to the designation of Suisun Valley as an American Viticultural Area (AVA), officially putting it on the map for wine production. Thank you to the late Chick Lanza for leading this effort!
1997
Mark Hall buys the Dove Nest Ranch on Gordon Valley Road, formerly a portion of the Joeseph C Wolfskill Ranch Holdings.
2000s
A revival in viticulture and organic farming began, with a surge in family-owned vineyards and wineries dedicated to sustainable practices.
2019
Chuck Wagner, owner of Caymus Vineyards, acquires the Manka's Meadow property from the Wolfskill Family heirs.
2020
During the COVID-19 pandemic, Suisun Valley’s agritourism demonstrated the resilience and adaptability of the local agriculture community for those seeking an outlet from being cooped up in lockdown.
2022
In spring 2022, Caymus Vineyards established the Caymus-Suisun Winery in the Suisun Valley, marking a significant shift as the region began to gain recognition for its wines, not just the quality of its grapes. Thank you Chuck, Jenny, and Charlie Wagner, for recognizing the potential in Suisun Valley as a premium wine producing area, and bringing your globally recognized premium brand to our corner of the wine world!
2023
Mark and Tam purchase the Filling Station side of Manka's Corner from the Wolfskill Family heirs (thank you to Meredith Russel Carter and the late April Russel who are great, great, great, granddaughters of Mathus Wolfskill).
2024- Present Day
Chuck Wagner / Caymus Vineyards enters a contract to sell the Manka's Meadow property to Mark Hall and Tamara Gerlach in an off-market transaction. This transaction was finalized and the title was transferred in September. Thank you, Chuck! This now brings Mark and Tam’s holding to 16 acres surrounding Manka's Corner. Today, Suisun Valley is celebrated as a charming wine destination, where visitors can enjoy the legacy of both its natural and cultivated landscapes, savoring locally produced wines and fresh produce in a picturesque setting.
Before the 1800s
The Suisun Valley, rich in natural beauty and resources, was home to the Patwin tribe, known for their deep connection to the land.
1837
A vast expanse of 18,000 acres, known as Suisun Rancho, was granted to Sam Yeto, also known as Francico Solano, or Chief Solano of the Suisun area Patwin Indian tribe, a distinguished leader of the Suisun people, received this land grant from Mexican Governor Juan Alvarado. Solano received this land grant substantially due to his friendship with, General Mariano Vallejo, of the Mexican Government, marking the area’s early colonial history. Seems a bit ironic in retrospect, to receive a land grant to your own historical lands…
1840s-1850s
Following the end of the Mexican–American War, Gold Prospectors poured into California. Some gave up prospecting and decided to settle permanently, bringing new agricultural practices to the fertile valley.
1842
In 1842, early Southern California Pioneer William Wolfskill receives a land grant near present day Winter’s CA, called Rancho Rio de los Putos, for 28 square miles along present day Putah Creek, source of Lake Berryessa. William lived in southern California and was married to General Mariano Vallejo’s first cousin. William is credited with bringing the first commercial wine grapes and citrus trees into California. William’s younger brother, John Reid Wolfskill, began farming this land, along with the help of three more younger Wolfskill brothers who migrated to California in 1850 to help farm the Wolfskill Rancho. The third Wolkskill brother in the pecking order was Mathus Wolfskill, who was granted 2000 acres of prime orchards by his brothers, John and William.
1855
In 1855, former Gold Miner Christley Manka, buys an interest in a store and schoolhouse from John W Barton, which was then known as Barton’s store. This is todays Manka's Grill Steakhouse, run by Kyle Barraza, and owned by Frank Vezer. Christley Manka buys out Barton’s remaining interest in 1859, and the old stage coach stop becomes known as Manka's Corner. Christley Manka’s best friend becomes Joeseph C. Wolfskill, who lives directly across the street, and who administers Christley Manka's estate upon his death in 1888.
1860s
The advent of the railroad connected Suisun Valley to broader markets, boosting local agriculture and paving the way for economic growth.
1866
In 1866 Mathus Wolfskill moves from the Putah Creek ranch, and together with his son Joeseph, buys two major ranches totaling about 1200 acres of what is today, lower Gordon Valley, stretching from Manka's Corner all the way up to today’s Abruzzini Ranch. Mathus has two sons, John W. Wolfskill, and Joeseph C. Wolfskill. John W. Wolfskill becomes a very successful land investor, oilman, and rancher in Southern California. He is credited with creating the towns of Escondido, near San Diego, and the town of La Brea. He also owned a large ranch under what is present day UCLA and Westwood Village. John W. Wolfskill was a contemporary of Charles Victor Hall, Mark Hall’s great, great, grandad who was also a southern California early oilman. Hall discovered the Olinda oilfields of modern-day Fullerton, CA, directly adjacent Wolfskill’s La Brea oil holdings, where Hall founded and acted as CEO of Fullerton Oil Company. Hall and Wolfskill were operating businesses in the same industry at the very same time. Hall also owned the rancho comprising the modern-day town of San Marcos, near San Diego, and directly adjacent the Wolfskill holdings in present day Escondido.
1872
Ana Luisa Dalton, another early ancestor of Mark Dalton Hall, marries Louis Wolfskill, eldest son of William Wolfskill, and first cousin to brothers Joeseph C. Wolfskill, and John W. Wolfskill, both of Suisun Valley at one point or another. We put this tidbit in the history line, because it is interesting to Mark and Tam that Mark is actually distantly related, via marriage, to the Wolfskill clan. So is Linda Ronstadt, by the way, and we’ve never met her, so it is not that big of a deal…pretty much any early pioneers in California from the 1830’s, likely knew each other pretty well.
1885
Mathus and his son Joeseph Wolfskill begin constructing what was to become the grandest Mansion in all of Suisun Valley, in approximately 1882. By 1885, the Victorian Era Mansion is complete, and it is considered one of the most noteworthy homes in the entire Solano County region. After Joeseph’s father Mathus passed in 1891, Joeseph and his wife Mary raised three children in the home. They were named Mathus (named after Joeseph’s father), Jerena, and Clarence. Jerena, who was born in 1893, lived in the home her entire life. She married Ernest Cicero Armstrong (which is why some people call it the Armstrong House), in 1920. Jerena passed away in 1997 at the ripe old age of 104. Most of her personal effects were still in the house, just as she left them the day she died, when we purchased the home, 27 years after her death.
Mid-20th century
Post-war expansion saw a boom in fruit and vegetable farming, establishing the valley as a key player in California's agricultural sector.
1960s-1970s
Vineyards begin to expand in Suisun Valley, slowly pushing out row crops, plums, pears, and other stone fruits as wine grape quality is recognized for its quality.
1982
Recognition of the area’s unique terroir led to the designation of Suisun Valley as an American Viticultural Area (AVA), officially putting it on the map for wine production. Thank you to the late Chick Lanza for leading this effort!
1997
Mark Hall buys the Dove Nest Ranch on Gordon Valley Road, formerly a portion of the Joeseph C Wolfskill Ranch Holdings.
2000s
A revival in viticulture and organic farming began, with a surge in family-owned vineyards and wineries dedicated to sustainable practices.
2019
Chuck Wagner, owner of Caymus Vineyards, acquires the Manka's Meadow property from the Wolfskill Family heirs.
2020
During the COVID-19 pandemic, Suisun Valley’s agritourism demonstrated the resilience and adaptability of the local agriculture community for those seeking an outlet from being cooped up in lockdown.
2022
In spring 2022, Caymus Vineyards established the Caymus-Suisun Winery in the Suisun Valley, marking a significant shift as the region began to gain recognition for its wines, not just the quality of its grapes. Thank you Chuck, Jenny, and Charlie Wagner, for recognizing the potential in Suisun Valley as a premium wine producing area, and bringing your globally recognized premium brand to our corner of the wine world!
2023
Mark and Tam purchase the Filling Station side of Manka's Corner from the Wolfskill Family heirs (thank you to Meredith Russel Carter and the late April Russel who are great, great, great, granddaughters of Mathus Wolfskill).
2024- Present Day
Chuck Wagner / Caymus Vineyards enters a contract to sell the Manka's Meadow property to Mark Hall and Tamara Gerlach in an off-market transaction. This transaction was finalized and the title was transferred in September. Thank you, Chuck! This now brings Mark and Tam’s holding to 16 acres surrounding Manka's Corner. Today, Suisun Valley is celebrated as a charming wine destination, where visitors can enjoy the legacy of both its natural and cultivated landscapes, savoring locally produced wines and fresh produce in a picturesque setting.
Our thoughts on Suisun Valley
Manka’s Meadow