In one of our early trips to Napa, with no appointment and not knowing what to expect, we decided to pop into Frank Family Vineyards. Back then, you did not need to make appointments, however that did not mean that they could accommodate you. What we found when we stepped into the winery was a buzzing and welcoming tasting room. Fast forward to our recent visit and all the great memories from our first tasting experience came back.
This time around, due to COVID restrictions, we did our tasting on their patio instead of their iconic yellow tasting room. At first, we were disappointed that we could not relive our previous experience but once our tasting began we were guided through a brand new and unforgettable tasting adventure. Founded in 1992 by Rich Frank, Frank Family Vineyards has been voted “Best Napa Winery” on numerous occasions. Rich, along with his wife Leslie, built Frank Family into one of Napa’s most recognized Chardonnay and Cabernet Sauvignon producers. Perhaps that’s why last year, Australia’s wine corporation, Treasury Wine Estates, paid them $315 million to purchase the winery, their Rutherford Benjamin Ranch vineyard and one of their vineyards in Capell Valley on the eastern side of Napa. The Franks have agreed to stay on as consultants for at least two years.
One fun fact of the transaction is that Rich and Leslie Frank have maintained ownership of their Winston Hill Vineyard in Rutherford and of their Lewis Vineyard in Carneros. We will stay tuned to see if this means that the Franks will be launching another exciting project in the upcoming years.
From deliciously refreshing sparkling wines to highly coveted Cabernet Sauvignons Frank Family has you covered. One of our favorites from our tasting was their 2017 Patriarch. In 2012, to honor his fathers 99th birthday, Rich Frank decided to craft a special wine and the Patriarch was born.
Be it in the iconic yellow tasting room, on their outdoor patio or in their newly approved 7,700 square foot tasting room, know that great wines await you at Frank Family Vineyards.
