Since its doors opened in July 1993, Frank Family Vineyards has steadily built a reputation as one of the most beloved wineries in the Napa Valley region. It blends the art of winemaking with a family ethos that makes guests feel welcome and truly at home.

Founded by Rich Frank, the former President of Disney Studios, and his wife Leslie, an Emmy award-winning journalist, Frank Family Vineyards is a cornerstone of Napa Valley, where fine wines and family warmth go hand-in-hand.

 

Rich Frank: A Vision for Exceptional Hospitality

From the very beginning, Rich and Leslie Frank set out to create a winery experience that felt different from the rest. In Napa Valley, where competition is fierce, standing out means offering more than great wines; it means creating a lasting experience for guests. Under Rich’s leadership, a philosophy based on Disney’s guest-centric ethos took shape at the winery. “We’ve put great care into achieving balance in everything we do – a balance of fun and education, style and design that feels fresh, playful, and modern yet timeless,” Leslie shared. This approach to hospitality has led to Frank Family being consistently recognized for its welcoming atmosphere, even being named “Best Tasting Room” by Napa Valley Life Magazine.

“In 2023, we debuted The Miller House, our most exclusive hospitality space, named in honor of my family name, Miller. Designed by renowned architect firm, Bracken & Bracken, with interiors by Robin Beck of Hawkins Interiors, The Miller House is a masterpiece of modern architecture and farmhouse elegance. It offers a seamless indoor-outdoor experience, inviting guests to indulge in curated food and wine pairings against the stunning Napa Valley backdrop.”

The winery’s charm is undeniable, from its historic 1930s Craftsman house to the park-like property where guests can enjoy intimate tastings or wander beneath centuries-old oak trees. This sense of place is what keeps visitors returning year after year. “Our approach is to create an experience where guests can immerse themselves in our story, fostering a sense of belonging through the wines whether they are sharing an experience at the winery or at home,” explained Leslie.

 

Leslie Frank: Championing Philanthropy and Community

As much as Frank Family Vineyards is known for its remarkable hospitality, Leslie’s leadership has also played an instrumental role in cultivating the winery’s reputation. A former television news anchor and reporter, Leslie’s career spanned 25 years, covering some of the most defining moments in modern history. From reporting live at Ground Zero after the 9/11 attacks to covering the Michael Jackson trial from inside the courtroom, Leslie’s work as a journalist shaped her perspective on storytelling and connection.

Today, Leslie not only promotes the Frank Family brand but also spearheads meaningful philanthropic initiatives. “Since the winery’s inception over three decades ago, my husband Rich and I have evolved Frank Family from a boutique winery to an iconic Napa Valley producer.” Leslie’s work has extended beyond the winery, as she has led campaigns like “Frank for a Cause,” Frank Family’s annual giving initiative that has raised money for various nonprofits, including the Breast Cancer Research Foundation, Feeding America, and K9s for Warriors, to name a few. Speaking of Frank for a Cause, Leslie explained, “This campaign is close to my heart, as it allows us to make a positive impact on the world around us, just as we’ve done with our wines.”

Leslie is also deeply involved in the Napa Valley community as a board member of Festival Napa Valley and the St. Helena Hospital Foundation. She brings a wealth of experience and passion to these organizations, contributing to arts education and healthcare in the region. In 2024, she was honored to join the board of Treasury Wine Estates, the parent company of Frank Family Vineyards, where she continues to contribute her knowledge and passion for the wine industry on a broader scale.

 

The Wines: A Legacy of Excellence

The wines are at the heart of Frank Family Vineyards. They represent a culmination of years of expertise, passion, and dedication. Known primarily for outstanding Cabernet Sauvignon and Chardonnay, Frank Family wines have earned a loyal following among wine lovers worldwide. The winery’s Carneros Chardonnay has garnered significant acclaim, with Wine Spectator recently naming it one of their “Top 10 Value Wines” of 2024.

Frank Family offers visitors to the winery limited-production, estate-driven wines, including the distinguished Winston Hill Bordeaux-style blend and the 100 percent varietal Patriarch Cabernet Sauvignon. Leslie, reflecting on the winery’s journey, said, “The Frank Family wine I am most proud to serve is usually the one that is on my table on any given night—it all depends on what we’re eating.”

 

Winemaker Todd Graff: Winemaking Excellence

Much of the wine’s success can be attributed to Senior Winemaker and General Manager Todd Graff, who has been with Frank Family since 2003. Todd’s extensive expertise and dedication to still and sparkling wines have shaped the winery’s legacy. “At Frank Family, we believe in producing wines of balance, consistency, and authenticity that reflect the vineyards they come from,” Todd explained. His winemaking philosophy revolves around purity of fruit and balance of flavor. His vision and technical precision have been a driving force in the winery’s rise to prominence.

With more than 380 acres of the finest vineyards across the best appellations within Napa Valley, Todd knows that location makes a difference. “By leveraging fruit from our exceptional estate vineyards as well as relationships with long-term grape growers, such as renowned Beckstoffer and Sangiacomo Vineyards, Frank Family has defined an elegant house style and makes no compromises in our pursuit to maintain it.”

Rich and Leslie’s familial approach extends to the names they use in the winery and for the estate. “Our vineyards are an important part of the Frank Family story, not only for the grapes we produce, but for their namesakes, Rich and Leslie’s beloved English Springer Spaniel, Winston, and their grandchildren Lewis, Stella, Jeremy, and Benjamin. Winston Hill in Rutherford is the crown jewel of our estate, producing deeply structured Cabernet Sauvignon with the signature “Rutherford Dust” tannins.

“Benjamin Vineyard, just across the Silverado Trail on the valley floor, benefits from well-draining soils, leading to bold yet refined Bordeaux varieties. Meanwhile, S & J Vineyard in Pope Valley enjoys warm days and cool nights, allowing for extended hang time and optimal ripeness, resulting in wines of remarkable depth and complexity. Our Chardonnay program is deeply influenced by our Lewis Chardonnay in Carneros, where the cool maritime climate and clay loam soils produce wines with bright acidity and complexity.”

The family’s commitment to quality extends beyond the grapes to the winemaking process, where consistency and balance are paramount. In 2024, the winery welcomed Alicia Sylvester as a new winemaker to join Todd in overseeing the production of their estate-driven wines. Alicia brings nearly a decade of experience in producing top-tier wines from regions such as Alexander Valley and Sonoma, and her energy and innovative outlook are already making waves at the winery.

 

Sustainability: A Core Value

Frank Family takes sustainability seriously. As a Napa Green-certified winery, it is committed to environmentally responsible practices across its vineyards and operations. This commitment is reflected in every aspect of its work, from reducing waste to sourcing 100 percent renewable energy through Marin Clean Energy’s Deep Green Program. The winery’s sustainable farming practices include using solar panels to generate clean energy and introducing sheep into the vineyards to enhance regenerative farming efforts.

Moreover, Frank Family has firmly committed to environmental causes beyond Napa Valley. Through the “Frank for a Cause” campaign, the winery has partnered with 4ocean, an organization dedicated to removing ocean plastic.

“Every purchase of Frank Family wine helps remove one pound of trash from the world’s oceans,” said Leslie. Since the partnership began, Frank Family has helped remove over 25,000 pounds of ocean debris, making a significant contribution to environmental efforts on a global scale.

“Sustainability is at the core of everything we do,” said Leslie. The winery’s commitment to the environment is as strong as its commitment to producing wines of the highest quality.

 

Looking to the Future

Frank Family Vineyards is poised for continued success with a foundation built on quality, hospitality, and philanthropy. The addition of Alicia Sylvester to the winemaking team is an exciting chapter for the winery, as her innovative approach to winemaking complements Todd Graff’s experience and expertise.

“As we look to the future, we remain committed to producing wines of exceptional quality and fostering deep connections with our guests,” Leslie said. The winery’s spirit of family and legacy of producing Napa Valley wines that reflect the region’s terroir will undoubtedly continue to inspire future generations of wine lovers. For those lucky enough to experience it, Frank Family Vineyards represents a perfect blend of artistry, hospitality, and philanthropy—values that will continue to define the winery for years.

for more information www.frankfamilyvineyards.com

 

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