Frank Family Vineyards

Frank Family Vineyards is one of the most universally loved wineries in Napa Valley, a place that combines critically acclaimed wines with an atmosphere so welcoming that visitors routinely describe it as their favorite stop in the valley. Founded in 1992 by Rich Frank, former president of Walt Disney Studios, the winery occupies the historic Larkmead property on the Silverado Trail in Calistoga, a site whose winemaking history dates to 1884. Frank's Hollywood background infused the winery with a sense of showmanship and hospitality that sets it apart from the more reserved estates that surround it.

The estate encompasses 380 acres of vineyard across multiple Napa appellations, with sites in Rutherford, Carneros, and the surrounding Calistoga hills providing fruit for a diverse portfolio. The Larkmead property itself, with its stone winery building and mature landscaping, provides a historic setting that belies the relative youth of the Frank Family brand. The vineyard diversity allows the winemaking team to produce sparkling wine from cool Carneros fruit, rich Cabernet from warm Rutherford, and balanced Chardonnay from sites across the valley.

Winemaker Todd Graff produces wines that hit the sweet spot between critical acclaim and broad appeal. The Cabernet Sauvignon is consistently among the highest-rated wines in the valley, with scores above 95 points from major critics being the norm rather than the exception. The Chardonnay is generous and full-bodied, and the sparkling wines, produced in the traditional method from Carneros fruit, are among the best in the valley. The Zinfandel, sourced from old vines, shows the spicy, brambly character of the variety at its best.

The tasting experience at Frank Family is built around the hospitality that Rich Frank brought from the entertainment industry. Tastings take place in the historic craftsman home on the property, where visitors are seated in small groups and treated to generous pours of the full portfolio. The staff are trained to make every visitor feel like a VIP, and the atmosphere is convivial and fun rather than formal. The outdoor terrace, overlooking the estate vineyards, is one of the most pleasant gathering spots in Calistoga.

Frank Family's success demonstrates that world-class wine and world-class hospitality are not mutually exclusive. While many Napa wineries seem to believe that exclusivity is a prerequisite for prestige, Frank Family proves otherwise: the wines are exceptional, the experience is joyful, and the doors are open to everyone. It is the rare winery that critics and casual visitors agree on, and that consensus is built on a foundation of genuine quality and genuine warmth.