Rich Frank, the engaging and humorous owner of Frank Family Vineyards in Napa Valley, and former President of Disney Studios, once remarked, “You can’t work at Disney if you don’t like people.” This philosophy of connection and enjoyment is palpable in every aspect of his acclaimed winery, from the welcoming tasting room to the meticulously crafted wines. Before his illustrious career overseeing global entertainment giants like Disney and Paramount Television Group, Frank was instrumental in the creation of iconic shows such as Cheers, Golden Girls, and blockbuster movies like Pretty Woman and The Lion King. Now, as Vice Chairman and Executive Board Member of the American Film Institute, his influence in the entertainment industry remains significant. But what prompted this industry titan to trade Hollywood for vineyards?
Frank’s journey to Napa Valley began during his demanding tenure at Disney. “Work was 24/7 – there was no break,” he explained. Seeking respite, he discovered Napa Valley in the late 1980s and was immediately captivated. “I fell in love with the area. It was a great place for a second home.” In 1990, he purchased a Tudor-style home in Rutherford, complete with land, a few grapevines, and a serendipitous neighbor, Kerner Rombauer of Rombauer Vineyards. Rombauer, becoming a close friend, offered a humorous yet prescient warning: “Don’t quit your day job. The wine business is tough.”
Rich Frank
Despite the cautionary advice, Frank’s connection to Napa and its people deepened. “Owning a winery was not a lifelong dream or aspiration,” Frank admits. “But sometimes you can’t plan things… they just work out. The area and people hooked me first, and then, wine.” By 1992, opportunity knocked when the historic Larkmead Building, formerly Hanns Kornell Champagne Cellars, became available. Frank seized the moment, purchasing the iconic property. Partnering with Rombauer to manage the existing inventory, Frank Family Vineyards officially opened its doors on July 4, 1993.
A crucial partner in this venture is Frank’s wife, Leslie Frank, an Emmy Award-winning broadcast journalist. As co-proprietor, Leslie spearheads Marketing & Branding, overseeing everything from outreach and website design to the winery’s online presence and popular virtual tastings. Her expertise ensures that the Frank Family Winery brand resonates with wine lovers both online and in person.
Rich Frank and Leslie Frank
The Art of Winemaking at Frank Family Vineyards
Rich Frank draws a compelling parallel between filmmaking and winemaking: “There’s a giant similarity between making a movie and making wine. You need a great script to get a great movie; you need great grapes to get a great wine. You need a director to cast the movie; you need a winemaker to cast the barrels. Both take about a year to produce. And financially, you lay out the money early before you can get it back.”
Guiding the winemaking vision at Frank Family Vineyards is Todd Graff, who joined the team 18 years ago as Winemaker and now also serves as General Manager. Graff’s extensive background includes winemaking experience both internationally and domestically, including sparkling wine production at Schramsberg and Cordoniu (now Artesa). Rich Frank enthusiastically calls Todd a “phenomenal winemaker,” a sentiment echoed in the winery’s impressive portfolio, which has expanded under Graff’s direction to include 22 distinct wines across various price points. Todd’s winemaking philosophy is rooted in respect for terroir and varietal character. “I strive to respect the site and variety,” Todd explained, “then create wines with structure and balance.”
Each site is the best place for its respective varietals to grow. For example, our Pinot Noir and Chardonnay are sourced from Carneros, whose cool maritime climate is perfect for such varietals. As for our Rutherford properties, the Rutherford AVA is the heart of Napa’s Cabernet land, that distinct Rutherford Dust creates an incredible character in our Cabernet Sauvignons.
Winston Hill Vineyard, situated 500 feet above the valley floor in Rutherford along the Vaca Mountain Range, boasts well-drained volcanic and sandstone soils. Its southwest exposure provides extended sunshine hours, contributing to rich fruit development.
Benjamin Vineyard, located in the heart of Rutherford west of Conn Creek Road, features gravelly loam soil from ancient sediment deposits of Conn Creek and the Napa River. Long sunshine hours and cool nights on the valley floor allow for gradual and consistent grape maturation.
Lewis Vineyard, spanning 86 acres of rolling hills in the Napa/Carneros AVA, is characterized by shallow and dense clay loam. Its proximity to San Pablo Bay creates a maritime climate with cool temperatures, fog, and wind, resulting in Pinot Noir and Chardonnay with vibrant acidity.
S&J Vineyard, nestled east of the Vaca Mountain Range in Capell Valley at 700 feet, features well-drained clay loam soil similar to the Rutherford Bench. Cool nights balanced with warm days promote extended and even ripening. Todd Graff, Winemaker and General Manager, Frank Family Vineyards
Todd Graff, Rich Frank
Frank Family Vineyards is committed to sustainable practices, holding Napa Green certification since 2015. Todd Graff highlights some of their eco-conscious efforts: “In the winery, we recycle all grape must, corks, packaging, and capsules, as well as office supplies. We are also exploring energy-saving cold stabilization techniques and have reduced energy consumption through skylights and increased insulation. Water conservation is also a priority, with flow meters, steam usage reduction, greywater recycling for landscaping, and chemical wash reuse for tanks.”
Tasting the Terroir: Frank Family Vineyards Wines
Rich Frank’s personal philosophy extends to his wine production: “I’ll only produce wines that I like drinking.” Humorously adding, “I never made a horror movie because I hate horror movies…so I don’t make Sauvignon Blanc.” While Sauvignon Blanc may not be in the Frank Family Winery portfolio, their range is diverse and impressive.
Paying homage to the Larkmead Building’s champagne cellar history, Frank Family Vineyards produces limited quantities of méthode traditionelle sparkling wines, a nod to Hanns Kornell. Under Todd Graff’s expertise, these sparkling wines, including the prestigious Lady Edythe, are exclusively available to wine club members and at the winery.
However, the primary focus remains on still wines. Samples tasted reveal the elegance and allure of Frank Family Vineyards offerings. The 2018 Carneros Chardonnay ($38), paired beautifully with seared scallops and caponata, exhibiting notes of toasted brioche, lemon, lime, herbs, and a hint of pepper, culminating in a creamy, round finish. The 2018 Carneros Pinot Noir ($38) showcased vibrant aromas of raspberries, cherries, cola, vanilla, and a touch of milk chocolate, with balanced acidity and tannins leading to flavors of lush red berries and spice.
For Zinfandel enthusiasts, the 2017 Napa Valley Zinfandel ($38) delivers generous aromas of red berries, oregano, toast, and a smoky nuance. The palate is rich with pomegranate, juicy berries, and spice, framed by medium acidity and integrated tannins. Finally, the 2016 Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon ($58) bursts with black cherry, vanilla, cola, chocolate, and baking spice aromas. The complex palate reveals rustic notes of blueberries, earth, dark fruit, and chocolate, supported by vibrant acidity and firm tannins.
Rich Frank
Rich Frank
Rich Frank
Rich Frank’s personal wine preferences lean towards “big wines” like Cabernet Sauvignon and quality Chardonnay. He enjoys grilling, and ribs are often accompanied by “a two-bottle of Zinfandel dinner – one for cooking and one while eating.” Pasta nights call for Chardonnay, perhaps the Carneros Chardonnay or the more opulent Lewis Vineyard Chardonnay. Red wine choices might include the Napa Valley Cabernet, Napa Valley Zinfandel, or the RHF Reserve Cabernet, named to represent “Rutherford, Hillside, Floor” and also Rich’s initials. For special occasions, the celebration begins with Lady Edythe sparkling wine, progressing to Lewis Vineyard Chardonnay, and culminating with the Winston Hill Bordeaux Blend.
As gifts, Frank shares his prized wines. “If I really like them, I’ll give a bottle of the Winston Hill Bordeaux Blend or The Patriarch,” the latter holding deep personal significance. Named in honor of his father, a World War II veteran who served with distinction, The Patriarch Cabernet Sauvignon embodies the American dream and Frank’s profound respect for his father’s legacy.
Just as investing in a Rich Frank movie was a sound decision, investing in the wines of Frank Family Vineyards promises a rewarding experience for the palate. With Rich Frank’s vision and Todd Graff’s winemaking expertise, Frank Family Winery continues to produce exceptional Napa Valley wines that capture the spirit of both Hollywood and wine country.
Cheers!
