Chardonnay lovers no doubt are familiar with Frank Family’s Carneros Chardonnay, one of the best-selling Chardonnays in the nation. This high-quality, reasonably priced wine is a staple for those seeking an elegant, reliable bottle that consistently delivers. The brand’s dedication to excellence and reliability guarantees a wine that is beautifully balanced, and expressive of its terroir. And as perfect as this particular wine may be, Frank Family ensures Chardonnay lovers have options with its additional offerings of the varietal that delve deeper into the rich and varied terroir of Napa Valley and Sonoma. These Chardonnays are often available only to wine club members, providing an exclusive experience for those who want to explore the full breadth of Frank Family’s winemaking artistry.
These extra special reserve wines are a great reason to join Frank Family’s Chardonnay Club, which provides access to:
Sangiacomo Chardonnay ($85): The leanest of Frank Family’s Chardonnays, this always stunning wine, sourced exclusively from the Sangiacomo family’s Kiser Vineyard in the Sonoma Coast AVA, is distinct and intense, crisp and complex.
Beckstoffer Chardonnay ($85): Sourced from the famed Beckstoffer Carneros Lake Vineyard, this harmonious wine is elegant and velvety, vintage after vintage. This vineyard possesses the perfect conditions for ripening Chardonnay grapes, and Frank Family’s winemaking team feels fortunate to have partnered with the vineyard for more than a decade in producing this luscious wine.
Lewis Vineyard Chardonnay ($85): The grapes for this layered and complex wine come from Frank Family’s Lewis Vineyard, named after Rich and Leslie Frank’s eldest grandson and located in the heart of Carneros. The vineyard’s two highest knolls are farmed exclusively for this beautiful wine which is aged 11 months in 100% new French oak barrels.
Carneros Chardonnay ($40): The Carneros Chardonnay has been instrumental in earning Frank Family national recognition. Not only is it a household favorite, but it also consistently ranks among the country’s most popular restaurant wines. Its foundation lies in the winery’s own Lewis Vineyard, with additional fruit sourced from the esteemed Beckstoffer Vineyards in Napa-Carneros and Sangiacomo Vineyards in Sonoma-Carneros. Bursting with Meyer lemon and yellow apple, complemented by guava aromas and hints of baking spice, this bottling is a true reflection of the Carneros region.
Late Harvest Chardonnay ($65): Sourced exclusively from Frank Family’s Lewis Vineyard in Carneros, this Late Harvest Chardonnay is crafted in the traditional European style, allowing botrytized grapes to remain on the vine until they reach the perfect concentration of flavors and aromas. The resulting wine exudes purity and opulence, with golden amber hues and intense aromas of dried apricots and quince paste, complemented by hints of pear.
REPUTATION
Frank Family Vineyards has built a stellar reputation in the Napa Valley over the years as one of the most respected names in the wine industry. Known for producing bottles of exceptional quality, the winery has earned a special place in the hearts of both casual drinkers and connoisseurs. At the helm of the winery’s winemaking efforts is Todd Graff, who has been with Frank Family for more than two decades. Graff is widely regarded as a Napa Valley icon and his commitment to quality and innovation is reflected in every bottle he produces. His philosophy centers on crafting wines that express the authentic character of the land, and he believes in allowing the fruit to shine through with minimal intervention.
Before joining Frank Family in 2003, Graff worked in every corner of the world, from New Zealand, to Germany, to Portugal. His mastery of both still and sparkling, red and white, and dry and sweet has made him integral in defining Frank Family’s reputation as a world-class producer. Wine lovers are consistently impressed by Graff’s portfolio breadth, from classic Napa Valley Cabernet and Chardonnay, to small-production, tasting-room only beauties like Frank Family’s Late Harvest Chardonnay and Méthode Champenoise sparkling wines. (From 1990 to 1995, Graff served as assistant winemaker and vineyard manager at Schramsberg Vineyards, where he honed his craft in making sparkling wines.)
“Leslie and Rich are involved in the winery on a daily basis, and they treat their staff like extended family.” Todd Graff
In an industry that sees frequent movement amongst winemaking staff, Graff’s longevity at Frank Family is legendary. He credits his loyalty to winery founders Leslie and Rich Frank who have provided him the freedom to simply do what he does best—make delicious wine. “Leslie and Rich are involved in the winery on a daily basis, and they treat their staff like extended family,” says Graff. “Family truly is at the core of Frank Family; we have generations working in our tasting room. Most of the employees have a sense of pride of ownership, and it doesn’t hurt to have great teams in all departments, not to mention fantastic vineyard holdings.”
HOSPITALITY
Nestled in the shade of centuries-old elm trees, Frank Family’s gracious tasting venue has been a part of Napa Valley’s landscape for more than three decades. A range of intimate, seated experiences are offered inside the yellow 1930s Craftsman house and throughout the park-like property. Each unique guest room reflects a part of the family’s history and spirit, inviting visitors to sit and enjoy estate sparkling and vineyard-designated still wines under the guidance of Napa’s most hospitable wine education team, led by the charismatic Liam Gearity. More recently, Frank Family opened the newest addition to their hospitality portfolio, The Miller House, honoring the many contributions of Leslie, née Leslie Miller. Rising over the vast members lawn, behind Frank Family’s Craftsman House-turned tasting room, the Miller House serves as a canvas for the winery’s most exclusive and elevated experiences where Frank Family wines are poured alongside artisanal cheeses and charcuterie. The Miller House, designed by renowned architectural firm Backen & Backen, showcases Leslie’s signature chic style and is a beautiful spot in which to sample Frank Family wines and hyper-seasonal, authentic farm-to-table cuisine while surrounded by the serene landscape of the valley.
CHARITABLE GIVING
In 2018 Frank Family Vineyards founded “Frank for a Cause,” an annual fundraiser that has since conducted seven campaigns to benefit national and local organizations, including K9s for Warriors, the Breast Cancer Research Foundation, Feeding America, Autism Speaks, the James Beard Foundation’s Open for Good Campaign, the Humane Society and Arbor Day Foundation. The 2024 Frank for a Cause campaign is committed to supporting 4ocean in its mission to end the world’s ocean plastic crisis. Through July 2025, proceeds from Frank Family’s Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon and Carneros Chardonnay as well as exclusive “Frank for a Cause” packages will fund the removal of at least 25,000 pounds of plastic and trash from the world’s oceans, rivers and coastlines. Leslie spearheads the winery’s charitable initiatives and serves on several local non-profit boards including Festival Napa Valley, which raises funds to enrich arts and community programs, and the St. Helena Hospital Foundation, to provide elevated healthcare to the Napa community. In addition, Rich and Leslie support several organizations throughout the country, including Collabria Care, the V Foundation, and the University of Illinois.
Whether enjoying the approachable Carneros Chardonnay or savoring a rare single-vineyard offering, Frank Family Vineyards delivers wines that remain true to their legacy of excellence.
Photos courtesy of Frank Family Vineyards