Frank Family Vineyards sits at the quiet end of Larkmead Lane in northern Napa Valley, where tall oaks frame a patchwork of vines and the Mayacamas rise blue in the distance.
The tasting room is situated in a restored Craftsman house adjacent to a century-old stone winery—originally built in the 1880s as Larkmead Winery and later home to Hanns Kornell, the sparkling pioneer who helped introduce the méthode champenoise to California.
Frank Family opened to the public here over Fourth of July weekend in 1993, keeping that sparkling legacy alive alongside still wines from top Napa sites.
History is part of the draw, but so is the family backstory. Founder Rich Frank spent a long, high-wire career in Hollywood, serving as president of Disney Studios and later as chairman of Walt Disney Television and Telecommunications, before establishing roots in Rutherford and launching the winery in 1992. His wife, Leslie Frank, is a former television journalist who “traded the newsroom for the tasting room,” and today helps lead the brand’s voice and hospitality. Their media ties still run deep; in 2020, the couple endowed the University of Illinois’ College of Media with a landmark gift and, in 2023, funded a modern broadcast newsroom and studio renovation on campus.
One of Napa’s best tasting rooms
Recent updates have elevated the experience beyond the familiar veranda and lawn tastings. In 2023, Frank Family unveiled the Miller House, a modern, indoor-outdoor hospitality pavilion designed with Backen & Backen and Hawkins Interiors. Set just behind the original tasting room, it looks out over vineyards and mountains and hosts seated, food-paired tastings, guest-chef dinners, and private events. The space was purpose-built to flex: long communal tables, lounge vignettes around a fireplace, and walls of doors that open straight into the landscape.
For first-timers, the classic tasting room remains part of the charm—an unpretentious, always-busy stop that locals have voted among Napa’s favorites for years. Memorabilia from Rich Frank’s Disney career doesn’t hurt either. The Emmy Leslie Frank won for her work as a journalist is also proudly on display. Appointments are appreciated since they help the winery staff and prepare for your visit but walk-ins are welcome on a space-available basis.
A chardonnay that keeps sweeping awards
The winery has also swept a string of recent awards, including Best Overall Winery, Best Chardonnay, Best Sparkling Wine, and Best Winemaker in The Press Democrat’s inaugural Best of Napa County. Those accolades landed as Frank Family celebrated its 30th anniversary and opened the Miller House, underscoring how the property straddles heritage and new energy…