The 2025 harvest at Frank Family Vineyards has officially come to a close, and it’s been a season defined by patience and balance. Across our estate vineyards, the conditions this year allowed our fruit to develop slowly and deliberately, resulting in wines that showcase the true character of Napa Valley.
Slow and Steady
This year’s growing season was cooler than usual, with consistent morning fog and moderate daytime temperatures across the valley. At our Lewis Vineyard in Carneros, these conditions created an ideal environment for both Chardonnay and Pinot Noir, preserving bright acidity while allowing complex flavors and structure to develop naturally. Meanwhile in Rutherford, our Winston Hill Vineyard Cabernet blocks benefited from the steady, moderate temperatures and extended hang time, developing concentrated fruit, firm structure, and layered tannins — setting the stage for a refined and age-worthy Cabernet vintage.
Harvest in Motion
As with bud break, harvest this year followed a carefully timed pace. We kicked off the season at our estate Lewis Vineyard in Carneros in late August with Pinot Noir grapes destined for sparkling wine. In early September, Chardonnay and Pinot Noir from Lewis Vineyard were picked for our still wines, giving the fruit time to reach full ripeness and balance. Sangiovese from Winston Hill came in during late September, followed by Cabernet Sauvignon from Winston Hill in early October. The berries were beautifully sized, concentrated, and exceptionally high in quality — a promising start for the 2025 vintage.
This vintage is also the first full harvest with Alicia Sylvester, Frank Family’s recently appointed Winemaker, working alongside longtime Senior Winemaker Todd Graff. Sylvester, who brings more than a decade of global winemaking experience, remarked when she joined the team: “I have long admired Frank Family Vineyards, and I look forward to working alongside Todd for many vintages to come.”
Her presence feels particularly timely in a season like 2025, where nuance and patience are everything.
From Vine to Vintage
The 2025 harvest reflects what makes Frank Family’s estate-driven approach so distinctive. By carefully monitoring each block and harvesting at peak ripeness, our team ensured that every grape tells the story of its vineyard home. Chardonnay and Pinot Noir from Lewis Vineyard display bright acidity, refined structure, and the subtle minerality that defines Carneros, while Sangiovese and Cabernet Sauvignon from Winston Hill show concentrated flavors and layered tannins, highlighting the power and elegance of this hillside site. As Senior Winemaker Todd Graff explains, “This vintage really lets each vineyard shine — from the delicate character of Carneros to the strength and depth of Winston Hill, every grape tells its own story.”
A Vintage to Remember
With the 2025 harvest complete, our focus now turns to the cellar. Early impressions suggest wines that are approachable now, yet built for age, with balance, freshness, and a clear sense of place. From the cool hills of Carneros to the structured slopes of Winston Hill, the 2025 vintage at Frank Family Vineyards is a testament to patience, precision, and the enduring quality of our estate vineyards.
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