Frank Family Vineyards

1091 Larkmead Ln, Calistoga, CA 94515, USA

Related:	whidbey island winery
Address:	1091 Larkmead Ln, Calistoga, CA 94515, USA
Phone:	+1 707-942-0859
Site:	frankfamilyvineyards.com
Rating:	4.4
Working:	10AM–5PM 10AM–5PM 10AM–5PM 10AM–5PM 10AM–5PM 10AM–5PM 10AM–5PM

Location

Photos 100

Reviews 26

Leslie Linsley

I am a journalist from the east coast writing an article for a major newspaper on my first experience in the Napa Valley. I did diligence on all the vineyards and chose, as one of my visits, the Frank Family vineyard for a tasting because I felt it would be a good experience. From my research I read that this vineyard gives good value. I am a novice at this but had already been to a few tastings before arriving at Frank Family. The day before,my husband and I had visited the small winery, Failla and it was marvelous, relaxed and very enjoyable. The Frank Family tasting could not have been further from that. It was, in a word, awful. It left us feeling totally "ripped off" and prey to a lot of hype. Very very commercial. The environment was like walking into a bank. We paid for the tasting and were immediately hustled up to a bar where Rob Crane could not have cared less about us, telling us about the wine or, in fact being there. He did spend time telling us about himself and how he only works three days a week and is close to retirement. He should do the vineyard a favor and do it sooner rather than later. After pouring each tasting he left us alone - presumably to do personal things, or what??? We learned nothing about the wine. We did end up buying a case to have sent home, but only because we had had several of their wines in restaurants. We had the wine sent to arrive 6 months later (due to my travel schedule) and were refused when asked if they could charge us when the wine was being sent since it would be 6 months later. The entire experience makes me angry when I think about being there. I will cool down before writing about this in my article.

Elvira

What a cozy place to taste! We were seated outside on the patio with 5 other people. Loved the decor and modern craftsman style. Our host was Marcos who had a playful and fun personality and he was knowledgeable about the wines. We really enjoyed meeting others and chatting with the other people at our table. The wines were pretty good work my favorite being the Petite Syrah. The owner came by to introduce himself and say hello during our tasting. I do think the tasting is pricey at $40 and Im glad the hubby and I can shared a tasting. Overall we had a wonderful experience and it was our 2nd favorite out of 3 for the day.

emily goodwin

We visited Frank Family on our recent trip to Napa and it was an incredible experience. The staff, especially Mike, was extremely friendly and knowledgeable. We sat in a private room for our tasting and listened to Mike tell fun stories about the winery while also educating us on the wine Frank Family offers. We were treated like we were old family friends. I recommend this place over any other winery in Napa!

Ellen Warner

This is a very good place to visit with a tour group, because they are very efficient and professional about managing large groups of people at multiple tasting bars. The bar staff is friendly and knowledgeable about their excellent wines and proud of the noteworthy history of the winery. But this is not a great place to visit if you prefer a more intimate and personal wine tasting experience.

Jan Gemrich

6 out of 5 stars for sure. Best winery we have visited with impeccable service. Sal (somelier) spend good 1,5 hours with us talking about wine, telling us stories, explaining history and giving us recommendations for Napa Valley. Then the owner, Rich, came by to say hi and spent few minutes with us. So good, we are considering coming back tomorrow again!!!

Anna Samsonova

Wow, just wow. We had a private tasting led by Liam in a beautiful sun room. The setting was wonderful, the wines were delicious and Liam was amazing! By the end of the tasting he had several job offers on the table because of how wonderful his story telling was. You could really feel that he loved what he did and was a wealth of knowledge as well.

Larry McAllister

This was the only winery our itinerary that required reservations and was the most pricey. Having been there several times before the reservations requirement was eager to return. Most disappointing visit. Tasting selections were ok, host was inattentive not making any eye contact with us. Probably wont return again.

Denise Richards

I have done A LOT of private wine tastings in my life and this was by far the best one Ive ever done. We had a VIP tasting with Liam whose voice will make you want to leave your spouse. He was so knowledgeable and explained the different wines like a story teller. He was so good that we left poor!

Linda Stevens

Not only is this the best wine, and I mean every varietal they serve, but the staff is amazing. The friendliest winery around. For a real treat, try to get a tasting with Dennis in his private office. The wines are reasonably priced and its hard not to buy them all!

Scott Hunter

Based on a recommendation we landed here and the person who poured out tastings "Garrick" made this a great experience with his knowledge of wine history. The wine is also really good and has nice reasonable prices. The location is beautiful as well

Jason Smith

Great place for a more intimate experience. Paid for the reserve tasting and got a private room with a small group of others (6 total including us). Great wine and knowledgeable staff. Even brought out a taste of their Patriarch for us.

Chris Knaffle

A different wine tasting experience. Youre grouped up and put in a small room with 1 person serving everyone. No choices, just a fixed tasting menu. I didnt care for the wine here, but the grounds were very nice as were the people.

Alice Searle

Beautiful yellow plantation like home is the tasting area.... All staff very friendly...Special tasting standouts were the sparkling Rose, Pinot, Sarah, & Sangiovese. Yummy silky Sarah lingered in our mouths as we drove away.

A Private User

This was the best stop of the 10 vineyards in the Valley that we visited. Super friendly people and the product is simply delicious. Will be making this a regular visit in the future.

Jeremy Lewis

This is a must visit winery. Completely different experience compared to the corporate giants. Personal attention, great wine, and great stories. Mike was great.

John Kimbrough

Decent wines. You are rushed through tasting like cattle, and always crowded. How it gets ranked as one of best tastings each year is beyond me.

Matthew Allen

The winery is amazing and right next door is Larkmead Inn.. It is an excellent place to stay.. Staff is respectful and gracious as always..

Niko Gomes

Awesome experience! Couldnt have asked for a better tasting session; Antonio was extremely knowledgeable and a great personality!

Neil Solanki

Serves one of my favorite Cabernets in all of Napa, as well as a spectacular Chardonnay. High quality tastings.

Marcus D

Fantastic. Great wines and got to experience a wide range of wines. Thanks to Aaron and Rob for a great time.

Keith Winston

A favorite for both my wife and I. Great wine at reasonable prices, excellent tasting room.