Rich Frank founded Frank Family Vineyards in 1992 with business partner Koerner Rombauer of Rombauer Winery. The winery project was originally named Frank-Rombauer but changed to Frank Family to avoid confusion with the already established winery. Frank established a relationship with Koerner Rombauer after tasting a Rombauer Chardonnay at Tra Vigne restaurant. Koerner sold all of his shares by 2007 and is no longer involved with Frank Family.

The winery is located in the historic Larkmead Vineyard’s original stone winery founded in 1884. It's the third-oldest winery built in Napa Valley and is listed on the National Register of Historical Places. Todd Graft is the winemaker.

Rich Frank is the former President of Disney Studios and former President of the Paramount Television Group who oversaw the success of Cheers, Entertainment Tonight, Golden Girls, Ellen, Dead Poet’s Society, Pretty Woman, Aladdin, and The Lion King.

Frank Family Chardonnay is sourced from the estate’s 78-acre Lewis Vineyard in Carneros. Carneros is located in the southern tip of the Napa Valley/Sonoma region, and its maritime climate and cool coastal fog is ideal for Chardonnay’s thin-skinned, delicate grapes to grow. The vineyard has clay soils and that, along with the cool weather, produces grapes with low yields, balanced acidity, and a high concentrations of flavors.

The Carneros Chardonnay comes from various different vineyard sites in the Lewis Vineyard and is made in a style that is fresh and vibrant as well rich and pleasing on the palate.

The 2016 Frank Family Chardonnay from Carneros is made from 100% Chardonnay grapes that were harvested from September 2nd to October 1st. Temperatures in the region swung from hot to cold and hot again without any heat spikes, which helped grapes ripen in waves and without significant heat stress.

The wine was fermented in 34% new French oak barrels, 33% once-used barrels, and 33% twice-used for nine months. The fermenting wine was aged on the lees and regularly hand stirred to promote depth, mouthfeel, and longevity.

The 2016 Chardonnay is full-bodied and creamy with nuanced flavors of apple, baked pear, lemon curd, baking spices, and hints of toasty oak. The lively acidity keeps the wine balanced and a great pairing for rich lobster dishes and roast chicken.