Drink & Do Good: A Wine Maker's Legacy of Giving Back

While Rich and Leslie Frank may have sold their namesake Frank Family Vineyards to Treasury Wine Estates in late 2021, the couple remain the animating spirits behind the iconic Napa Valley producer. And so it was, that on a recent visit, both of them joined a group of press for a tasting through some of Frank Family’s finest bottlings.

Founded in 1992, the over three-decade long investment in the wines, and overseen by winemaker Todd Graff since 2003, showcases just why Treasury spent $315 million USD to acquire the brand. A robust direct-to-consumer following and laudable commercial sales of their Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon and Carneros Chardonnay, the property itself feels perfect, with old clapboard homes, an impressive stone production building (still in use), and The Miller House, a gorgeous and newer addition to the vineyard in a modern farmhouse style and impeccably designed in muted, soft tones and fabulous twig chandeliers described as “sea urchins.”

Let there be no question – the wines impressed us mightily and I look forward to writing about them in the not-too-distant future.

But it was the humble and charitable spirit of the Franks themselves that tugged at this writer’s heartstrings. This is a family as committed to their legacy in winemaking as they are to making the world a better place. This is a family whose sense of giving back is weighty and enduring.

“My parents both had a strong moral compass and giving spirit that still lives on within me and Frank Family Vineyards to this day,” said Rich about his commitment to philanthropy. Leslie’s own journey to philanthropy is anchored in her 25-year career in journalism. “I am thankful for my previous career as a journalist for providing me with a mindset rich in culture and a personal commitment to philanthropy,” she said.

Over the years, the Franks have walked the walk in terms of philanthropy, supporting numerous nonprofits and causes. In 2018, they formalized their and the brand’s intentions and established Frank for a Cause, an ongoing effort that each year raises money for a designated nonprofit organization.

Perhaps my affinity for writing this piece lies with the fact that many of the causes supported by Frank for a Cause are quite similar to those prioritized by the charitable foundation that I am privileged to lead or that I have personally championed. For example, Frank Family Vineyards partnered with the James Beard Foundation during the COVID-19 pandemic on Open for Good, a campaign that disbursed nearly $5 million USD to small and independent restaurants severely impacted by the pandemic. They also supported animal welfare through support to The Humane Society of the United States.

Earlier this year, Frank for a Cause helped raise $55,000 for K9s For Warriors, a nonprofit that provides service dogs for veterans living with PTSD. Rich’s father, Hy, was a World War II veteran and this partnership was done in his memory, coupled with the couple’s love for dogs. The Franks have also supported critical efforts to support those affected by autism by donating $25,000 USD to the nonprofit Autism Speaks.

Additional partnerships in the Frank for a Cause campaign have included Feeding America and the Breast Cancer Research Foundation.

Another important issue for the Franks is the environment and sustainability. On the business side, Frank Family Vineyards prides itself on achieving sustainability certifications for 100 percent of its owned and leased operations, leading, for example, to being awarded the California Green Medal Leader Award in 2023 for their leadership across the sustainability spectrum.

On the philanthropic side, the Franks also see a role for themselves in combatting climate change through responsible stewardship practices. In 2022, this included a Frank for a Cause partnership with the Arbor Day Foundation that pledged to plant six trees for every bottle of the winemaker’s sparkling Blanc de Blanc sold that year.

This leads us to the current campaign of Frank for a Cause. Launched in July, Frank Family Vineyards is partnering with the company 4ocean (LINK https://www.frankfamilyvineyards.com/philanthropy/4ocean) to remove at least 25,000 pounds of plastic and trash from the world’s oceans, rivers, and coastlines. “As vintners, Rich and I believe that caring for our land is our deepest honor and most important work and we are excited to continue Frank Family’s living legacy by supporting 4ocean in eliminating plastic pollution, one bottle at a time,” said Leslie Frank in announcing the new partnership.

The campaign, which will run through July of next year, will utilize proceeds from the sale of Frank Family’s Napa Valley Cabernet and Carneros Chardonnay, as well as exclusive Frank Family Vineyards x 4ocean packages which will be sold online and in their tasting room. In addition to a bottle of either of the wines, the package includes an on-trend Frank Family Vineyards customized bracelet made from recycled materials.

I like a company with a conscience. Even more so, I love a company whose conscience leads them into action and the Franks epitomize this ethos – and more.

As always, Salud!