At Frank Family Vineyards, our work in wine has always been a labor of love, and its rewards feel especially profound as we head into another year. As 2021 comes to a close, we look back on this past year with appreciation and gratitude for our people, members, and loyal fans. We feel especially thankful for our tight-knit winemaking “dream team”, whom without, nothing we do could be possible.
From crush to bottle, our small team is involved in the entire winemaking process, whether it’s preforming punch downs on Cabernet Sauvignon or hand-labeling our sparkling wines. We invite you to learn the names and faces of each team member who has a hand in crafting our award-winning wines and join us as we raise a glass and toast to their tremendous work throughout the year.
Alonso Gonzalez
Cellar Worker
Years at Frank Family: 32
“I’ve worked here the longest of the staff. Even before it was Frank Family. I have loved seeing the changes over the years and continue to love what I do everyday.”
Armando Padilla
Cellar Master
Years at Frank Family: 23
“My first time walking into the Frank Family cellar, I fell in love with the smell. I didn’t realize it at the time, but it was the smell of French oak barrels that I loved.”
Corey Garner
Assistant Winemaker
Years at Frank Family: 5
“I love my job and especially love that it is with such a great company. We have a great team and that really helps make it fun even on the most trying days.”
Daniel Parada
Cellar Worker
Years at Frank Family: 2
“Frank Family is the first winery I’ve ever worked for. I’m so grateful they offered me a job even with no cellar experience becuase I’m learning so much.”
Emily Parisi
Enologist
Years at Frank Family: 2
“When I’m not making wine you can find me somewhere drinking it – normally at home, cooking and listening to music with my husband.”
Ignacio Blancas Jr.
Cellar Worker
Years at Frank Family: 2
“While I’m not 21 yet, my favorite Frank Family wine is the Lewis Vineyard Chardonnay solely based on aroma.”
Javier Ramirez
Cellar Worker
Years at Frank Family: 15
“I got bored easily with previous jobs which prompted me to join the wine industry. Now I love going to work each day.”
Jesus Gonzalez-Cittoni
Cellar Worker
Years at Frank Family: 2
“I love when people open a bottle of Frank Family whether it’s for a holiday or family gathering. It makes me happy knowing I helped make that occasion even better.”
Juan Quintana
Cellar Worker
Years at Frank Family: 14
“I love the process of making wine, which is what led me to Frank Family 14 years ago.”
Katie Sears
Cellar Worker/Lab Assistant
Years at Frank Family: 1
“My parents would bring my sister and me along with them to go tasting in Napa when we were kids, and I guess the fascination with wine stuck! I was lucky enough to get hired on at Frank Family as my first winery job.”
Mercedes Guzman
Cellar Worker
Years at Frank Family: 5
“My favorite time of year at the winery is harvest because it’s such an exciting time and full of activity.”
Ramon Gallegos Sr.
Cellar Worker
Years at Frank Family: 2
“I joined the Frank Family cellar crew after learning part of the agriculture side of the wine business which sparked a lifelong interest.”
Ramon Gallegos Jr.
Cellar Worker
Years at Frank Family: 5
“Frank Family Vineyards is my home-away-from-home with good company and great coworkers, including my dad who I love working with.”
Todd Graff
Winemaker and General Manager
Years at Frank Family: 19
“After 20 years of working as a winemaker in every corner of the world, I landed at Frank Family Vineyards in 2003 and have never looked back. Our achievements over the years have been possible because of the team we have built. Some of our cellar team members have been with Frank Family for 30+ years and I’m very proud to see our work family grow and thrive.”
Vicente Llamas
Bottling Line Supervisor
Years at Frank Family: 1
“In the beginning, the wine industry was just a way to pay the bills. But bottling production called to me so I followed the path here and haven’t looked back. “
