Grapes are gently handled from harvest through fermentation. Small stainless steel fermentors for red wines and new Burgundy barrels for white seem fitting for the need to pay close attention to detail during the winemaking process.
Deep caves have been constructed which maintain a cool dark and humid environment in which to age red wine in new French oak barrels. The wines literally age in the soils from which they grew. The integration of the small stone cellar settled in the hillside surrounded by a courtyard and in touch with the deep caves below sets a mood which would recall that of a tiny European estate.
Derived from the Italian pronunciation of "Lucky" and the owner's last name "Luchtel", [say "For-too-not-ee"] you are warmly invited to share our good fortune!
Freemark Abbey is the quintessential Napa Valley winery. From the first female Napa winery owner on record in 1886, to their landmark recognition leading up to “The Judgment of Paris” in 1976 and beyond — their story is full of firsts.
Frias Family Vineyard was founded with their first official vintage in 1991. With 100 acres purchased in 1977 and only 5 acres planted in 1985, they focused on producing the finest Single Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon along with a small production red blend, Sauvignon Blanc and Rose. The operation is small and family owned. Everyone helps carry out this labor of love by participating in nurturing the vines, blending, bottling and (of course) quality control!
"Time's fun when you're having flies!" Since 1988 they have been farming organically and believe that great and historic winese have been made from non-irrigated grapevines.
