Rich, vibrant flavors with supple, silky texture aptly describe the wines of Franciscan, a winery whose roots are deeply embedded in the Napa Valley’s Oakville District soil. And, according to Director of Winemaking Janet Myers, what a fine soil it is.
“Franciscan’s Oakville Estate Vineyard gives us very supple, full, elegant wines with beautiful flavors and mouth-filling fine tannins,” Janet says. She has spent time in Australia’s Margaret River region, and at such renowned California wineries as the Robert Mondavi Winery, Beaulieu Vineyard, Stags’ Leap Wine Cellars, and Louis M. Martini. Janet contends that the 240-acre Oakville Estate Vineyard is an excellent incubator for Cabernet Sauvignon.
Franciscan has been welcoming visitors for nearly 40 years. Its friendly and knowledgeable team of wine educators assist guests with everything from casual wine tastings to large events for private parties and corporate groups. The tasting room’s daily calendar is full with more wine tasting experiences than one can RSVP for. Most famously, the Magnificat “Art of the Blend” seminar gives each guest the chance to be a winemaker and learn about Bordeaux varietals. The Sensory Evaluation Seminar introduces participants to the distinct components that one often hears in wine descriptions in a controlled setting. These special taste explorations are designed to expand the palate and mind—and most importantly, give visitors a fun, interactive tasting experience.
In addition to its famous Chardonnays and Cabernet Sauvignons, Franciscan offers nearly a dozen small production and highly collectible wines such as the Winemaker’s Reserve, Oakville Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon, and the Fountain Court white wine blend—each under 500 cases in production. Also, the savviest of cult wine collectors never misses the chance to check up on the famous powerhouse Cabs from Mount Veeder Winery which have been featured in Franciscan’s Visitor Center since 1988. Whether attending a seminar, special event, or just casually dropping by, visitors always recognize what sets Franciscan apart.