FRANCISCAN ESTATE HERITAGE
CHARACTER AS RICH AS OUR SOIL
Character doesn’t happen overnight. Neither does building a world-class winery. Franciscan Estate has had its roots deeply embedded in the soil of Napa Valley for over 35 years. Founded in 1972, and purchased in 1975 by industry revolutionaries Justin Meyer and Raymond Duncan, Franciscan Estate’s rich history was born out of a strong devotion to small-lot winemaking and a pioneering spirit. These ideals have been a hallmark for who we are and guide us as we continue to craft world-class Napa Valley wines.
FRANCISCAN ESTATE TIMELINE
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1972THE LEGACY BEGINSJustin Meyer and Raymond Duncan plant the Oakville Estate. |
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1973A WINERY IS BORNFranciscan Winery founded. |
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1975FIRST GROWTHPurchase of the Franciscan Winery in Rutherford by Justin Meyer, Founder of Silver Oak. First vintage with fruit from estate vineyard in Oakville. |
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1985BLENDING TO PERFECTIONMagnificat born as one of the first Meritage blends in Napa Valley. Originally referred to as “Wine waiting for a name” |
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1987FRANCISCAN ESTATE RUNS WILDFirst vintage of Cuvée Sauvage, Napa Valley’s first barrel-fermented wild yeast chardonnay |
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1993OAKVILLE BECOMES OFFICIALOakville recognized as an appellation |
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2001A SENSE OF PLACENew Franciscan visitor’s center opens to the public |
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2003CHARACTER ON THE COVERFranciscan Estate Cabernet Sauvignon featured on cover of Wine Spectator |
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2005SUPREME EXPRESSIONFirst vintage of Stylus, Franciscan’s signature Cabernet Sauvignon |
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2007COAST TO COASTFirst vintage of Sauvignon Blanc obtains national distribution |
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2009GOING GREENFranciscan Estate is awarded Napa Green Certification |
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2011REALIZED EXCELLENCEThe 2007 Franciscan Estate Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon receives 94 points and Editors Choice from Wine Enthusiast Magazine (June 2011) |
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