A Labor of Love Across Two Generations

The Kapcsándy story is a unique blend of old-world values and American ingenuity, merging classic European grand cru-style with cutting-edge technology. At its heart, it is the tale of a family deeply passionate about wine.

Lou Kapcsándy emigrated from Hungary to the U.S. in 1956, embarking on a successful career in chemical engineering and manufacturing, first in the San Francisco Bay Area and later in Seattle. Through connections in the wine industry, he began sourcing exceptional European wines for his collection, while also mentoring a group of emerging entrepreneurs who would become early pioneers in Washington State’s wine scene.

In 1998, a visit by Lou and his wife, Bobbie, to the historic Bordeaux estate of Leoville-Las Cases sparked a new ambition: to establish a wine business in partnership with their son, Louis, Jr., and to retire in California’s Napa Valley. The family started exploring available properties and, within three months, found a unique 20-acre parcel in Yountville, which was once part of Beringer Estates’ Private Reserve Cabernet program. In May 2000, they closed escrow on the property and initiated a meticulous plan to replant the vineyard, which included two years of soil nutrient restoration.

By 2002, the Kapcsándys had completely replanted their vineyard with 15 distinct blocks of Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, and Cabernet Franc. Construction of a state-of-the-art winery was completed in September 2005. The family then began to bring their vision to life: to produce wines of “First Growth” quality that could compete with the finest in the world. Since 2004, the family has lived and worked on-site, overseeing every facet of vineyard management and winemaking.

Visitors are invited to experience Kapcsándy Family Winery, a multi-generational labor of love that infuses the finesse and elegance of European grand cru wines into the Napa Valley.

Sorry people, this place is private. As it should be. The Kapcsandy's have effortlessly created some of the greatest wine my lips and palate have ever tasted. After taking a tour of the spotless grounds which used to be Beringer Estates, we adjourned ourselves to the tasting room where I, along with close friends and cohorts divided our time among the vast amount of premier wines the Kapcsandy Family Winery has to offer. The Kapcsandy Family Winery is well on its way to make its permanent mark on the wine world. Using the best resources, well thought out methods, and grade "A" ingredients make these wines a challenger to all who dare to face them. They are truly a winery who reside at the top of their game. 

Frangipani Estate Winery overlooks its vineyards on the De Portola Wine Trail, offering guests breathtaking views of the estate. Perched on a plateau, this is where the wine-tasting magic happens. Visitors experience a unique wine tasting, with patio service that stands out. Guests can relax and stay seated while being served Reserve Style wine by a friendly staff that welcomes patrons with enthusiasm and extensive knowledge of both the wines and the Valley.

The Frangipani Estate Winery label was established in 2003. In need of a place to call home, the estate was founded in 2005. The tasting room, built by the family from the ground up, opened its doors in January 2006. Every bolt, screw, and piece of drywall was meticulously installed by the owners. The tasting room exudes an Old-World Heritage feel, where family and friends come first, complemented by handcrafted red and white wines that showcase the essence of the estate.

Oakville Ranch is the original mountain vineyard of the sub-appellation that produces the New World's most celebrated Cabernets. Covering just two square miles at the heart of Napa Valley, the Oakville district may be small, but its wines play a very big role in the connoisseur's collection. At 1,400 feet above the valley floor, the Oakville Ranch vineyards produce fruit that speaks from the appellation's signature red volcanic soil with a mountain accent. In the two decades since Bob and Mary Miner purchased the 350-acre ranch, plantings have slowly increased from an initial 55 acres to today's 75 acres of predominantly Bordeaux varietals. It's definitely a trek up the mountain, but well worth it. Kristin led our tasting in the greenhouse--the grounds are amazing and the wines are especially good (Cab Franc). They are only open by appt. M - F, but it you will be on the Silverado Trail on a weekday call and make an appt.

When the famous actor, Raymond Burr, first took an interest in permaculture, and purchased the land near Healdsburg, California, he didn’t then know how fruitfully the future would unfold.

Burr is best remembered for his long-standing TV series “Perry Mason” and later “Ironside,” and since the planting of the vineyard, it has flourished producing grapes which were eventually turned into award-winning wines. While none of the original inventory was left after the sale of the vineyard, to continue Mr. Burr’s legacy we will be offering different varietals of delicious wines! Come by and taste for yourself.

Great spot to bring your own picnic while enjoying the wine - many tables and a pretty view. Friendly staff. Good wine.