Meet the Vintner: Don Frangipani

Story and photographs by Emily Hartop

Don Frangipani and his family moved to Temecula back in the early 1990s. At that time, the Temecula wine industry was in it's infancy – only six wineries were operating in the valley. Looking to leave the restaurant business that was consuming five nights of his week, Don quickly became involved as an assistant winemaker and cellar worker with Cilurzo Winery (now Bella Vista). About fifteen years after he began in the wine business, Don and his family decided to purchase a winery of their own. In 2006, the Frangipani family purchased 10 ½ acres of beautiful hillside land where they now grow over 8 acres of vines including Sangiovese, Grenache, Cabernet Franc, Malbec, Merlot, and Petit Verdot varietals. Their tasting room has a great outdoor patio to sit and sip some wines with a beautiful view.

With decades of experience now behind him, Don Frangipani has formed a truly unique style of winemaking that is both art and science, but not exclusively either. Try out his vast selection of red wines next time your in the mood for a tasting – and while you ’ re there, you may run into Don. Everyone ’ s family at Frangipani, so stop by this beautiful vineyard and, for a limited time only, mention this newsletter and get a *FREE TASTING* in the Frangipani Estate Winery tasting room!

Frangipani Estate Winery: 39750 De Portola Road Temecula, CA 92592-9024 Phone: (951)699-8845