Frazier Family Still Committed To Family, Napa Valley & Sharing Their Dream

Editor’s Note: The following was written by Kim Frazier and is reprinted here in its entirety with her permission.

Bill Frazier started Frazier Winery with the planting of 9.5 acres of grapes on his estate just east of the city of Napa in 1990. After selling the first few vintages of fruit to other wineries he was encouraged by the excellent reputation the grapes were garnering around the valley and hired a professional winemaker. Bill released his first wines under the Frazier label in 1995.

The initial release of the Frazier wines were met with glowing reviews by notable wine writers such as Robert Parker, Jr. Fifteen years later Bill is still living his dream and releasing noteworthy wines receiving high acclaim. The most recent release of his 2007 Frazier Cabernet and 2007 Memento garnered scores of (90-92) and (91-93) when tasted from barrel samples provided to Robert Parker, Jr. Bill’s family is involved alongside of him with his daughter Kim Frazier-Caterino managing operations, her husband Adam managing sales, and Bill’s son Jon managing the vineyards.

With the downturn of the economy Frazier, like many other businesses, have encountered financial struggles. Though the brand is strong and still has excellent sales through the wine club, mailing list and various distribution channels Bill and his family have determined that the best course of action is to sell the 46-acre property which the winery and cave reside upon. The property boasts a 10,000 sq. ft. cave and tasting room, winery facility permitted for 50,000 gal., and 11 acres of planted vineyards with another 23+ plantable acres.

The property is in the up-and-coming Coombsville area of Napa known for its excellent climate for growing premium Bordeaux varietals. It’s also located just 5 minutes from downtown Napa where business is booming with the recent addition of the Oxbow Market, Avia Hotel, and many new restaurants including ventures from notable restaurateurs such as Morimoto, Tyler Florence and The Lark Creek restaurant group.

Recent press has made public the fact that Frazier recently filed Chapter 11 bankruptcy and that Frazier Winery is for sale. While the brand is not currently for sale Frazier is trying to sell the winery property as the family reorganizes the business in the hopes to continue the Frazier brand, on a smaller scale, long into the future. The Frazier’s are open to a partnership or relationship with a new buyer that would be mutually beneficial to both parties. Bill and his children have not given up hope in these trying times as they look forward to finding a buyer and continuing the brand they created for many years to come.