For four decades, Frog’s Leap has been making some of Napa Valley’s most expressive wines — but they’re not inclined to brag about it. The eco-conscious winery is known for its playful, unpretentious spirit and a lineup of accessible and balanced wines, from crisp Sauvignon Blanc to elegant Cabs.
The story
John Williams studied dairy sciences at Cornell University before a work-study program at nearby Taylor Wine Company inspired him to trade milk for wine. In 1975, Williams hopped a Greyhound bus for Napa Valley and pitched a tent on a rundown farm owned by Larry Turley — his college friend’s brother. Turley introduced him to Stag’s Leap Wine Cellars founder Warren Winiarski, who hired Williams as the fledgling winery’s first employee.
Williams went on to become head winemaker at Spring Mountain Winery, and in 1978, he teamed up with his original campsite “landlord” to plant Sauvignon Blanc on Turley’s property. In 1982, Williams and Turley released their first Frog’s Leap wine.
The partners went their separate ways in 1994, and Williams found a new home for Frog’s Leap in Rutherford. In the years to follow, he expanded the winery’s vineyard holdings, added fruit trees and other crops to the ranch, and became a passionate practitioner of dry farming. Frog’s Leap earned organic certification in 2002 and went solar two years later.
The Williams family now farms 200 acres of vines in Napa Valley, including 40 on the winery ranch. Frog’s Leap’s original Sauvignon Blanc is still a flagship, along with Cabernet Sauvignon.
The vibe
Driving onto the Frog’s Leap estate, past the restored Red Barn fermentation room, you get an instant feeling that you’re down on the farm. Because you are. The contemporary-meets-Mission-style Vineyard House tasting room — one of California’s first LEED-certified winery buildings — is surrounded by vineyards and a lush garden towering with sunflowers and bursting with vegetables.
The best place to taste is on the covered, wraparound porch, cooled in the summer by ceiling fans and warmed in winter with overhead heaters. There’s also a sweet Garden Bar set in a shady spot away from the main house, designed for casual tastings (kids and dogs welcome).
On the palate
Frog’s Leap wines never cease to impress me because they’re always balanced, elegant and just plain delicious. Head winemaker Rory Williams, John’s son, has clearly learned a lot from his dad. The mouthwatering 2023 Concrete Aged Sauvignon Blanc from Rutherford ($55) was fermented and aged entirely in egg-shaped concrete vessels, and it has the minerality and creamy texture to prove it. John’s love for Chablis reveals itself in the 2022 Shale & Stone Chardonnay ($42), aged just four days in French oak before moving to stainless steel tanks.
Frog’s Leap Cabernets are perpetually lovely, yet I had a hard time putting down the 2022 Napa Valley Zinfandel ($45), a sophisticated rendition that leaves those big ol’ jammy Zins in the dust. If you’re in the mood for a light, chillable red, try the multi-appellation 2023 Flycatcher blend ($35).
Tasting options include casual flights at the Garden Bar ($45) and seated tastings at the Vineyard House, ranging from $60 to $100. When you’re finished sipping, meander through the gardens to see what’s buzzing.
Beyond the bottle
For breakfast, lunch or a between-wineries snack, check out Under-Study in St. Helena, from the team at Michelin-starred Press. The casual bakery and counter-service café offers playful-yet-sophisticated bites, like the Lobster Corn Dog — a BottleRock favorite. Also find gorgeous pastries, tapas, local and international wines, and a takeaway butcher and seafood counter. Outdoor seating will open later this summer. In the meantime, patrons can order at the counter and settle in on the pretty patio at Press.
Frog’s Leap Winery, 8815 Conn Creek Road, Rutherford, 707-963-4704, frogsleap.com
Tina Caputo is a wine, food, and travel journalist who contributes to Sonoma magazine, SevenFifty Daily, Visit California, Northern California Public Media, KQED, and more. Follow her on Bluesky at @winebroad.bsky.social, view her website at tinacaputo.com, and email her story ideas at tina@caputocontent.com.