Frog’s Leap Vineyards

Former Frog Farm Now Premium Napa Valley Winery

Founder John Williams attended Cornell University and ended up in a work-study program at nearby Taylor Wine Company.

His interest in wine piqued, he entered the Enology/Viticulture program at UC Davis and then returned to his native New York State as the winemaker at Glenora Wine Cellars.

But the pull of Napa Valley was strong, and in 1980 John returned, becoming winemaker at Spring Mountain Vineyards in St. Helena. The very next year the Williams Family founded Frog’s Leap along Rutherford’s Mill Creek, on the site of the 1884 Adamson Winery.

A visit to Frog’s Leap is one of the most peaceful and unhurried in Napa Valley. Tucked away from traffic, surrounded by bountiful organic gardens and picturesque old farm buildings, you’ll feel as if you’re on a country jaunt.

If you come for the sit-down tasting, you’ll enjoy your wines while relaxing on the wrap-around porch with views of the Mayacamas Mountains (the porch is heated in winter), sit with larger groups at the long wooden table just off the porch and with the same view or you can curl up beside the indoor fireplace.

The guided tour takes you on a leisurely stroll around the Frog’s Leap property, including the historic Red Barn, and includes a tasting.

Fascinating Fact:

At the turn of the 20th century, frogs were raised on the property (their price: 33¢ per dozen). The spot came to be known as Frog Farm.

Amenities: Wine Club, Gardens, Property Tour
Founded: 1981
Signature Wines: Sauvignon Blanc, Chardonnay, Zinfandel, Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon
Wine Tasting: By appointment only
Hours: Daily, 10–4

Frog’s Leap Vineyards
8815 Conn Creek Road
Rutherford, CA 94573
800-959-4704

email: ribbit@frog’sleap.com
website: www.frogsleap.com

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Suzie Rodriguez writes about travel, food, and wine from her home in the wine-country town of Sonoma, California. You can follow her travels and musings at The Culinary Gadabout.

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