Unearthing the Spring Mountain District

Located at a low point of the Mayacamas Mountain range on Napa Valley's western hillside lies the appellation known as the Spring Mountain District. Covering 8,600 acres, there you will find 1,000 acres planted to vineyards – 100 of those belonging to our family. The Spring Mountain District received its official designation as an American Viticultural Area (AVA) in 1993. 

The Climate, Terroir, and Soil

The terroir of Spring Mountain is defined by diverse topography, climate, and soils. It's a cooler and wetter appellation compared to the valley floor, and most vineyards sit above the fog line, providing warmer nights and cooler days. The marine layers from San Pablo Bay and the Pacific Coast affect mid-summer and early autumn temperatures. Spring Mountain's mean temperatures during the ripening months, September and October, are considered ideal for most wine grape varieties.

Spring Mountain's terroir depth varies and tends to be deeper than other nearby mountain terrains. The soils contain an equal mixture of sedimentary rocks (sandstone and conglomerates) and Sonoma volcanic formations. This allows the region to distinguish itself from the adjacent mountain areas and create a unique environment for captivating and complex wines.

The Wines

About 90% of the wine produced in Spring Mountain is red, predominantly Cabernet Sauvignon. 

The 2018 FRIAS Vintage Report

The 2018 vintage was one all of us around the Napa Valley prayed for. After the turbulent year prior, a seamless season of patience was the answer we all wanted. We've put together the 2018 FRIAS Vintage Report, which will review the growing season and our recently rated lineup of wines by Lisa Perrotti-Brown from The Wine Advocate, receiving scores as high as 96 points!

The Growing Season

This year was the embodiment of the adage slow and steady wins the race. It was somewhat unusual in that the fruit was both plentiful and delicious, similar to the 2012 vintage. We saw near-perfect weather from veraison to harvest, as a few heat spikes in early August led to an even, moderate fall. The extended hang time allowed the grapes to develop finesse and silky tannins that is unmatched in recent vintages.

Notes from Our Winemaker, Todd Heth

The grapes for our 2018 wines were chosen by discerning hands in the vineyard when they were harvested in October 2018. They were hand sorted twice in the winery to make sure only the best reached the fermentation tank. Once in the tank, the grapes sat cold a few days, developing color, flavor, and aroma before starting to ferment. The tank was gently punched down and pumped over for 18 days to carefully extract all of the grapes' best qualities. The wines finished a native malolactic fermentation in the barrels in about two months and were aged 19 months in small French oak barrels before bottling. 

The Stunners from Oakville

Our recent fall releases are representations of this spectacular vintage and received noteworthy scores. Get your hands on our Oakville beauties by mixing-and-matching six or more bottles, and you'll receive $1 ground shipping when you use code: Frias2021 at checkout. This opportunity only lasts until Sunday, January 31st, so make sure you're stocked up for 2021!

2018 PRADO | 96+ Points by The Wine Advocate

Made from 100% Cabernet Sauvignon, the 2018 PRADO is a medium-to-full-bodied wine. It yields a sultry, savory nose leading with graphite. The palate sings with a full range of jammy, juicy blue and black fruits, bending a note of cigar box and exotic spice. The acid structure is bright and fresh, allowing tart raspberry and black tea to interlace with the long and supple tannin finish. 

 

2018 BLOCK FIVE | 94+ Points by The Wine Advocate

Produced from 100% Cabernet Sauvignon, the 2018 BLOCK FIVE is a medium-to-full-bodied wine, has a rich and seductive mouthfeel. It erupts from the glass with a generous bouquet of bramble fruit punctuated by sticky, ripe blackberries, and cherry pie filling. The juicy black fruit layers are supported by approachable, silky tannins that lead to memories of red roses and vanilla cherry cola.

 

The Cabernet-blend, FRIAS Fan-Favorite

2018 Lady of the Dead | 92 Points by The Wine Advocate

The 2018 Lady of the Dead is a medium-to-full-bodied wine. It features a mix of wild, brambly dark fruit, lavender, fig, plum, and cardamom. The freshness of fruit and balance on the palate belies its full-bodied character yet shows overall seamlessness and sweetness of fruit, good acidity, and spiciness that carries to a long finish. 

 

Coming Soon from Spring Mountain

2018 RESERVA | 95 Points by The Wine Advocate

2018 SMD | 94 Points by The Wine Advocate

We're gearing up for our spring release featuring our Spring Mountain Cabernets—the 2018 SMD and the 2018 RESERVA. Sign up for our FRIAS Family Allocation, where members will have priority access to these wines before the release to the public. Trust us; these wines should be in everyone's cellar!

2018 was a year our team was extremely grateful for. Our complete lineup features killer wines that all FRIAS fans need to experience! If you haven't done so, get your hands on our fall releases and take advantage of an exclusive opportunity. Our spring release is just around the corner, and FRIAS Family Allocation members will have guaranteed access to our Spring Mountain Cabernets. Make sure you're signed up for our mailing list to stay up-to-date on all things FRIAS! 

The FRIAS Guide to the Holidays

The holiday season is in full swing! The lights are hung, the presents are wrapped under the tree, the cookie taste testing has begun, and we have all the holiday cheer over here at FRIAS. From setting the dinner table to our holiday playlist, we're giving you our guide to celebrating the holiday season!

The Classic Holiday Films

This is one department that sparks endless debate – what is the greatest holiday film of all time? We can never pick just one, so we’ve put together a handful of favorites that we find ourselves watching year after year. 

As young boys, Fernando and Manny would love to watch traditional holiday classics like It's a Wonderful Life and Miracle on 34th Street with hot chocolate in their mugs and a homemade cookie from their mother, Maria, in-hand. They would go back and forth through the channels the day after Thanksgiving hoping these timeless black and white films would be on.

And of course, as they got older, they enjoyed comedies where they learned life lessons, like A Christmas Story, which taught the boys never to lick a frozen pole! Then we have the humorous National Lampoon's Christmas Vacation that inspired the FRIAS brothers to go all out when decorating their homes Griswold-style for the holidays with as many twinkling lights as possible. 

 

 

Now, Fernando enjoys creating special traditions with his own children. He enjoys watching holiday films with his kids like Elf, Dr. Seuss's The Grinch, and holiday series like The Santa Clause and Home Alone. These feel-good, kid-friendly films have his children smiling and laughing for hours.

The Soundtrack to the Holidays

Whether you're decorating the Christmas tree or hosting an intimate holiday gathering, a festive soundtrack is essential to setting the mood while you deck the halls. The day after Thanksgiving, we switch up the tunes to get into the holiday spirit with one of our all-time favorites, Andy Williams' classic, It's The Most Wonderful Time Of The Year. This song is a celebration and description of all activities associated with the holidays, which instantly gets us all excited for the season!

The holidays wouldn't be complete without Mariah Carey’s, All I Want for Christmas is You. This song is the perfect modern addition to the holiday playlist that gets everyone thrilled for Christmas time. Have you heard this tune's remix called "All I Want for Christmas is FRIAS"? It's one of our personal favorites, and if you're lucky enough, Manny might belt out the number for our FRIAS fans on TikTok. 

The Holiday Fare

Where do we even start? From appetizers to the main dish to the homemade goodies in between, the holidays are a time when calories don't count! 

Our Christmas day usually starts with a hefty charcuterie spread filled with endless amounts of cheeses and meats. We love to pair this appetizer with a chilled glass of our 2019 FRIAS Rosé or, if you prefer red wine, our Lady of the Dead Cabernet blend. 

Now we move on to the main course—dinner! Our favorite classic Christmas dinner is a melt-in-your-mouth Roasted Beef Tenderloin served with creamy Au Gratin Potatoes. The simply seasoned beef with crushed peppercorn, kosher salt, and Dijon mustard goes hand-in-hand with the tender, potatoes bathed in a rich and creamy cheese sauce. And for the ones watching their figures, try a simple crave-worthy five-ingredient Christmas salad.

Now, if you still have room for dessert, which we know you will, we have the ultimate sweet tooth lineup! We love to bake many holiday cookies, from a classic frosted sugar cookie in different holiday shapes to a chewy chocolate chip cookie that melts when you pull it apart. Our family also finds joy spending time together, making and decorating a classic gingerbread house.

But if you're looking for a dessert dish aside from cookies, one of our go-to options is a Chocolate Peppermint Cake. This fluffy, tender, and ultra-rich cake pairs perfectly with a bottle of our PRADO, which reveals the deep layers and long-lasting purity of the chocolate.

 

 

 

That's a wrap to the holiday FRIAS guide! We hope you have a fantastic season filled with joy, cheer, and the ones you love. Make sure to share your own guide to the holidays by tagging us on Instagram. 

Our family hopes a glass of FRIAS will be in-hand when creating new traditions this season. Happy holidays!

 

 

Set your Thanksgiving Table with FRIAS

Thanksgiving is the perfect opportunity to pair the dishes we know and love with some of our favorite FRIAS wines. The holiday spent giving thanks and sharing meals with loved ones may look a little different this year, but with the following delicious pairings, you’re guaranteed to have a great time!

See how we will be setting our table on Thanksgiving: 

Starters

To kick off our holiday the right way, we will be serving up a tasty Charcuterie Board. Although it may seem intimidating, this appetizer is unbelievably easy to assemble and will surely impress your small group of guests. To properly enjoy this starter, we suggest uncorking a bottle of our recently released 2018 PRADO. Rated 96+ points by The Wine Advocate, this wine is made from 100% Cabernet Sauvignon and has a long and earthy finish that perfectly complements the richness of a variety of cheeses.

If you’d rather sip on a glass of white wine, we have just the duo for you. Our delicate, versatile 2018 Sauvignon Blanc goes well with dips of all kinds, and we all know that a Thanksgiving spread isn’t complete without them. This year, we’ll be making a Spinach Artichoke Dip. The creamy and salty flavors of this dip combined with the crisp acidity of our Sauvignon Blanc make for a dynamic duo. 

Main Dish and Sides

The moment we’ve all been waiting for—turkey. This year we won’t be using a traditional Thanksgiving turkey recipe—we’ll be shaking up our table with a Cajun-Spiced Turkey! This dish will taste incredible alongside our 2018 Lady Of The Dead, as the cajun spice adds savory, complex flavors to the turkey, and will stand up best against a medium-to-full-bodied red. 

Now it’s time to pair some of our favorite side dishes! Our 2017 SMD is a food-friendly wine that makes a perfect companion for Creamy Garlic Mashed Potatoes and Maple Bacon Brussel Sprouts. This wine is fresh, refined, and elegant with a long and fragrant finish, making it a flawless complement to a wide variety of side dishes. 

The 2017 SMD will be the centerpiece of your table, and guess what? It comes in a large format! You can never have too much FRIAS wine to share this holiday season, and for the first time, our FRIAS limited-edition large-formats are available online. 

Dessert

'Tis the season where calories don’t count. Desserts will always be served at our table, and having the right glass of wine is key. Our 2018 BLOCK FIVE will satisfy all of your dessert pairing needs. This spectacular vintage has a generous bouquet of bramble fruit, and was rated 94+ points by The Wine Advocate. 

One of our favorite dessert pairings is the 2018 BLOCK FIVE and Pumpkin Cheesecake. The mouthwatering acidity of this wine accentuates the rich, earthy flavors in pumpkin cheesecake and the earthiness of the pumpkin is balanced out by the fruit aromas of the wine.

If a delicious Apple Pie is more your style, you’re in luck. The memorable, silky tannins in this wine pair well with the buttery crust of an old-fashioned apple pie (we like to add a scoop of vanilla ice cream on top!).

Now that your Thanksgiving menu is prepared, it’s time to grab some of our favorite FRIAS wines, share them with loved ones, and create memories that will last a lifetime, no matter if they’re in-person or virtual. Be sure to show us how you’re pairing FRIAS wine on Thanksgiving by tagging us on Facebook and Instagram!

The Story Behind the Label: Lady of the Dead

The Story Behind the Label: Lady of the Dead

The year 2020 has become the year of our Lady—and the word is out! But just who is this enchanting, mysterious lady? 

The Background of the Lady of the Dead 

Formerly known in the FRIAS world as a red blend named TOPOGRAFIA, the inaugural release of the Lady of the Dead was in 2015. She’s a beautiful Cabernet-heavy blend that’s medium-to-full-bodied in richness, coating the palate with notes of lush burgundy plums and blackberries. Lady of the Dead is an homage to the FRIAS heritage and family and we refer to her as Catrina. 

Catrina is our interpretation of Day of the Dead, Dia de los Muertos (October  31-November 2), and she is one alluring and sexy Lady. She is a strong and positive symbol and does not represent the dark or evil images associated with Halloween.

History of Day of the Dead (Dia de los Muertos)

Dia de los Muertos is a holiday celebrated throughout the United States and Mexico, with growing popularity throughout the world. This multi-day holiday is about coming together to remember and respect those who have passed and how they helped shape the lives of others. In Mexican culture, death is viewed as a natural part of the human cycle. We don’t view this as a day of sadness; we view it as a day of celebration because our loved ones awaken and celebrate with us.

The Designing of the Label

For us, choosing our label design was one of the most important choices we had to make. It had to embody not only the quality of the wine but the FRIAS brand's look, feel,  and overall vision. We chose a talented, local artist to bring that vision to life. We are very happy that so many people are drawn to Catrina.

Have you ever taken a close look at Lady of the Dead? She is adorned with grapevine hair. and her crown covertly forms F R I A S. Sometimes she appears with red, white, and blue roses; other times all red roses. 

Just Released: the 2018 Lady of the Dead

We recently released our 2018 Lady of the Dead. This vintage features a mix of wild, brambly dark fruit, lavender, fig, plum, garrigue, and cardamom. The freshness of fruit and balance on the palate belies its full-bodied character, yet shows overall seamlessness and sweetness of fruit, good acidity, and spiciness that carries to a long finish. She pairs lovely with a hearty steak or a hefty charcuterie board! 

Have you fallen in love with our Lady? Take her home just in time for Dia de los Muertos! Snag a 12-bottle  case and she’ll ship for a flat rate of $48 when you use code: LOTDRELEASE. If you’re enchanted with our  Lady’s unique artwork, you’ll want to get your hands on a 1.5L or 6L which are etched and painted by hand, locally. For more information, phone us at 707.927.5106 or send an email to info@friasfamilyvineyard.com. 

Vintage after vintage, Catrina is a sellout. Guarantee your access to Lady of the Dead by joining her club. 

Please share with us on social how you like to enjoy Lady of the Dead.

Reasons to Join Us!

Since our first vintage of Cabernet Sauvignon in 1987, we’ve not lost sight of our founding principle—FRIAS wine is meant to be shared. Our family has built a legacy of handcrafting terroir-driven Cabernet Sauvignon produced in the beautiful Napa Valley. We launched the FRIAS Family Allocation with a commitment to bringing each member of our family the best benefits we can offer. We’ve narrowed it down to the top four reasons why you should join the FRIAS Family Allocation!

#1: Award-Winning Cabernets for all Connoisseurs

When you join the family, you receive two annual shipments of our Spring Mountain and Oakville AVA Cabernet Sauvignons. We offer three tiers with a bottle amount for every connoisseurs’ preference and preferred shipping rates. Vintage after vintage, these wines receive the attention of notable wine critics like our 2016 PRADO, landing a 96-point rating from Lisa Perrotti-Brown, Wine Advocate and our 2015 BLOCK FIVE taking a whopping 97-points from Jeb Dunnuck!

#2: On the Road Access with Fern and Manny Jr. 

Now more than ever, traveling is different than it used to be! By joining the FRIAS Family Allocation, you have On the Road Access with Fern and Manny Jr. for private hospitality events. You may feel the most comfortable in your own home, and we don’t blame you! So when you join the family, Manny and Fern pack their bags with the wines you know and love and bring a very unique wine tasting to you and your guests.

#3: Complimentary Tastings for you and your Guests

We treat our club members like family. As a member, you and your guests are welcome to the FRIAS North Napa Man Cave (women are always welcome, don’t let the name fool you!). During your tasting, enjoy an easy-going and relaxed conversation while tasting award-winning wines with a FRIAS team member—you never know, Manny and Fern may even stop by!  

#4: You Become a Part of our Family

Pictured are Kansas City FRIAS Fans

“At the recommendation of several friends, we made a trip to FRIAS and arranged for a tasting with Manny. He showed us Spring Mountain and we spent a lot of time having a blast; taking in the beautiful scenery and spectacular wines. We had arrived early afternoon and before we knew it we were going to be late for dinner… but of course, Manny knew the restaurant owner and made a call, so all was well. Since then, we have come to know other friends from Kansas City who share similar stories. When you join the club, you really do join the FRIAS family. Cheers from KC!” -Scott and Lisa, FRIAS fans since 2015

 

 

We could go on and on about why you should join the FRIAS Family Allocation, but the main reason is we love to get to know every member and share our wines with you. And as a family member, you gain priority access to releases, large formats, and so much more! 

Our fall release is just around the corner, and 2018 is one spectacular vintage. Now is the perfect time to JOIN US!

Get to Know the Women at FRIAS

Many of our FRIAS fans have had the opportunity to meet the men of FRIAS, but have you had the pleasure of getting to know Susanne Madigan or Christina Machamer? These are the women at FRIAS – a dynamic duo and a force to be reckoned with. Their names may sound familiar if you’ve ever booked a tasting through Susanne or have inquired about the FRIAS Allocation with Christina. We recently had the opportunity to interview both women to get to know them a little bit better.

Let’s get started with your background.

SUSANNE: “I'm a Mom with five kids and two grown bonus kids. I have a little grandson in Texas, a white German Shepherd, a black cat, a chameleon, and fish. I am a California native from a large Spanish and Irish family, who lived nine years in rural Wisconsin. I've home-birthed, home-schooled, run small companies, and been a substitute teacher but mostly I love being with my children.”

CHRISTINA: “I have a background in culinary arts and strategic sales management. I have been consulting for FRIAS Family Vineyard for a little over two years, where I manage the FRIAS Allocation and Lady of the Dead clubs along with handling shipping and logistics for Manny and Fern.”

How did you get started in the wine industry? 

SUSANNE: “When I returned to Napa in 2012, I took a job with Napa Chamber of Commerce, where I met a lot of community and industry members and was contacted one day by the infamous John Caldwell. I was the COO for Caldwell Vineyard for about three years and then I moved on to FRIAS Family.” 

CHRISTINA: “I was a chef in Los Angeles working for a notable restaurant—meaning I was cooking awesome food but making next to nothing while simultaneously working through the Court of Master Sommeliers program becoming a Certified Sommelier. I had the opportunity to move to the Napa Valley and manage a small brand as they transitioned to having their first physical tasting room, and then as they purchased and built their winery facility in Oakville.”  

Fun fact: Christina won the fourth season of Fox Network's reality cooking show Hell's Kitchen. Pretty impressive if you ask us!

What is the most rewarding thing about your job?

SUSANNE: “Most rewarding thing about working with FRIAS is helping the family strengthen their business. We’ve done a lot in two years. I really enjoy visiting with clients too—there’s an authentic connection and loyalty that goes both ways, and that’s pretty rare. After a day of crunching numbers it's very satisfying to speak with a client and set them up with the wines they are excited about—it makes me smile.”

CHRISTINA: “I am extremely competitive by nature, so I find it rewarding when we meet company goals.”

What’s your favorite food and wine pairing?

SUSANNE: “Whatever we’re tasting right now. I love cooking by request—seeing the meal take shape, pairing it well with the right music, and an adult beverage, then sitting around enjoying our family time together.”

CHRISTINA: “My favorite food and wine pairing is a well made-burger and an Oakville Cab like our PRADO or BLOCK FIVE that has lots of fruit and oak.”

Match each FRIAS wine with a celebrity and why? 

SUSANNE: “I love this question. Now I’m going to create a dish for each Wine Celeb and then watch one of their movies.”

CHRISTINA: “I am not good with celebrities. Seriously, when I watch a movie with my husband he will say “Is that so and so from Blah Blah?” and I have no idea.”

• SMD

​​SUSANNE: “Definitely Gary Sinise… mighty fellow… been around 40+ years… an understated super-star…consistent over time.”

CHRISTINA: “Robin, since it’s the sidekick to the RESERVA.”

• RESERVA

SUSANNE: “Clint Eastwood. Strong presence, lasting impression, and solid hero.”

CHRISTINA: “Batman… strong, dominant, and the leader.”

• PRADO

SUSANNE: “Sophia Loren comes to mind right away. Beautiful, sexy, full-bodied, timeless.”

CHRISTINA: “The Penguin. Prado is a bit more austere and starting with the letter P.”

• BLOCK FIVE

SUSANNE: “Andy García IS Block Five. Do I need to say something more? Okay: Warm money.”

CHRISTINA: “The Joker. Being more opulent.”

• Rosé

SUSANNE: “Audrey Hepburn. Classic elegance.”

CHRISTINA: “Harley Quinn. Matches her hair color.”

• Sauvignon Blanc

SUSANNE: “Amy Adams—bright, crisp, refreshing. (or, my white German Shepherd, Argos. I think he could also be Sauvignon Blanc).”

CHRISTINA: “Poison Ivy. She wears green and sometimes you can get pyrazine notes in the Sauvignon Blanc, which I associate with the color green.”

• Lady of the Dead

SUSANNE: “Catherine Zeta-Jones to a tee.”

CHRISTINA: “Catwoman. Strong and independent.”

What are some of your favorite hobbies? 

SUSANNE: “Gardening—as with everything else, I learn by doing. We have a little yard, but we’ve got food growing wherever I can fit a plant. I also love cooking, caring for our pets, camping, repurposing projects, sewing, and family game night.” 

 CHRISTINA: “I have a 16-month-old son, so my favorite hobbies are chasing him around and cleaning the house. In my single life, I was a passport stamp collector, scuba diver, and lionfish hunter. We look forward to safe travels in the future with a first stop in Belize.” 

Pick a FRIAS wine and music pairing...ready...set...go!

SUSANNE: “Easy—PRADO and Ottmar Liebert.”

CHRISTINA: “I like the 2017 SMD with True Crime Garage. While technically that is a podcast, filled with sarcastic asides from the “Captain,” they do have an eerie soundtrack similar to the old Unsolved Mysteries intro music. That said, maybe Lady of the Dead is a better choice.”

If you were stranded on a deserted island which FRIAS team member would you bring along and why?

SUSANNE: “Definitely want to be stranded with Christina. We’ve worked together at two wineries now and we know how to stay out of each other’s way. Yes, she’s a Wine Club expert, but she’s also a somm, chef, wonderful mother, and has a level head. If we do get stranded on that island, it will be the most successful island imaginable, with really good food.”

CHRISTINA: “Stranded on a desert island, my team member choice would be based on my motivation.  Do I want to get off the island?  If so, I am taking Susanne because she gets things done.  Do I want to stay on the island?  If so, then I am bringing Manny to keep me entertained.”

If you could give FRIAS fans one piece of advice what would it be?

SUSANNE: “Always take delivery on the first attempt! Buy big bottles when you can! Be kind; work hard!”

CHRISTINA: “Since seeing guests in person has been a challenge in 2020, we’ve invested a lot in shipping promos. Take advantage now—because once Fern and Manny see the bill, the fun will be over!”

Any other fun facts we should know about you? 

SUSANNE: “I love how wine is an integral part of life; little snacks, Sunday brunch, big family dinners, feet up, alone. Sad times, happy times; celebrations, and sacraments. Wine industry people—we get to be a tiny part of all of these things with you, just by doing our jobs. That’s pretty neat.”

As you can see, these two women have personalities, a strong work ethic, and a passion for what they do. Without each and every team member, we wouldn’t be the FRIAS brand we are today. Don’t worry boys...we’ll get to you soon. Stay tuned!

 

 

Time to Set the Summer Table with Frias

To kick off the summer season, our very own Christina Machamer, winner of the fourth season of Hell’s Kitchen, put together two of her favorite food and FRIAS wine pairings. Grab your apron and a glass (or two!) because we’ve cooked up the ultimate summer food and FRIAS lineup!

Strawberry and Bacon Salad Paired with Rosé

Who doesn’t love a simple summer salad paired with a glass of 2019 FRIAS Rosé? You won’t believe how easy and delicious this is. There is a diverse mix of flavors in this dish from the fresh strawberries and crispy bacon, intertwined with crumbled bleu cheese over organic mixed greens, lightly drizzled with aged balsamic and olive oil. Top the salad with toasted pepitas, fresh ground pepper, and salt. Serve with a chilled glass of FRIAS Rosé— and you have the ideal summer scene. 

Our Rosé is delicate yet versatile, making it the must-have wine for this dish. The acidity and bright fruit balance the combination of bacon, strawberries, and bleu cheese. There is a hint of sweetness but also a level of richness and strength that leaves the palate craving more!

Peach and Tomato Gazpacho with Sauvignon Blanc

Next up on our summer menu: Peach and Tomato Gazpacho. What better way to embrace the summer weather than with a bowl of Gazpacho with a peachy flair? 

Our 2018 FRIAS Sauvignon Blanc is the ideal complement for this pairing because of its fresh fruit and crisp flavor profile that goes hand in hand with the acid in the fresh tomatoes. 

You can overload your Gazpacho with shallots, tarragon, garlic, salt, and pepper, and this light citrus wine will still shine with its perfectly-ripened fruit. This leads to a refreshing finish that brings out the tropical nuances within the Sauvignon Blanc. It’s a well-balanced wine that accentuates all the combination of flavors from the juicy peaches to the spices. 

Now that your stomach is full and your glasses are empty, make sure to stock up on your favorite summertime sippers to kick-off the sunny season ahead! Share with us your favorite FRIAS and food pairings by tagging @friasfamilyvineyard on Facebook or Instagram for a chance to be featured. 

Download the recipes:

• Strawberry and Bacon Salad
• Peach and Tomato Gazpacho

The Story Behind the FRIAS Family

Meet the FRIAS Family— a family full of generosity, determination, and incredible work ethic. Each family member brings their own unique traits and qualities to the history of the FRIAS name. It is those traits and qualities that go into each bottle of wine we produce. Founded in 1977, FRIAS Family Vineyard is an artisanal family-owned winery located in the Napa Valley sourcing premium fruit from both Spring Mountain and Oakville AVAs. We specialize in small production and terroir-driven wines.

Founders- Manny and Maria Frias

A native of Jalisco State in Mexico, Manuel (Manny) Frias Sr. moved to the United States with his family in 1951. He had the opportunity to grow up in San Francisco, California, where he was introduced to the luxury of Napa Valley wines in college. After the completion of three master’s degrees in Education and Administration, Counseling, and Spanish Literature, Manny couldn’t wait for the chance to buy property in the beautiful Napa Valley.

In 1977, Manny was finally able to secure his dream of 100 hillside acres that primarily sat in the prestigious Spring Mountain District AVA. He kicked off his new passion with classes on viticulture and enology at the Napa Valley College, and today, Manny Sr. enjoys managing the vineyard with his small crew and spending time with Maria, his children, and his grandchildren.

A True Family Affair- Fernando and Manny Frias Jr.

Second generation brothers Fernando and Manny Jr. have taken over the FRIAS operations by bringing the same passion, creativity, and persistence that their father instilled. 

Fernando, President and Chief Operating Officer, only abides by a hands-on approach that includes harvesting, bottling, hosting tastings, and traveling for events. He has learned everything from the guidance of his father and he couldn’t imagine it any other way. When Fernando isn’t working, he enjoys family time with his better-half and two children.

Manny Jr., Vice President, has an exceptional personality that genuinely makes the FRIAS brand complete. He is nothing short of a passionate individual from working in the tasting room to traveling across the country for our On the Road events. With whatever free time he has, you can find him cooking, fishing, and drinking wine. He’s even been known to make a TikTok or two...

Both brothers have a people-pleasing personality that sets the FRIAS brand apart from others. Nothing gives them greater pleasure than being able to interact with FRIAS fans all over the United States and to be able to walk into a restaurant and see a FRIAS wine on the list. 

It’s truly a fantastic family dynamic and one you don’t come across often. Whether you’ve met the brothers or not, you’re always family in their eyes! If you’ve recently discovered our brand or have been a loyal fan for years, we thank you for taking the time to learn the story behind the FRIAS Family name.