CEOs turned vintners

Former executives are flocking to the vineyards of Napa Valley, where they're vying to produce the next cult California red.

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Frank Family Vineyards
Frank Family Vineyards
Calistoga, Calif.

Owner
Former Walt Disney president Rich Frank purchased the vineyards in 1992, and has since grown the winery to produce 50,000 cases a year. Now the Hollywood heavyweight wants to move into high-end territory; with the help of ABC president Stephen McPherson, Frank Family Vineyards will start selling its first elite vintage this October.

Recent hit
The winery's inaugural stab at cult red stardom is a 2004 cabernet blend called Promise ($250), which it will start selling in October. Rich has successfully built up excitement for the vintage: Promises' 140 cases are already sold out despite the red having not been reviewed.
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Last updated October 07 2008: 10:43 AM ET
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