Frank Family Vineyards and Promise Invite a Winning Bidder to a "Modern Family" Affair at Auction Napa Valley 2010

(April 23, 2010—Calistoga, CA)— Former Disney executive Rich Frank and Connie Frank, owners of Frank Family Vineyards, and Steve McPherson, co-owner of Promise and President of ABC Entertainment Group have partnered with a star-studded cast for their auction lot at this year’s Auction Napa Valley, to be held at Meadowood Napa Valley resort on June 5, 2010.

The lot is one of about forty live lots offered at the auction, an annual fundraiser for local charities in the Napa Valley, and is described as follows:

The hottest new television comedy in years wants YOU. Come to Hollywood and join sizzling hot actress Sofia Vergara on the set of ABC’s “Modern Family” for your very own walk-on role. You, your significant other and another couple will be treated like royalty with accommodations for three nights at the posh Beverly Wilshire, a Four Seasons Luxury Property. While in LA, your celebrity schedule will be booked with a multi-course wine dinner in the private room at Melisse, Josiah Citrin’s two-Michelin-star restaurant. Frank Family and Promise wines will flow and the “Modern Family” will come to the dinner, including actress Sofia Vergara and Executive Producers Steve Levitan and Chris Lloyd, along with Rich Frank, Connie Frank and ABC President Steve McPherson. After your stellar star turn, Rich Frank will whisk you and another couple off to Cabo San Lucas first-class on American Airlines for a three-night stay at the beautiful Esperanza, an Auberge Resort. When you arrive home, you'll have memories of the trip in a bottle—a five-year vertical of etched 1.5L bottles of Frank Family's Winston Hill (2002 - 2006), and 12 bottles of 2005 Promise Cabernet Sauvignon. The Griswolds are so last century. This lot is made for the “Modern Family”.

“Every year Steve and I look forward to Auction Napa Valley and bridging the gap between the glamour of Hollywood and great Napa Valley wine. It’s the best of both worlds, and we love having the ability to offer exposure to the entertainment world to fellow wine connoisseurs, while making a positive impact with donations to local charities through Auction Napa Valley,” commented Frank Family Vineyards owner, Rich Frank. Eric Stonestreet, who plays the role of Cameron on the Modern Family, will attend the auction and encourage attendees to bid on the lot.

About American Airlines

American Airlines, American Eagle and AmericanConnection^® serve 250 cities in 40 countries with, on average, more than 3,400 daily flights. The combined network fleet numbers more than 900 aircraft. American's award-winning Web site, AA.com^®, provides users with easy access to check and book fares, plus personalized news, information and travel offers. American Airlines is a founding member of the oneworld^® Alliance, which brings together some of the best and biggest names in the airline business, enabling them to offer their customers more services and benefits than any airline can provide on its own. Together, its members serve nearly 700 destinations in more than 130 countries and territories. American Airlines, Inc. and American Eagle Airlines, Inc. are subsidiaries of AMR Corporation. American Airlines, American Eagle, American Connection, AA.com, We know why you fly and AAdvantage are registered trademarks of American Airlines, Inc. (NYSE: AMR)

About The Regent Beverly Wilshire, a Four Seasons Hotel

Beverly Wilshire, a Four Seasons Hotel, is located at one of the world’s most famous intersections – Rodeo Drive and Wilshire Boulevard. Open since 1928, this legendary hotel has consistently been the preferred address for Hollywood’s A-list crowd and the discerning traveler. Following a $40 million facelift, the Beverly Wilshire buzzes with vitality and has become one of the most talked about hotels in the city. The Hotel has recently made significant enhancements including CUT, Wolfgang Puck’s first steakhouse, contemporary lounge Sidebar, the magnificently modern The Blvd for all-day dining and a chic new Pool Bar & Café. Additionally, a spectacular 8,000 square-foot, nine-treatment-room Spa now provides a haven to indulge and relax. For more information on the Beverly Wilshire, please call 310.275.5200 or visit www.fourseasons.com/beverlywilshire.

About Mélisse

Founded in 1999 by James Beard Award-nominated Chef Josiah Citrin and his wife Diane, the two Michelin-star rated Mélisse offers a sensual fine dining experience combining chic modern ambiance, premium hospitality and an elegant and innovative menu. Named for a lemon-scented herb from the Mediterranean, Chef Citrin’s concept for Mélisse takes its inspiration from contemporary French cuisine, evolving based on the seasons, and sprinkled with surprising local finds from the Santa Monica Farmer’s Market—accented by a world class collection of rare and renowned wines. In addition to receiving two Michelin stars and numerous James Beard nominations since its founding, Mélisse has garnered numerous prestigious accolades including the coveted Mobile 4-star rating, “Best New Restaurant” by Food & Wine magazine, and is consistently rated a No. 1 restaurant by Zagat and many other reputable publications. 

About the Esperanza, an Auberge Resort

Esperanza is a magical retreat that truly captures the spirit of Baja. Luxurious casitas and suites inspire peace and serenity. World-class cuisine delights the senses, and rejuvenating spa treatments touch the soul. Escape to an intimate hideaway where pure romance is undeniable … a place where sun, sea, sky and earth join as one to form a tropical oasis like no other. Surrender and revitalize at Esperanza with the gentle sound of ocean waves, world-class services and luxurious amenities. The Esperanza, an Auberge Resort, was rated No. 1 Top Resort in Mexico by Travel + Leisure in 2009.

About Frank Family Vineyards

With over 200 acres of the finest vineyard land in Napa Valley and arguably one of the most popular tasting rooms and word-of-mouth followings, Frank Family Vineyards is on its way to becoming a household name for lovers of premium Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon and Chardonnay. Founded in 1992 by former Disney Studios President Rich Frank and Connie Frank, Frank Family Vineyards has grown from a boutique fledgling producer to a well-respected name recognized on a national level. Frank Family’s reputation for having the friendliest hospitality in Napa Valley has fans flocking to the tasting room on Larkmead Lane, making it one of the most popular tasting rooms in wine country. Add Frank Family’s lush and likable wines with growing national distribution—thanks largely to loyal fans who’ve helped to spread the word—it’s no question that Frank Family Vineyards is a star on the rise.

Located at 1091 Larkmead Lane in Calistoga, Frank Family Vineyards is open to the public daily from 10:00 am to 6:00 p.m. Please visit www.frankfamilyvineyards.com or call 800.574.9463 for more information.

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