The grape growing history of the Dry Creek Valley goes as far back as 140 years.  In the early days the agriculture centered around wheat, hops and livestock, but by 1870 French immigrants had established the first winery in the valley.  A century later, Frank Johnson, a career inventor and machinist, traded in his successful orthodontic equipment company for a simpler life in Sonoma County.  Having grown up on a farm in upstate New York, he always felt a strong connection with the earth and sought to become a gentleman farmer.  He purchased an apple and prune orchard that hugged the Dry Creek and Russian River Valleys, knowing that this unique microclimate would be ideal for growing grapes.  He was right.  Before long Frank was selling his fruit to some of the most highly acclaimed wineries, and was among California's first vineyard designated grape growers.  He took tremendous pride in his fruit and dreamed of someday producing a family estate wine.  Roshambo Winery is the fulfillment of that dream.  Today, Frank's spirit of innovation and commitment to quality still resonates in every glass.

 

Frank Johnson Vineyards currently has 116 planted acres of vines at the very most southern edge of the Dry Creek Valley. The varietals that are currently farmed consist of Pinot Noir, Chardonnay, Syrah, Merlot and Sauvignon Blanc.  The family is dedicated to Frank Johnson's passion for grape growing and has begun replanting some portions of the vineyards.  FJV will integrate Rhone varietals as well as a variety of clones of Pinot Noir.