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Frank Leeds
Vineyard Manager
Born in San Francisco, vineyard manager and neighbor Frank Leeds attended Lincoln and Lowell High Schools before gaining his degree in History and Aircraft Technology at the City College of San Francisco. Pursuing his passion for exotic technology, Frank was a master mechanic for American Airlines for ten years before retiring to explore his growing interest in the intricacies of farming.
At the knee of one of Napa valley’s true originals, "Uncle Roy" Chavez, Frank began farming the ranch owned by Roy with his sister, Mabel Leeds (Frank’s mother), in 1984. Roy Chavez first began farming along Whitehall Lane in 1926 in valley floor vineyards about 800 feet below Long Meadow Ranch. With Uncle Roy’s deep understanding of how to work the soil and with guidance from contemporary organic experts like Amigo Bob Cantisano, Frank soon emerged as one of the true pioneers of organic farming in the Napa Valley.
In 1987 Frank met another passionate organic advocate, John Williams of Frog’s Leap, who further encouraged Frank to develop his approach, which now includes the use of modern trellis systems, foliar fertilizers, and beneficial insect management. In 1990 Frank began selling grapes to Frog’s Leap and in 1992 assumed responsibility for managing their vineyards.
In 1998 Frank began managing the vineyards at Long Meadow Ranch extending the close relationship between owners, Hall of Long Meadow Ranch and Williams of Frog’s Leap. A respected industry leader, Frank has served as the president of the Napa Valley Grape Growers and he now serves on several industry committees including the Napa County Glassy-winged Sharpshooter Task Force.
Still an occasional sailor on San Francisco Bay, Frank lives on the Leeds Ranch with his wife, artist Beth Leeds, and their daughters, Lauren and Ali. On his days "off," Frank is frequently found with a wrench in his hand working on a treasured tractor or classic car.
