News Summary
Stephanie Franklin, a Houston native, has launched her boutique wine label, Franklin Vines, celebrating her family’s legacy and empowering her community. After losing her job during the pandemic, Franklin’s journey into winemaking includes a gold medal-winning Tannat. She aims to revitalize Shankleville’s economy through initiatives like the ‘Adopt a Vine’ campaign and plans to engage the community through her winery while honoring her ancestors’ heritage.
Houston Native Launches Franklin Vines, Celebrating Legacy and Empowerment in Winemaking
Houston native Stephanie Franklin has officially launched her own boutique wine label, Franklin Vines, marking a significant milestone in her journey as a winemaker. After losing her job during the pandemic, Franklin embraced her passion for winemaking, leading to the debut of her first vintage, a Texas-grown Tannat, which received both a Gold medal at the 2025 International Women’s Wine Competition and a Silver medal at the San Francisco Chronicle Wine Competition.
Franklin’s inaugural venture into the wine industry also celebrates the rich history of her family’s ancestral land located in Shankleville, Texas, a historic freedom colony founded by her ancestors. This connection to her roots is further emphasized by her groundbreaking of the first-ever vineyard in Shankleville on December 7, 2024. This land, which has been passed down from her grandfather, Guyler Shankle, serves as both a personal and cultural touchstone in her journey to empower her community.
Vocational Journey and Education
In preparation for her winemaking endeavor, Stephanie Franklin trained under top producers from regions including Napa Valley and Texas. She acquired vital industry certifications and completed internships within the winemaking sector, equipping her with the expertise needed in this field. Her dedication to learning and honing her craft highlights her commitment to quality and excellence in winemaking.
Community Impact and Future Plans
Franklin aims to revitalize the rural economy of Shankleville through her efforts. She plans to initiate the “Adopt a Vine” campaign, which will invite community members to actively participate in her winemaking legacy by allowing them to invest in her vineyard. This initiative is designed to engage participants without requiring them to possess vineyard maintenance skills. In addition, Franklin is focused on empowering women in the wine and farming industries, further diversifying the landscape of winemaking.
Recognized as a 2025 Future Leader by the Veraison Project, an organization advocating for equity in the wine sector, Franklin is poised to make a substantial difference not only in her local community but also in the industry at large. She envisions creating job opportunities, scholarship programs, and agritourism in Shankleville, thus building a sustainable model for economic growth and cultural celebration.
Upcoming Events
The public is invited to Franklin’s wine launch event, titled Legacy in Bloom, which is scheduled for July 27 at the Texas Wine School in Houston, beginning at 4 PM. This event will serve as a platform to introduce Franklin Vines to the world while celebrating the legacy of her ancestors and the broader Black agricultural heritage.
Background Context
Texas holds the distinction of being the fifth-largest wine-producing state in the United States, a fact that underscores the potential for growth in the local wine industry. Franklin’s commitment to bridging her family’s history with modern winemaking reflects a growing trend among young entrepreneurs who seek to connect with their heritage while creating viable businesses.
Throughout her journey, Stephanie Franklin has shared insights about starting new ventures, emphasizing the necessity of consistent effort and the value of mentorship. Her philosophy and tenacity exemplify the drive many entrepreneurs possess, demonstrating that it is never too late to pursue one’s passions and contribute meaningfully to the community.
As she embarks on this new chapter in her life, Franklin conveys a sense of purpose and fulfillment in her work. She is dedicated to reinforcing her family’s legacy while fostering an inclusive environment for future generations in the realms of winemaking and beyond.
For updates on Franklin Vines and upcoming events, the community is encouraged to follow the winery on social media platforms.
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Additional Resources
- Click2Houston: Houston Woman Revives Family Land
- Wikipedia: Wine
- Click2Houston: Houston Winemaker Launches Vineyard
- Google Search: Winemaking History
- Click2Houston: Stephanie Franklin Wins Wine Awards
- Google Scholar: African American Winemakers
- Click2Houston: Growth of the Texas Wine Industry
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Winemaking
- Click2Houston: Legacy in Bloom Event
- Google News: Texas Winery
Author: STAFF HERE HOUSTON TX WRITER
HOUSTON STAFF WRITER The HOUSTON STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREHouston.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Houston, Harris County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo, Art Car Parade, and Chevron Houston Marathon. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Greater Houston Partnership and Houston Area Urban League, plus leading businesses in energy and healthcare that power the local economy such as ExxonMobil, Schlumberger, and Houston Methodist. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREAustinTX.com, HERECollegeStation.com, HEREDallas.com, and HERESanAntonio.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Texas's dynamic landscape.
