Fred Franzia, empire builder
I don't know why I didn't think of it in online form, but in paper form I have been reading (in several installments as I cook or wait for laundry or something) this interesting article on Fred Franzia that was in SF Weekly last week. I have to say, no matter what you think about the man, he is very shrewd. It's interesting that he will threaten to sue someone for, say, using a name that is similar to a nickname for one of his own wines, and then turn around and needle the Napa Valley Vinters Association by trying to trademark their initials (essentially, he does the same things for which he threatens people with lawsuits).
There is also an interesting brief bit about the Charles Shaw phenomenon and who Charles Shaw really is. And it has reminded me I need to pick up some Napa Creek wine to investigate it and maybe pit it against some other Napa wines.
Exactly true in that Franzia is the nephew (I believe, or some similar relative) of the Franzia founders, and he did not inherit the company when it was up for grabs (I think this is all documented in that article or in any bio you can find on him).
I cannot, however, speak to Franzia box wine and/or the intellect of the people who drink them.
I was hoping Fred was reading this because I was hoping this would be another Dear Maury (http://www.laze.net/fait/archive/2002/07/28/maurys_blooper.php).
Posted by: Kieca | 27 February 2006 at 06:21 PM
You morons, Franzia Box Wine has nothing to do with Fred Franzia, and it's your fault for being cheap and buying that crap in the first place.
Posted by: george mcconnon | 27 February 2006 at 11:59 AM
I sure hope Fred is reading this.
Posted by: Kieca | 08 November 2005 at 04:45 PM
A couple of years ago, I was turned on to Franzia's boxed "Chillable Red". Love the wine, and purchase about 2 to 3 boxes per week. Most friends have changed over to it. Everyone has the same complaint...The spout drips terribly, causing red wine stains all over the refrigerator. You bost about the "new dispenser", featuring it on the front of the box. It SUCKS!!! Wife is complaining so much about the mess, I may be forced to change brands. Almost all other boxed wines I have tried do not drip. Come-on, get on board..dump the lousy dispenser, and change over to one that works, like everyone else.......
Posted by: Bud Glass | 07 November 2005 at 07:15 PM
How can we get Franzia wines to put a NON-DRIP spout on their boxed wines?
Posted by: Sue | 20 October 2005 at 05:12 PM