We’re Tracey and John Skupny, and we founded Lang & Reed Napa Valley in 1993 with a simple but focused vision: to explore the distinct charm of Cabernet Franc and craft wines that are expressive, balanced, and above all, enjoyable to drink.

Our journey began nearly fifty years ago in Kansas City, working in the restaurant world. As sommeliers, we fell in love with the way wine could elevate a meal and bring people together. That passion eventually pulled us west to California wine country in 1980, and by 1984, we’d settled in the Napa Valley, ready to pursue a new path among the vines.

During those early years, we became captivated by Cabernet Franc—a grape often overshadowed by its Bordeaux counterparts, yet deeply expressive in its own right. Its role in the great wines of the Loire Valley and Right Bank Bordeaux inspired us to believe it could shine in California too. At the time, Cabernet Franc was mostly used in blending, but we saw its potential as a standalone varietal: redolent in aroma, pure in flavor, and full of personality.

Family-owned. Cabernet Franc focused. Napa rooted.

Lang & Reed is named after our two sons, J Reed and Jerzy Lang. From the beginning, we’ve been a family-owned winery, and our family story is woven into every vintage we produce. Over time, we’ve also added Chenin Blanc to our lineup, drawn to its vitality and old-world character—a natural complement to our work with Cabernet Franc.

Today, you’ll find us sharing those wines at our St. Helena tasting salon, Spring House, connecting with guests over a glass and telling the stories that brought us here. For us, winemaking is storytelling—and we’re honored to keep telling ours, one vintage at a time.

Winemaking & Viticulture

After nearly four decades in the wine industry, we’ve come to see winemaking as the intersection of art, science, and pleasure. At Lang & Reed Napa Valley, our goal is to craft wines that are true to their grape variety, consistently balanced, and deliciously drinkable. Every vintage is made with intention—guided by curiosity, precision, and the belief that wine should bring joy.

We take a youthful, open-minded approach in the cellar, using fermentation and aging techniques that support both varietal integrity and structure. Our wines are often praised for their restraint and balance, qualities that reflect our commitment to letting the grapes—and the sites they come from—speak for themselves.

“Cabernet Franc and Chenin Blanc deserve the spotlight—our job is to guide them with equal parts science, art, and humility.”

Working closely with experienced growers, we match the right clones with ideal vineyard sites, soil types, and farming practices. This thoughtful collaboration is what allows Cabernet Franc and Chenin Blanc to reveal their best attributes—aromatic nuance, vibrant fruit, and a clear sense of place.

In Napa Valley, Alexander Valley, and Lake County, we’ve found vineyard partners that allow us to express the full typicity of Cabernet Franc. And in Mendocino, we discovered a region uniquely suited to producing Chenin Blanc that is textured, energetic, and varietally distinct. With each site and season, we stay rooted in the belief that great wine starts in the vineyard—and that terroir is not just a concept, but something you can feel in the glass.