08/06/2026
EA199: Franklin Vines: Legacy, Land & the Vine
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Stephanie Franklin is the founder of Franklin Vines Stephanie L. Franklin and she is planting a vineyard on the same land her ancestors purchased after emancipation in Shankleville, Texas. She is a direct descendant of Jim and Winnie Shankle, the first African Americans to own land in that area after gaining freedom.
She said something that I keep coming back to: “Was this land waiting for me?”
We talked about her journey from corporate America to the vine, what it takes to build a vineyard with no master plan, the science behind growing grapes in deep East Texas, and a vision that goes far beyond wine — tasting rooms, educational hubs, women’s empowerment, scholarships, and possibly the first food and wine festival in Shankleville, Texas.
Oh, and she also gave us a mini wine course. Screw tops are not cheap. Expensive doesn’t always mean great. And drink what you like. Period. 🍷
Link in bio to listen to full episode — also streaming on Simplecast, Apple Podcasts and Spotify 🎙️