Stephanie L. Franklin is the visionary Founder, CEO, Vintner, and Winemaker of Franklin Vines Wine & Vineyard, an award-winning Texas wine brand rooted in legacy, land, and purpose. She is developing what will become the first vineyard in Shankleville, Texas, a historic Freedmen’s community founded by her third great-grandparents, on her family’s ancestral land once stewarded by her grandfather, Guyler Shankle.

After a successful corporate career in sales and marketing, Franklin’s journey took a pivotal turn during the COVID-19 pandemic, leading her to fully pursue her passion for wine and ultimately launch Franklin Vines. She brings a strategic approach to building the brand, using storytelling and direct connection to create a business grounded in heritage, purpose, and community.

She completed hands-on winemaking and harvest internships in Napa Valley and Texas and holds WSET Levels 1 and 2 certifications, with completed Level 3 coursework. She is also a Texas Specialist of Wine, serves as a wine judge for the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo International Wine Competition, and is a member of the Texas Small Farmers and Ranchers Community, reflecting her commitment to agriculture and land stewardship.

In 2022, she produced her inaugural vintage, a Texas Tannat that has earned multiple accolades, including a Gold Medal at the International Women’s Wine Competition and Silver Medals at both the San Francisco Chronicle Wine Competition and Houston Livestock Show & Rodeo; Rodeo Uncorked! International Wine Competition. In recognition of her impact, the City of Houston issued an official proclamation declaring October 23rd as “Franklin Vines Day,” honoring her contributions to wine, agriculture, and community.

She was featured on Good Morning America with Michael Strahan, where she shared her wine journey, her deep connection to the land, and the legacy of Shankleville, a historic community they both share ancestral roots in.

Each bottle of Franklin Vines wine carries a dedication to Shankleville, honoring the land and the generations who came before her.

Through Franklin Vines, she is using wine and agriculture to preserve history, create opportunities, and support the future of Shankleville through agritourism and economic development.

Outside of her work in wine, she enjoys live jazz, travel, and the performing arts, and is passionate about giving back through initiatives that support youth in underserved communities.