Nestled among the rolling vineyards of Napa Valley, the newly completed Miller House at Frank Family Vineyards feels as though it has always belonged. Designed by California-based architecture firm Backen & Backen, the event space seamlessly marries the warmth of a private residence with the functionality of a commercial gathering place—delivering a modern architectural gem deeply rooted in the land’s history.
“Context is really important,” says John Taft, partner who has been with Backen & Backen for nearly three decades. “This building sits right across from the historic house on the property, which used to be the original residence and now functions as the tasting room. The Miller House needed to feel like a sister to that structure—agricultural in form, residential in scale.”
We wanted guests to feel grounded in the landscape, while also enjoying this expansive, transparent structure" - Taft
YOU MAY ALSO LIKE: EXPLORE CHARLES KRUG WINERY: PIONEERS OF NAPA WINE TASTING
Though modest in size, the Miller House was designed to have a big presence. The 55-person architecture firm—spread across offices in St. Helena, Sausalito, Montecito and West Hollywood—approached the project with a deep sensitivity to site and function. “It’s really about creating a rooted space,” Taft explains. “You’re sitting in the vineyards, surrounded by this gathering lawn between the old and new buildings. We wanted guests to feel grounded in the landscape, while also enjoying this expansive, transparent structure.”
And transparent it is. With glass walls that slide away, wide canopies that shade without obstructing and a wraparound porch that extends the interior into the outdoors, the Miller House blurs the boundaries between inside and out. “It’s essentially a white building with golden yellow cedar ceilings,” the architect says. “It’s a deliberate inversion of the historic house across the lawn—which is yellow with white trim. When you see the two together, there’s a dialogue.”
Named after Leslie Frank’s maiden name, the Miller House holds particular significance for the owners, Leslie and Rich Frank. The structure was built on the very spot where the couple were married—previously filled with tall hedges, trees, and a fountain. Reimagining that sacred space as a venue for hospitality was both a personal and professional mission. “It was a really important spot to them,” Taft says. “So getting it right mattered.”
Designed for flexibility, the space serves as a venue for wine tastings, culinary events and private celebrations. Long communal tables, casual seating areas around a fireplace, and the ability to reconfigure the interior allow the space to adapt to any occasion. “You might have a small tasting seated on the couches or remove the seating entirely for a large banquet. And when all the doors are open, it flows straight into the landscape,” Taft explains.
YOU MAY ALSO LIKE: EXPLORE NAPA VALLEY BY TIME-HONORED WINE TRAIN
In addition to its openness and warmth, the building is also high-performing. Sustainability played a key role in its design—from passive shading strategies to material selection. “We had to be efficient with the systems,” Taft notes. “All the west-facing glass is completely shaded by canopies and trellises, so you don’t get direct heat gain. And the materials are simple and responsible: painted wood shiplap, white steel, yellow cedar and some concrete for the fireplaces.”
Behind one wall—intentionally solid and understated—is a fully equipped commercial kitchen, cleverly tucked away to maintain the serenity of the space. “Hiding that was a design challenge, but I think we pulled it off. You wouldn’t know it’s there,” Taft says.
The three-and-a-half-year project wasn’t without its obstacles. The COVID-19 pandemic slowed construction, and the tight site—surrounded by vineyards and historic properties—presented infrastructure challenges. Yet the final result feels effortless. “It’s supposed to look simple, but it’s complex,” the architect admits. “That’s the trick to good design.”
Perhaps the highest compliment of all? The clients loved it. “They were very excited,” Taft says. “They’d done projects like this before, but I think they appreciated that we really delivered what we promised.”
The Miller House is more than just a building—it’s a place where memory, landscape and legacy converge. “We don’t have a house style,” Taft says. “What we do is create buildings that belong to their place. That’s what makes them timeless. They’re not shouting. They just feel like they’ve always been there.”
©2026 ICONIC - ALL RIGHTS RESERVED
"*" indicates required fields
