
The Franzia family and Bronco Wine Co. announced the passing of John G. Franzia, remembered as a cherished father, a founding partner and an esteemed figure in the wine industry. Franzia peacefully passed away on March 25 in Modesto, California, at the age of 84. In 1973, he co-founded Bronco Wine Co. with his cousins, Fred T. and Joseph S. Franzia, with a vision to craft high-quality wines accessible to all. A trained enologist from UC Davis, he was a true farmer at heart, believing that the essence of great wines begins from exceptional vineyards. He will be fondly remembered for his fierce love for his family, his exceptional craftsmanship in winemaking and his passion for all things outdoors, particularly fly-fishing. His visionary leadership led Bronco Wine Co. to pioneer state-of-the-art winemaking facilities, shaping the industry’s standards. His enduring legacy will forever inspire future generations, the family’s statement reported.