Cabernet Franc is one of the major black grape varieties worldwide. It is principally grown for blending with Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot in the Bordeaux style, but can also be vinified alone - as in the Loire's Chinon. In addition to being used in blends and produced as a varietal in Canada and the United States it is made into ice wine there.

Cabernet Franc is lighter than Cabernet Sauvignon, making a bright pale red wine and contributing finesse and a peppery perfume to blends with more robust grapes. Depending on growing region and style of wine, additional aromas can include tobacco, raspberry, bell pepper, and cassis, sometimes even violets.

Records of Cabernet Franc in Bordeaux go back to the end of the 18th century; it was planted in Loire long before that. DNA analysis indicates Cabernet Franc is one of two parents of Cabernet Sauvignon, a cross between it and Sauvignon Blanc.

Cabernet Franc is believed to have been established in the Libournais region of southwest France sometime in the 17th century when Cardinal Richelieu transported cuttings of the vine to the Loire Valley. They were planted at the Abbey of Bourgueil under the care of an abbot named Breton, whose name became associated with the grape. By the 18th century, plantings of Cabernet Franc (known as Bouchet) were found throughout Fronsac, Pomerol and St-Emilion, making quality wines. As Cabernet Sauvignon became more popular in the 18th & 19th century, the close similarity of the two grapes was observed and theories emerged as to the extent of the relationship. In 1997 DNA evidence emerged to show that Cabernet Franc crossed with Sauvignon blanc to produce Cabernet Sauvignon.

Louis Lucas was one of the early commercial wine grape growers in Santa Barbara County, considered a local pioneer in the field. He is currently co-owner of Lucas & Lewellen Vineyards.

Lucas was born in Fresno CA in 1940 and spent much of his youth growing up in Delano CA. where his family worked in the table grape business. He graduated from the University of Notre Dame in 1963.

In 1970 Lucas and partners formed Tepusquet Vineyards becoming one of the first commercial wine grape growers in Santa Barbara County. In the early seventies he partnered to form Edna Valley Vineyards and expanded Tepusquet to include vineyards in the Shandon region near Paso Robles. In 1996 Lucas partnered with Judge Royce Lewellen to form Lucas & Lewellen Vineyards. The company owns three vineyards in Santa Barbara County producing 24 grape varietals, operates a winery in Buellton, CA and two tasting rooms in Solvang, CA.