About Us
Our story begins with the land. Zinc House Farm has been part of Escalon’s history since 1850, and today it is home to Clark Ferrea Winery. Built by the Franzia family, the winery reflects a commitment to sustainable farming, thoughtful design, and creating a place where people can gather.
The Franzia Family
Clark Ferrea was founded by four siblings—Brian, Michael, Carol, and Paul Franzia—fifth-generation stewards of California agriculture and winemaking. Together, they bring more than 100 years of industry experience and a shared vision for blending farming, innovation, and community at Zinc House Farm.
Our History
Zinc House Farm traces back to 1850, when a prefab zinc house was shipped from New York and reassembled in San Joaquin County. It became Zinc House Station, a bustling stop on the road to the Mother Lode, later a hotel, school, and community hub. Today, Clark Ferrea carries that legacy forward as a place of agriculture, wine, and gathering.
Art, Design & Place
The winery was built to exceed modern environmental standards, anchored by a 10,000-square-foot arbor and integrated with art and architecture. From the Conrad Shawcross sculpture at the entry to the custom Yosemite-inspired de Gournay wallpaper inside, Clark Ferrea is as much a cultural project as it is a winery.
Field Notes
Our blog records the rhythm of life at the winery and farm—seasonal updates, behind-the-scenes stories, and reflections on the people and community around us.