How it all started
It started with an email.
A 19-year-old entrepreneur reached out to a man whose story had inspired him since childhood. A man who had walked away from a life most never leave. A man who had transformed himself from one of the most powerful figures in organized crime into a speaker, a leader, and a living testament to second chances.
That man was Michael Franzese.
What was meant to be a 30-minute conversation turned into three hours—a deep discussion about life, legacy, and the power of redemption. A conversation that planted the seed for something much bigger.
Because as Samvel Hakobyan listened, he saw something undeniable.
Michael’s story hadn’t just inspired him—it had impacted millions of people around the world. It was a story of transformation, of overcoming the past, of choosing a different path. And that’s when the idea was born.
"Wine has always been a story of transformation. Your life is a story of transformation. We need to share this with more people—we need to create a movement."
It wasn’t about starting a business.
It was about building something that mattered...
At the same time, Armenia was at war. The birthplace of wine - the land where Noah is said to have planted the first vineyard - was struggling. Its wine industry was suffering.
Sam saw an opportunity to do something bigger.
"What if we bring the world’s first wine to the U.S.? What if we connect its story to yours, Mr. Michael? What if we use this to inspire people and to save an industry that was born thousands of years ago?"
This wasn’t just about making wine.
It was about honoring a 6,000-year-old tradition.
It was about reminding people that the greatest things in life come through resilience. It was about proving that the best stories aren’t written in the past—they are still being created.
Together, they set out to do what had never been done before—bringing the ancient wines of Armenia to the modern world, not just as a product, but as a movement.
Wine, like life, is about change. The seed becomes the vine. The vine bears fruit. The grape is crushed, aged, refined—until it becomes something greater.
Franzese Wine stands for that same process.
That’s why this wine is different.
It’s not about prestige. It’s not about following the wine industry’s playbook.
It’s about celebrating the stories that matter.
MOST WANTED WINE FROM THE MOST WANTED MAN
- The only high-ranking Mafia boss to ever leave organized crime—and live to tell about it.
- Once generated millions per week and was named one of Fortune’s “Fifty Most Wealthy and Powerful Mafia Bosses.”
- Shocked the world by walking away from the mob.
- Renowned motivational speaker, bestselling author, and podcaster with over 2 million followers.
- Founder of a successful wine brand.
- Shares his story of redemption, faith, and transformation, inspiring countless people worldwide.
FINEST WINE FROM WORLD’S FIRST VINEYARDS
- Armenia: The Birthplace of Winemaking With a winemaking tradition that spans over 6,000 years.
- Rich Tradition and High Altitudes Traditional methods, combined with vineyards at high altitudes and close proximity to the sea, create ideal conditions for producing exceptional wines.
- Unique Flavors Without Additives Armenian wines offer a distinctive character with no added sugars or sulfates, resulting in a pure, refreshing taste that stands out from other wines on the market.
- Growing Demand for Ancient World Wines Franzese Wine is proud to be the only mass-market Armenian wine available in the U.S.
Join the Franzese Family!
