Located in the heart of Sonoma County, St. Francis Winery is a renowned California winery that has been producing exceptional wines for over four decades. Founded in 1971 by Joe Martin, the winery has established itself as a leader in the production of high-quality, award-winning wines. With a strong focus on sustainability and a passion for crafting wines that showcase the unique characteristics of Sonoma County, St. Francis Winery has become a must-visit destination for wine enthusiasts.
History and Philosophy
St. Francis Winery’s history dates back to the early 1970s, when Joe Martin, a passionate winemaker, decided to leave his job at a large winery to pursue his dream of creating a small, family-owned winery. Martin’s vision was to produce wines that would showcase the unique characteristics of Sonoma County’s soil, climate, and grape varieties. Today, the winery is still family-owned and operated, with a strong commitment to sustainability and a passion for crafting wines that are true to their terroir. St. Francis Winery’s philosophy is centered around the idea of creating wines that are not only exceptional in quality but also reflective of the region’s unique character.
Wine Production
St. Francis Winery produces a wide range of wines, including Chardonnay, Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, and Zinfandel, among others. The winery’s wine production is focused on showcasing the unique characteristics of Sonoma County’s grape varieties, with a strong emphasis on sustainability and terroir-driven winemaking practices. The winery’s vineyards are located in some of the most prestigious regions of Sonoma County, including the Russian River Valley and the Sonoma Valley. St. Francis Winery’s wine production is overseen by winemaker Katie Madigan, who has been with the winery for over 10 years and has a deep understanding of the region’s grape varieties and winemaking techniques.
| Wine Variety | Appellation | Awards and Accolades |
|---|---|---|
| Chardonnay | Russian River Valley | 90+ points, Wine Enthusiast; Gold Medal, Sonoma County Harvest Fair |
| Cabernet Sauvignon | Sonoma Valley | 92+ points, Wine Spectator; Double Gold Medal, American Wine Society |
| Zinfandel | Dry Creek Valley | 90+ points, Wine Enthusiast; Gold Medal, San Francisco Chronicle Wine Competition |
Visit St. Francis Winery
Visitors to St. Francis Winery can enjoy a range of experiences, including wine tastings, vineyard tours, and food and wine pairings. The winery’s tasting room is open daily, and visitors can enjoy a selection of wines, including some of the winery’s most popular varieties. St. Francis Winery’s wine and food pairings are a highlight of the visit, with a focus on showcasing the winery’s wines alongside locally sourced, artisanal foods. Visitors can also take a tour of the winery’s vineyards, which offer stunning views of the surrounding countryside.
Wine and Food Pairings
St. Francis Winery’s wine and food pairings are designed to showcase the winery’s wines alongside locally sourced, artisanal foods. The pairings are led by the winery’s experienced staff, who provide insight into the winery’s wine production practices and the art of pairing wine with food. St. Francis Winery’s wine and food pairings are a unique and memorable experience, with a focus on highlighting the winery’s wines and the region’s culinary delights.
Some popular wine and food pairings at St. Francis Winery include:
- Chardonnay and lobster risotto
- Cabernet Sauvignon and grilled steak
- Zinfandel and spicy BBQ
What types of wine does St. Francis Winery produce?
+St. Francis Winery produces a wide range of wines, including Chardonnay, Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, and Zinfandel, among others.
Is St. Francis Winery sustainable?
+Yes, St. Francis Winery is committed to sustainability and has implemented a range of sustainable practices, including the use of solar power, rainwater harvesting, and integrated pest management.
Can I visit St. Francis Winery?
+Yes, St. Francis Winery is open to visitors and offers a range of experiences, including wine tastings, vineyard tours, and food and wine pairings.
