St. Francis Winery
Updated: Jan 12
Key Info
Nestled at the foot of Hood Mountain between Santa Rosa and Sonoma on Hwy 12.
The late Joe Martin founded St. Francis Winery.
He helped turn California Merlot into a household name.
More than 380 acres of Estate Vineyards in Sonoma and Russian River Valley.
Named after St. Francis of Assisi.
Patron saint and protector of animals and ecology.
St. Francis is believed to be the first to bring European grape cultivation to the New World.
A walk across the stone bridge entrance transports visitors back to California’s early days.
A statue of St Francis is located just before you reach the bell tower.
The bell tower is home to a 1,000 lb. bronze bell crafted in Italy.
Mission Style, spacious tasting room with tiled floors, large windows and cozy fireplace.
Shop in the well-stocked gift shop for wine related items and logo clothing.
Wine Tasting daily 10:00-5:00 pm.
$15pp fee waived with purchase of two bottles.
Walk-ins welcome.
Wine and Cheese Pairing: $25 pp daily
Self Guided Tour: offered daily, follow the station signs.
Estate Vineyard Tour and Tasting: $25 pp, Fri-Sun, 10:30 am. By appointment.
5 Course Gourmet Lunch: $70 pp. Thurs-Monday.
By appointment: 11:00, 1:00 and 3:00. Plan for 1 ½ hours.
Chef selects ingredients from the 2 acre Estate Garden.
Farm to table experience.
Small plate servings with 5 wines.
Seated at a large round table in a private room.
Soft music playing and two wine educators to answer questions.
Leisurely pace.
Wines:
Zinfandel, Cabernet Sauvignon, Chardonnay, Claret, Malbec, Merlot, Petite Sirah, Pinot Noir, Port, Rose, Sauv Blanc, Syrah, Cuve Blanc
St. Francis Old Vine Zinfandel is a favorite of critics.
Average Price $45. Some at $17 or $22.
You May Not Know
Hard to believe a winery was voted best restaurant?!?!?!?!
It’s true.
Although St. Francis is not a traditional restaurant, guests experience an exceptional feast for the senses.
St. Francis is Zagat recommended for wine and food pairings.
For two years, 2013 and 2015, OpenTable.com awarded St. Francis the nation’s number one restaurant.
Beating out restaurants in New York, San Francisco and Napa!
The irony of the award, there is NO restaurant at St Francis Winery,
Why? 16 guests sitting at a round table plus
90 minutes of world class food, wine and conversation.
Winemaker:
Katie Madigan started as an intern at St Francis when she was 21.
16 years later Katie continues to use her chemistry and wine making talents at St Francis.
She concentrates on Zinfandel and Chardonnay.
Best Woman Winemaker of the Year award by International Women’s Wine Competition.
Winemaker:
Chris Louton concentrates on the Bordeaux varietals
St Francis Winery was:
Named Zinfandel Producer of the Year 2014 and 2015
Awarded the California Green Medal Award in 2018.
Every year, in honor of founder Joe Martin, the tasting room is closed.
St. Francis employees spend this day giving back to the community.
This year they all worked at Sugerloaf Ridge State Park.
No wonder they received a Community medal for strong relationship with its employees and neighbors.
Sheila’s Recommendation
What a vibrant place!
I visited in the summer, on a Sunday, when they were mid-concert.
Dogs hanging out, people up and danci