With its classic mediterranean architecture, gardens, and belltower St. Francis Winery has become a classic Sonoma icon nestled beside the dramatic Mayacamas Mountains in Kenwood. And St. Francis’s wines and food experiences do full justice to its breathtaking setting! For wine country sightseers, this is one of the best mountain meets vineyard views in Sonoma Valley.
Founded in 1971, the winery is observing its 50th anniversary. The Kopf family who partnered with the founding Joe Martin and Lloyd Canton families in 1988 have a lot of reasons to celebrate!
Estate grown Merlot and Chardonnay started it all way-back-when in 1971, and since then St. Francis has also earned multiple plaudits for its elegant Bordeaux varietals and line of single vineyard Zinfandels.
Chris Louton deftly handles the Bordeaux varietals and and the Zinfandels are under the Burgundian touch of Katie Madigan who also crafts St. Francis’s Pinot Noirs and Chardonnays. Today, Katie has risen through the Zinfandel ranks to become a bonafide star winemaker. The expressive and elegant Zinfandels speak for themselves: Banti, Giovanetti, and Dry Creek are all excellent – but ask if the Sonoma Valley, Montecillo Vineyard, is available – some of the most sought-after grapes in the valley and a reference wine for Zinfandel in general. St. Francis offers indoor and outdoor venues, flights tastings, food pairing experiences, and even a human-powered trolley tour. Foodies are advised to take full advantage of the seasonal food and wine pairing – a memorable multi-course meal by Peter Janiak who is recognized around food circles as one of the best chefs in Sonoma County at pairing wine with cuisine. Make sure to make advance reservations for all the St. Francis experiences.
