St. Francis Winery & Vineyards

Winery · Sonoma County

St. Francis Winery & Vineyards

Winery · Sonoma County

1

100 Pythian Rd, Santa Rosa, CA 95409

Photos

St. Francis Winery & Vineyards by null
St. Francis Winery & Vineyards by null
St. Francis Winery & Vineyards by null
St. Francis Winery & Vineyards by null
St. Francis Winery & Vineyards by null
St. Francis Winery & Vineyards by null
St. Francis Winery & Vineyards by null
St. Francis Winery & Vineyards by null
St. Francis Winery & Vineyards by null
St. Francis Winery & Vineyards by null
St. Francis Winery & Vineyards by null
St. Francis Winery & Vineyards by null
St. Francis Winery & Vineyards by null
St. Francis Winery & Vineyards by null
St. Francis Winery & Vineyards by null
St. Francis Winery & Vineyards by null
St. Francis Winery & Vineyards by null
St. Francis Winery & Vineyards by null
St. Francis Winery & Vineyards by null
St. Francis Winery & Vineyards by null
St. Francis Winery & Vineyards by null
St. Francis Winery & Vineyards by null
St. Francis Winery & Vineyards by null
St. Francis Winery & Vineyards by null
St. Francis Winery & Vineyards by null
St. Francis Winery & Vineyards by null
St. Francis Winery & Vineyards by null
St. Francis Winery & Vineyards by null
St. Francis Winery & Vineyards by null
St. Francis Winery & Vineyards by null
St. Francis Winery & Vineyards by null
St. Francis Winery & Vineyards by null
St. Francis Winery & Vineyards by null
St. Francis Winery & Vineyards by null
St. Francis Winery & Vineyards by null
St. Francis Winery & Vineyards by null
St. Francis Winery & Vineyards by null
St. Francis Winery & Vineyards by null
St. Francis Winery & Vineyards by null
St. Francis Winery & Vineyards by null
St. Francis Winery & Vineyards by null
St. Francis Winery & Vineyards by null

Highlights

At St. Francis Winery in Sonoma Valley, savor extraordinary artisan wines paired with exquisite seasonal dishes amid stunning vineyard views—perfect for a laid-back afternoon.  

Featured in Eater
Placeholder

100 Pythian Rd, Santa Rosa, CA 95409 Get directions

stfranciswinery.com

$$

Information

Static Map

100 Pythian Rd, Santa Rosa, CA 95409 Get directions

+1 888 675 9463
stfranciswinery.com

$$

Features

delivery
payment credit card
Tap to pay

Last updated

Jul 9, 2025

Powered By

You might also like

Terms of Use • Privacy Policy • Cookie Policy
 © 2025 Postcard Technologies, Inc.
@eater

"The five-course Wine & Food Pairing ($95, available Thursday to Monday) pairs an array of different varietals, from Chardonnay to pinot noir to port, with dishes crafted by talented executive chef Peter Janiak, who sources ingredients on site from the winery’s two-acre sustainable garden. Hearty mains like lamb shank and fennel ragout and hanger steak with spring onion chimichurri grace the current seasonal menu." - Jess Lander

19 Laid-Back Wineries with Real Food in Sonoma County
View Postcard for St. Francis Winery & Vineyards

Davis Do

Google
Highly recommended! Adrian was an amazing host. My family and I really enjoyed our time here and the pours were very generous. Will be coming back for more pairings with wine and food.

Melissa Jorna

Google
This was a last minute choice we made when our plans changed for a rainy Saturday. We decided to book the food and wine pairing. It is was such an incredible opportunity that we just so happened to get tickets from a cancellation! The views of the vineyards on hills is unbeatable! The outdoor seating area would be perfect for a lounging afternoon. The views are stunning! For the tasting, you get about 5 courses paired perfectly with each wine. The chef rotates the menu every two weeks making every experience unique. Local wine guides told us they go there many times because it’s so good. They also have wonderful an award as best restaurant, but Sonoma says it’s not technically a restaurant. That’s how freaking good this place is. Every single person working at St. Francis was energized and excited to be there. They also were so excited for us to do the wine pairing! The best part is you are with a smaller group for the pairing meal and over 6 people are serving you. We talked to the chef afterwards!

matt mcc

Google
We four participated in/rode on the wine trolley. A very different kind of tasting experience. Fun and engaging to meet others. Note: pedaling is optional. Old Vines Zinfandel is a standout and a family favorite for many years. Not pretentious at all.

Carsten Fichte

Google
Amazing wine and food pairing at this gorgeous location. It really was a fantastic experience and we will definitely be back! Every wine matched perfectly with the food and was well thought through.

Prerana Mirch

Google
Wine and food pairing experience 5 course meal included wines with it. They gave us some extra wine for tasting as well. Food was pretty good. Presentation was amazing. If you don’t like certain things you may not like some dishes but overall the food sensory experience was amazing. The wines were ok. The heavier reds were better than the appetizer wines. Enjoyed the experience and the presenters were great. I personally loved the Turnip soup and fall flavors they included. Beautiful ambience. And we saw a rainbow

Josephine Boateng

Google
Such a great experience to have during our honeymoon. The wine was so complex and ever so juicy. My husband and I had an amazing time and the view was to die for. A must see 🫶🏾🤍 Ask for Christina she was so knowledgeable and a wonderful wine educator. Special mention to Christian who cleaned up my major wine spill ✨

Gabor Por

Google
We had the most amazing Estate Pairing experience yesterday at St. Francis. The food, the wine, the service was all exceptional and not necessary in that order. Maria greeted us most warmly and made us feel comfortable. Then we had a generous splash of Sauvignon blanc poured by the friendly and professional Sharon in the tasting room. A few minutes later we walked down to the outdoor seating where our table was ready for us exactly where we preferred: at the edge of the area so our view of the beautiful scenery was undisturbed (see first picture). Kevin, our host with the infectious laugh was cordial, answered all our questions and introduced the wines and the foods paired with them enticingly. I appreciated that the chef accommodated my "no pork" preference, while the others in my party got the unmodified version. E.g. you can see in the second picture my polenta-mushroom-pesto-butternut squash item in the front and the other two (with bacon), family style, in the background. I am sharing the printed menu and picture of most items. Aren't they all beautiful? (And they were delicious too). After our wine/meal we lingered in the garden's rocking chairs for an hour as we were blessed with sunny weather. All-in-all it was a fantastic day, thanks to the people, the excellent and potent wines and the yummy food that went along with them.

Danielle

Google
Haley was an amazing wine educator. We really enjoyed our time learning from her. The estate pairing was wonderful. We loved the polenta cake dish. The chef definitely knows what they're doing. The wines could have paired a little bit better but all of the flavors were so good. We will be back for the full wine & food pairing someday!

Dominic B.

Yelp
Made a reservation for two while visiting Santa Rosa for a weekend. Plenty of parking in the lot in front of the winery. Checked in and was provided a standing table inside. Opted for outside seating as we also had two dogs with us. Winery is dog friendly. Artisan flight which includes five wine samplings. 2023 sauv blanc, 2023 pinot noir, 2021 cab, 2021 old vines zin, and 202 zin. All are exclusively available at the winery. Our wine waiter/ambassador was very chill, nice, and sociable. You could tell he was making efforts to sell a bottle during the experience but it was casually hinted and non-pressuring. Told us the story behind each wine and was knowledgeable. Even let us try an extra mini pour of another off menu pinot to compare. At the end of the tasting, he let us also enjoy an extra pour - the malbec. All the wines were quite tasty and enjoyable to drink on a rain-free but cloudy day. Favorite was the pinot noir and zinfandel. Atmosphere is rustic with a beautiful backyard. Definitely some cute areas to take pics.

Matt C.

Yelp
Saint Francis Winery & Vineyards, located in the heart of Sonoma Valley, offers a delightful and picturesque wine-tasting experience with stunning views. I was talked into this trip to California with little no no wine experience. The staff at Saint Francis made the experience amazing and helped me figure out wines I would like. Whether you're a wine aficionado or just looking for a relaxing day in Sonoma, Saint Francis Winery offers an experience that captures the essence of the region, making it a must-visit for those exploring the area.

Nicole E.

Yelp
St Francis Winery is located in Santa Rosa and pretty dreamy. Reservations are not required which is a plus but always recommended. We had arrived around 2pm on a Saturday and the gal in the tasting room warmly greeted us and described the different tours offered which was super informative. We decided to do the self guide tour which was free and very cool. It was about 1.4 miles long and 11 stops throughout the vineyards that described the vineyard and the process that goes along with wine making. The landscape of the vineyard is absolutely beautiful so we really enjoyed ourselves and got some great photos. The glasses of wine were decently priced from $15 and up. I adored the chardonnay it wasn't too dry but very refreshing. Overall, this is a great stop in Santa Rosa.

Stephanie C.

Yelp
There are a lot of beautiful wineries to choose from in wine country, and St Francis undoubtedly sits up at the top. The view of the vineyard and their wines itself are fantastic experiences. However I want to highlight the MUST TRY food and wine pairing experience. I never knew a true "food pairing" until I had this. There is something magical in the way Chef Peter Janiak brings out the flavors in wine; better food than any Michelin star restaurant I've been to. Highly recommend this experience!

Amber B.

Yelp
If time allows, highly recommend stopping at St Francis for their wine and lunch pairing. Five courses and six wines, I left stuffed and outstripped. This is a shared experience with other parties probably around 20 people. At the time we went (my party was of eight) there were four additional parties from all over the US. Upon arrival, at checkin we were greeted with the welcome glass. Highly recommend arriving earlier or staying late as they have a clear Mountain View and great for pictures. We were given an introduction from two staff members on the experience ahead. Everything was well coursed and local to the area. Our wine glasses laid out to the wine preference. The menu changes based on the season and the wine was from their Vineyard. The time we went, they were paying a special tribute to local fish, so the first course with a cod soup ( the highlight, local cod caught in CA). Everything was packed with flavor and nothing came out overcooked, cold, or dry. Each course was explained along with the wine upon consuming. The entire experience lasted about an hour and 45 minutes. At the end, the chef who came up with all the courses attended and asked if we had any additional questions about any of the courses. 10 out of 10 recommend this experience.

Anna T.

Yelp
We recently did the Tasting After Dark which was very fun. I loved having an option later in the evening than when wineries are typically open. The grounds and facilities are beautiful. I especially love the big hills surrounding the vineyard. Before the tasting we got a glass of zin and sat in the Adirondacks looking out in the vineyard and hills. Staff was very friendly. The tasting was well done. Their dedicated chef designed an interesting menu and pairings and each course was delicious and complex. The portions and courses were enough where we left stuffed. My favorite part was the chef came out to say hello at the end and did a Q&A with us. The food was just as featured as the wine, if not more, and that was right up my alley. I've done pairings where the wine was prioritized and the bites were so-so. This is not that pairing. This is a fine dining experience! Money we spent in this experience. Thank you again, Chef Peter!

Vedran V.

Yelp
As a treat for my wife's birthday, I booked the Estate Pairing experience for 2 on a beautiful (but hot) Sunday afternoon in early September as St Francis. While $75/person didn't sound like a bargain, we loved the experience and would do it again any time. The Estate Pairing includes 4 wines, matched with small plates that compliment the beverage. The wines included in the experience were 1 white and 3 reds, but we also got some extras (cab and white cuvee), so the total tally was 2 whites and 4 reds. The whole experience was very relaxed and our server was attentive and informational, far from haughty and lecturing type that is prevalent in Napa Valley tasting rooms. We are casual wine drinkers, and really liked what St Francis is serving. Obviously their forte is the zinfandel, but even their regular steel-fermented Sauv Blanc tasted great, especailly on a hot day. The food pairing plates were perfectly timed to come with fresh glasses of wine and included fried green tomatoes, eggplant albodingas, pork belly with barley, and chocolate/cherry/pistachio cookies. The last wine was a sangria-like coctail, which tasted almost like a dessert itself. The St Francis property is huge and they offer many diffeent experiences, including tours. It seemed like the walk-ins are totally ok and the main tasting room looked like it can accomodate a lot of folks. Somewhat out of the way but still in the heart of the wine country, St Francis has earned a spot on (y)our next Sonoma County wine itinterary.

Mary H.

Yelp
Beautiful winery with lovely gardens and views. What a perfect setting for tastings. It was our first time coming here and we went based on the reviews. Tbh, the tastings were ok. The wine quality was good. As for our Sommelier, he was busy doing multiple tastings plus training someone new. We felt kinda on our own. His trainee actually spent more time with us and didn't make us feel rushed. She is probably one of the reasons we joined, besides wine quality. I hope she got the credit for us signing up.

Sahana B.

Yelp
This is a great winery to visit if you want a personable experience as well as the chance to walk through the vineyards on your own! With family visiting from the Midwest, they wanted to be able to leisurely enjoy the vineyards and actually walk through the vast grape vines a vineyard has, and this is something that St. Francis offers! The grounds are so beautiful, especially on a sunny day. We did the artisan flight, which consisted of 1 rose and 4 reds, all or which had unique flavors so it was fun debating on which ones we liked best. It was also pretty affordable given the fact that we got to try 5 wines, with good pours as well! We were even sat down even though the artisan flight is advertised as a standing tasting. After the artisan flight, we went in the free self guided walking tour through the vineyards which was so fun to do. We even had the chance to enjoy our last glass of wine on the walk, which is about a mile. Will probably want to visit again when the grapes are actually in season as the vines were bare (but still pretty cool to see!) Overall great winery in the Napa/Santa Rosa area!

Audrey G.

Yelp
I have been to the food and wine paring many times and always enjoyed each course! Today was differently. The first course of parsnip bisque with Martinellini Chardonnay was delightful. The rest were meh, until we got to the bistro steak course which was wonderful. I didn't enjoy the wines as I have previously. The Pinot was too you and knowing it was only aged for 6 months immediately was a turnoff! The service was wonderful as always as well as the presentation. Just disappointed in the wine!

Assaf G.

Yelp
Beautiful view as you can expect from a Sonoma vineyard. We had the tasting with the 4 course snack. Nice food really enjoyed it. Wine was nice, not my cup of tea but everybody seems to enjoy it, service was nice also. Overall 4/5 I would just go walk around and enjoy the view.

Pat M.

Yelp
When I picture in my mind what a California winery should look like, St. Francis is exactly that. This beautiful winery, which has been here for over 50 years, has a perfect setting with vineyards and mountains in the background. We sat outside on the terrace for a tasting on a warm November Sunday. The wine and the ambience was perfect! Our tasting consisted of four different reds and one white (Chardonnay) with a complimentary Sauvignon Blanc to start off. I've had the St. Francis Zinfandel before, but in this tasting we had two varieties of it. Both were excellent, as was the Sirah. Neither my wife nor I are Chardonnay fans, but this one changed our mind, it was great! Our server was very friendly and no one here made us feel rushed. There are so many choices of wineries in Napa/Sonoma, I'm really happy St. Francis was one we chose!

Elizabeth W.

Yelp
My husband and I did the food and wine pairing 5 course meal. This is the way to do it! Chef Peter knew what he was doing when he curated our tasting menu. Absolutely excellent food and great wine to match. Service is the large group was very good and we were greeted with a wine upon early arrival for our tasting.

Courtney S.

Yelp
We only had a tight timeline to visit a vineyard while we were in Sonoma, and I'm so pleased with our decision to try St Francis. We did the tasting, which is very well-priced, and the wine options were all delicious. There were a lot of reds, but their rose was wonderful, and I'm not a huge rose person. It wasn't overly bubbly or sweet. The views were beautiful and the service was even better. The only downside is that they don't have food outside of the wine and food pairings that you have the option of booking. It's a very dog-friendly place and we saw lots of off-leash pups playing. I would highly recommend a visit to St Francis!

Kristen S.

Yelp
Soooooo angry I don't live in the area because I would be a member of this place. The pictures don't do the property justice. The winery and views are jaw dropping. You must do the estate pairing. Every bite was delectable. The wine pairings were amazing and I took a bottle home. You have to come here when in Santa Rosa. Great service, great ambiance and great bites & wine. I would come back.

Jeff D.

Yelp
I have only two words to describe our Mother's Day brunch at St. Francis Vineyards: Completely outstanding! Talk about a "class act!" Wow, the staff at St. Francis did not disappoint! From the impeccable service to the incredibly tasty dishes the chef provided, to the delicious wine pairings, we were blown away! We are so happy to have booked this winery for Mother's Day! We walked away with some very happy memories, and a nice selection of wine to take home. Thank you, St. Francis, for a really memorable experience!

Joselyn M.

Yelp
Where do I start... the wine and food pairing was exceptional!! Hands down the best!! It's unfortunate I can't remember the Chef's name. But if he sees this, manifico!! Glad my friend introduced us to this Winery. I'll def be back. Service was just as great too. Such friendly, and attentive workers!! Ambiance was beautiful inside and out. Looking forward to coming back. Keep up the food and service St. Francis!!

Sylvie P.

Yelp
Let's just start this review but saying that this was my first time visiting but will not be my last here! After coming off of a very long workweek, my fiancé, my cousin, her fiancé and I drove up to Sonoma County for a much needed staycation. We booked St Francis Winery and took part in their wine and food pairing on a Saturday morning. It was an absolute delight ! We were welcomed with a welcome bubbly and sat in a private room with other guests that have booked this tasting. 5 wines paired with 5 dishes. I still think about the dishes a week later. Hats to the amazing chef and his team and St Francis Winery for the excellent wines. I was taken a wine and food journey that I cannot wait to come back again someday! Thank you !!

Corey G.

Yelp
This place is truly one of the best wineries in the area. We moved to Santa Rosa less than a year ago and this winery is located nearby. My wife has been here with our daughter and we have been there a couple of times. The experience was so good that my wife because member Being a member is nice. There is a member only area and they have special events. But even the non- member area is great and the overall ambiance is beautiful. The main thing is that their wines are very good, and their tasting menu is ideal. I highly recommend St. Francis Winery!

Charmie C.

Yelp
Beautiful, exquisite landscape at this winery. We did the walking tour which allows you to see all the grape varieties that produce the wine. The service was attentive at the tasting and the views are stunning!

Brea B.

Yelp
Wow! St Francis is a BEAUTIFUL winery. The tasting was incredible as well. Our sommelier was knowledgeable and funny and let us try different wines depending on our interests. We had an amazing experience and look forward to going back soon.

Walter H.

Yelp
Fabulous food pairing with wine tasting. Very nice venue. Good AC for indoor seating.

Julie M.

Yelp
Another beautiful visit and tasting. Sharon was very knowledgeable and tried to include everyone's palette. Love being outside in such beauty and serene quiet of the surrounding vineyards and mountains

Annie K.

Yelp
Thoroughly enjoyed our time at the St Francis Vineyards! It is very peaceful and quiet here though there r many guests. Thankful they were able to seat a big party of 9. They didn't allow us to join tables at first but later the tables flowed together with no problem. Vanessa was our waiter and wine educator and was very informational and made our experience enjoyable!! I enjoyed tasting all the wines; white and red which is rare for me! All the wines were smooth and easy to drink and refreshing. The food was so delicious as well. I really enjoyed the albacore ceviche the most but still liked the squash, sliders, and fritters as well!! Everything was tasty and went well with our wines. Vanessa built us a hummus radish cracker board at the end as well white people enjoyed additional glasses of wine. We got to chill on the grass and play some music but had to leave at 5pm sharp as they were closing. We wished we could have stayed longer but still had a great time!!

Illy P.

Yelp
The grounds are fabulous and the service is amazing! I am a member and return here often and love it.

Joe B.

Yelp
Made reservations online and had a great first time visit to this winery with Rony. The tasting room is stylish and well kept with art, old vine, architecture. He was knowledgeable and affable with his interactions with all he was serving in the tasting room. He was patient and available for the many questions in the room. I was so pleased with the varieties in this flight I became a wine club member. We're looking forward to our next shipment! Thank you, St Francis and Rony, for an amazing experience.

Jaclyn M.

Yelp
It was a first time for most of my family and I at St. Francis, so we were very excited to experience something new together! S E R V I C E / G R O U N D S: Everything was beautiful! It felt like a resort and was honestly missing a pool and hotel rooms haha. There was a lot of helpful staff available to answer any questions and almost every corner was picturesque. We tasted the Artisan Flight, and we were guided by Rony (Tasting is $30pp and complimentary to members). He was very knowledgeable and made sure we understood the process of wine in general in order to enjoy wine on a deeper level. From my observation it doesn't seem like there's private tasting rooms - it's pretty open and you can hear other parties' conversations before you start to feel a little ;) W I N E: The first wine we tasted was their 2021 Rosé, and I was honestly not impressed by it. It tasted like it was lacking that special something! The 2019 Chardonnay I enjoyed - it was refreshing! However the bottle my fiancé and I went home with from the flight was their 2021 Sauvignon Blanc. It was very easy, and definitely something you can enjoy on a hot afternoon. O V E R A L L: The experience was very fun, and apparently they have mini bikes/trolleys that take you around the vineyard. That would be something fun to do with a group of 8! I wouldn't mind coming back and hopefully finding another bottle good enough to take home :)

Olivia M.

Yelp
The estate pairing experience was phenomenal! Expect to have some lighter bites (not a full meal) during this experience. The team did a great job developing a fun tasty menu that paired well with each course, total of 4. This experience is limited to a small group. It feels intimate and you're definitely taken care of. Since it's a rotating menu both for wine/food, I definitely plan on coming back. Also wanted to give a huge shoutout because they do keep food allergies top of mind.

Alicia W.

Yelp
One of the most picturesque vineyards in Sonoma! It is positioned close to the nearby Moon Mountain District and the main building itself is modeled after the St. Francis of Assisi church in Italy and to resemble traditional mission churches. There is a beautiful statue of St. Francis near the entrance when you first walk in. The tasting room has large walls that serve as both windows and doors that can be opened on warm days to make the inside have an open-air atmosphere. The tastings here are $35 each for their most basic tasting, but they also have lots of other experiences you can do including guided tours and food/wine pairings. I have been here twice and both times have decided to do a glass of wine and with their self-guided tour of the vineyard! It can be hard to find a place where you can do wine by the glass, so I was excited to find that here and pair it with a nice vineyard stroll. The self-guided tour is 1.2 miles long and has about 12 stops along the way. You stop at certain posts which provide information about the vineyard design and process. Each post then tells you how far you are from the next stop and tells you which direction to go. The tour winds up and down rows of the vineyard which was especially nice this time of year; all the vines had tons of grapes on them because it is almost harvest season! The final stop on the tour was a herb and vegetable garden that the in-house chef uses in the food that he makes which I thought was really cool. There are several chair outside near the vineyard if you want to just sit out there to enjoy your glass of wine. Be sure to wear sunscreen as there is very little shade in this part of the property. I loved this experience and will definitely plan on returning next time I'm in Sonoma!

Sarah G.

Yelp
Rony was very knowledgeable and interesting as our host for our wine tasting. Even my husband, who is NOT a wine fan, enjoyed the experience and was convinced to buy some wine. Overall, the visitor's center was beautiful and the staff was very down to earth and pleasant. We would love ot return someday!

Nancy H.

Yelp
Out of the many, many wineries and vineyards, this wasn't one of the stops that blew our minds. They do offer nice outdoor seating and provide good service, but when seated for the tasting, it feels a bit more restaurant-like. Unfortunately though, they don't serve food. Wines were good, but none that we felt inclined to purchase and bring home.

Lori D.

Yelp
We are visiting the area an stopped to see this beautiful winery. All of the staff was amazing, kind and welcoming. We order glasses of wine and walked around. Order a shipment. Thank you for an amazing visit!

Kathy T.

Yelp
Who knew that one of the best meals in Sonoma/Napa is lunch at st. Francis winery? The food was fantastic and the wine paired with the food made the wine sing. I especially loved the port and bought some bottles. If you're coming to Sonoma and want a leisurely tasting with delicious food, highly recommend this experience.

Qinnan L.

Yelp
I really enjoy the wine & food pairing ($125) at St. Francis. The dishes are all delicious and made with super fresh ingredients. Some ingredients are even sourced from their own garden! The menu also changes frequently based on the season. Some of my favorites I have had are the lamb (so tender and juicy) and sweet corn bisque. Do arrive early though. We arrived right on time for our 11am reservation, and everyone else was already seated and waiting for us (oops). If anyone from your party is not drinking, you can also ask for a 20% discount on the $125 price point for just the food.

Lisa W.

Yelp
Best wine and good pairing hands down in Sonoma! This was the highlight of my time in The area. I love their wine and food pairing, and this time it was amazing! Make reservations. It's a small group. 5 courses, 5 wine pairings. Everything was perfect. The curry squash bisque was outta this world! The salmon was fried and cook to perfection, and the steak was amazing with great flavors. The wine pairing was amazing. I loved their Pinot and bought a bottle. They also let us try another zin and we bought it. Best deal in town as well! Just do it!

Jason F.

Yelp
There are a number of wineries that dot the Sonoma Valley along the long stretch of road that is known as the Sonoma Highway that stretches from Santa Rosa to Sonoma, but perhaps the one winery that has the loveliest wine tasting facility, along with some of the most amazing views of the Hood Mountain Range, and of course the most sumptuous wines in the region is that of St. Francis Winery & Vineyards. For over five decades, St. Francis Winery & Vineyards has defined Sonoma County for their winemaking perfection thanks to an impressive wine portfolio that has been crafted by a generation of winemakers thanks to being family owned and operated since their inception. The first time I came to St. Francis was earlier in the summertime when the weather was warm and the staff was extremely inviting as my friend was a longtime club member and wanted me to try some wines from their Artisan Flight. As our tasting associate Sharon led us through five of their signature wines, each one would taste more lustrous than the next, as we sipped on their patio overlooking their grassy open space area and vineyards. Among the highlights for me was their 2021 Rose sourced from Sonoma County and was a combination of Zinfandel, Sangiovese, Merlot, Chardonnay, and Viognier, which made for quite the refreshing splash to start our tasting. Their 2017 Cabernet Sauvignon sourced from the Moon Mountain District was also a lovely vintage of wine thanks to its complexity and silky tannins. So wonderful was this initial experience at St. Francis Winery & Vineyards that my friend insisted that I return with her for their wine and food pairings, which are offered five days a week, and at a discount of 100 dollars for wine club members and a rather reasonable 125 dollars for their guests. When paired with the exquisitely plated food created by their Executive Chef Peter Janiak, the award winning wines at St. Francis Winery tastes that much better. Sitting in their private dining area, we were hosted by wine educators Kevin and Tony, who first greeted us with a lovely glass of their 2019 Chardonnay upon entry, as here at St. Francis Winery, they wisely use the all of the wines that they have on property to use for their food and wine pairing entrées. Our meal began with their 2021 Estate Cuvée Blanc paired with their Parsnip Soup which was topped with Vadouvan shrimp, ginger and shiso. The light acidity of the wine, which was sourced right here in their Wild Oak Vineyard, was brought out by the rich creaminess of the soup, as Kevin and Tony recommended the bite and sip method to our food pairing in order to see how each taste of the wine changes with each morsel of food. Another wine sourced from their Wild Oak Vineyard was their 2017 Syrah and this was paired with their Celeriac and Three Cheese Cannelloni served with pancetta, on a bed of fennel soubise and topped with chervil. It was a rich and delightfully cheesy entrée that was accentuated by every sip of their elegantly smooth Syrah. For our third wine pairing, we were treated to their 2018 Merlot whose grapes are sourced from the Behler Vineyard in the Sonoma Valley, which was paired with my favorite dish of our five courses, their Liberty Duck Breast, which was served with melted cauliflower, trumpet mushrooms, brussels sprouts, hazelnuts, and dollops of apple and beet butter. When paired with any wine let alone their velvety Merlot, this duck entrée tasted glorious with every bite. Just as we finished one protein, we were enjoying a second entrée that had protein as the star, and their New York Steak and Truffled Demi was served with brown butter yams, chorizo, dino kale, aleppo and mojo verde and paired with their 2017 Zinfandel which was sourced from the Dry Creek Valley which gave notes of a long finish thanks to the savoriness of every bite of steak, which we later learned from Chef Janiak was seared before being finished in their oven. Our meal concluded with a Apple and Frangipane Tart served with salted caramel, marcona almond crumble and topped with candied oranges and this dessert was paired with their 2017 Port, which we learned that St. Francis Winery was grandfathered into growing its Port, as it is only allowed to be made in Portugal. Our meal was one of the most exquisite wine and food pairings that I have ever had the opportunity to take part in, and it was all thanks to my friend being a longtime member, a member for so long that she is thing close to getting a vine named after her, which just goes to show the graciousness they served their members and visitors alike. As their bell chimes from their tower at the top of every hour, at St. Francis Winery & Vineyards we are all treated like family, and after their food and wine pairing experience, which anyone can take part in, family definitely comes first.

Lydia C.

Yelp
We stopped here on the way home from a wine weekend in Rohnert Park because the hotel had offered us a 2-for-1 tasting. We got there just after they opened, so not having made a reservation was no problem. The grounds are beautiful - it would be great to come back in the spring or summer and sit outside. However the insde is nice and light and open. There were no whites on the tasting menu, so my sister and I each got a glass of chardonnay (which we both liked) and our husbands did the tasting. Maya was wonderful, willing to talk about each of the wines and describe them. There were quite a few tastings for $28, and she added a few side-by-side bonus pours. This was a very enjoyable experience, and I would definitely go back again.

Annie L.

Yelp
We became members here the end of 2022 and we've had good experiences so far. But this review is specifically for the food and wine pairing. It's a decent price point and the food was phenomenal! Every single dish was delicious. We also have enjoyed all the wines we've tasted as well. The only reason they are not receiving 5 stars is because their wine tasting was mediocre in our opinion. I hate the standing tables, they should definitely have bar stools or something more comfortable. Also the tables are tiny and there's no space, the presentation just lacked. Ive had better wine tasting experiences at a tiny mom and pop vineyard for half the price.

Kristine J.

Yelp
glad that i finally was able to go to this winery! heard good things and didn't disappoint. i am def not a wine expert. my wine taste buds are very simple. but i actually like the reds they served here. we ended up buying a bottle of malbec. vineyard was super pretty. we were able to walk around, take lots of pictures. dog friendly. it was pretty spacious. i would come back and try their food and wine pairing next time!

Jimmy M.

Yelp
My wife and I have visited St. Francis many times throughout the years but the last decade, or so, it seems like they've really stepped up their game all around. The staff at the tasting room are always very hospitable, warm, engaging but in terms of their wine-making, I think that's where they've made great strides. The wines were good back when we discovered them in the mid 2000's but these past few years have been something else. We had a great visit there just yesterday and had a great time with the new releases and our hostess was just great. Definitely one of those places we keep coming back to!

Branwyn H.

Yelp
Love their wines, tasting room, and membership program. They do not ship to my state, which is frustrating but understandable. When I visit town and can fly wine home though, I call and leave messages that are never returned. When I placed an order online, it was refunded since wines listed on their website were unavailable, and they asked me to call to change my order! I was born and raised in the valley and it's so disheartening to see St Francis focus more on volume than good service. I'll stop recommending them for people looking to tour wine country.

C R.

Yelp
My friend brought me here for my birthday in July. We did the wine and food pairing. It was excellent (both the wine selection and the food) The hostess serving us was very knowledgeable about the wines and the chef made some wonderful selections. There was enough food for each course that we were full at the end. Their wine pours are generous and to say the least we walked out with 7 bottles of wine! The chef came out to meet us and answer any questions we had which was also a treat. The grounds are also very pretty. It was a Thursday so not crowded which was nice! I definitely want to return for more. It was one of my best experiences wine tasting!

Mike T.

Yelp
My wife and her brother and sister-in-law took a wine trip to Napa recently. We headed to St Francis for the first time because I love wine and food pairing. St Francis has an amazing pairing. The food is top notch and the wines paired fantastically with each dish. Service was fantastic and they described each pairing with great detail.

Susan L.

Yelp
Yesterday, I took my son-in-law for the wine and food pairing. Everything was extraordinary! The wine, the food, and the service the best ever. I would eat every meal here if I could.

Sue M.

Yelp
Great Ed on wine from Maria! Joined the club. Wonderful setting on patio and excellent wine choices. Close to town and very fun.

Denise Z.

Yelp
We made a reservation as was instructed on the website but our arrival comes as a shock to the staff. We were told so many contradicting things from, 'you're too early' showing up 15 minutes prior to our reserved start time... to 'you're with that guy out on the porch right?'... no, we don't know him. Eventually we were sat outside and went through the shuffle of 4 different hosts who just poured and left with no description of the wine or even the winery. This was shocking to me as I had visited to this vineyard for so many years in the past. I felt embarrassed that I brought my party here for a fun tasting and don't think I will return.

Patricia R.

Yelp
Sunday was my first time at St Francis. We were fortunate to have Kevin Sanchez as our sommelier. He had such a good vibe about him that made the day even more enjoyable. He is so nice. He was patient in answering all our questions that we had between the 4 of us, he made great recommendations. The wine tasting was such a good experience. Left with a couple of excellent wines. I am glad that we started here, we ended up going to another winery afterwards where the experience was the total opposite. We will definitely be coming back and requesting that Kevin be available. Thanks Kevin!

James K.

Yelp
The quality of wine doesn't balance the lack of service at this winery. From issues with setting up the reservation to the extra fee for a stand up tasting, what a let down. There are way too many awesome wineries in the Sonoma Valley to give this one anymore attention.

Angela P.

Yelp
Showed coupon and we became second class costumers. Hostess became rude and uninviting. Will avoid buying this wine. Avoid this winery.