It’s no surprise that St. Francis Winery and Vineyards, a Sonoma Valley pioneer in artisan winemaking since the 1970s, has also been a standout among wineries for the past 15 years when it comes to honoring the region’s terroir through their award-winning culinary program. Twice named “One of OpenTable’s 100 Best Restaurants For Foodies,” St. Francis Winery was one of the first in Sonoma County to demonstrate the abiding relationship between wine and food which has existed for millennia. The bounty of their organic gardens along with local meats and sustainably sourced seafood was first showcased through their winemaker dinners and private events, advancing over the years from simple cheese and charcuterie plates in the tasting room to the now sophisticated yet approachable fine dining experiences that await your next visit.

A brand-new collection of outstanding epicurean wine experiences launched this summer, inviting guests to either retreat to a communal experience in the winery’s elegant estate dining room or a more intimate affair on the courtyard patio overlooking their famed Wild Oak estate vineyard. Whether you choose the sumptuous five-course seasonal pairing menu or opt for a few small delicacies in the Estate Pairing, St. Francis Winery has mastered the art of gastronomy, becoming a world-class culinary destination in wine country. Recognized for its high-touch personal service, their curated wine and food program explores the region’s best local ingredients alongside their vineyard-designate and limited-production wines, many available only at the winery or through their wine club.

World-Class Wine and Food Pairings Await

Designed by winery Executive Chef Trevor Eliason, the delectable pairings can be the sole purpose of your journey to the gorgeous mission-style winery, or, partake in any one of the culinary experiences in addition to a self-guided tour through the winery’s eco-friendly grounds and sustainably farmed vineyards, framed by panoramic views of the Mayacamas Mountains. Engaging all the senses is Chef Eliason’s expertise when it comes to his fresh, seasonal menus. He skillfully executes each bite by hand-selecting wines from one of  their award-winning collections to create pairings bursting with agricultural diversity found nowhere else; it’s authentic Sonoma, from vineyard to table. The five-course Wine and Food Pairing experience for $85 per person and $68 wine club member presents an in-depth explanation of the wines and its complementary food pairing while your group enjoys fine dining excellence in an elegant Sonoma Valley setting. Discover new flavor celebrations (and friends) with every sip. Available Thursday through Monday at
11 a.m., 1 p.m. and 3 p.m. Reservations are required.
The Estate Pairing at $45 per person and $36 for wine club members welcomes you with a splash of bright Sauvignon Blanc as you relax into your seated pairing on their courtyard patio overlooking picturesque mountain tops and estate vineyard views. Your expert host will guide you through four beautiful wines, flawlessly paired with a series of lite, gourmet delights while you enjoy the beauty of the grounds and enliven your palate. Offered from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Thursday through Monday through October 3. Walk-ins are welcome; parties of six or more require a reservation.
Be enchanted by the grandeur of Sonoma Valley with the seated Grand Tasting experience for $30 per person and $24 per wine club member. An intimate introduction to five limited-release selections served on the courtyard patio encourages you take in the beautiful scenery while your wine educator bestows attentive, first-class hospitality. Available through October 31 at 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. daily (weather permitting). Walk-ins are welcome; parties of six or more require a reservation.

Self-Guided Vineyard Adventure Tour

After your culinary adventure, head outdoors for a self-guided tour of the winery’s grounds to learn more about how they became a Certified California Sustainable Winegrower. In partnership with Sonoma County Vintners Association, several guide posts are installed along the trail explaining the sustainability methods put into practice daily with the use of reclaimed water systems, weather monitoring station, cover crops for soil health, solar power winery integration and a composting program to feed the organic culinary gardens. A handy printed map is included to give detailed information about the history of the winery and its on-going ecological commitments.  
To learn more about their culinary offerings or book a reservation, visit stfranciswinery.com/experiences.