In the heart of the lush Sonoma Valley, the famed St. Francis Winery & Vineyards, is known for producing big, bold, full-bodied wines that deliver on flavor. Each wine is produced from 100% hand-picked Sonoma County fruit and is a direct expression of their winemaking philosophy of “maximum extraction, minimal intervention.”

In 1979, after several years of growing and selling grapes to local wineries, the decision was made by Joe and Emma Martin and their partner Lloyd Canton to build their own winery. St. Francis Winery was established and christened after St. Francis of Assisi, in recognition of the Saint’s role as a protector of the natural world and as acknowledgement of the Franciscan order, believed to have been the first to bring European grape cultivation to the new world.

In the fall of 1999, the construction of St. Francis’ new state-of-the-art winery facility was completed just in time for the 1999 harvest. The new winery, with its stunning mountain views, is situated on the Wild Oak Vineyard just a mile from the original winery site. In fact, you can now take in the entire property – from vineyard to winery to a special tasting in their cave. It is what they call, quite accurately, a “Wine-cation.” Offered twice a day (at 11 a.m. and again at 2 p.m.) each Saturday and Sunday, it is a memorable wine country experience. You will also learn about the many “green” aspects of this winery, including the fact that the solar panels at the site would supply enough electricity to power 250 single-family homes.

As Christopher Silva, St. Francis President & CEO has said, “We continue to enjoy tremendous success by focusing on Sonoma County, where we grow 100% of our grapes. With success comes responsibility to future generations who will live and work here as well. Engaging in green practices is the right thing to do, which makes it the right way to run a business.”

Then in 2001, with the completion of the stunning tile-roofed St. Francis Visitors Center with its tower, terraces, high-ceiling tasting room, special events room and grounds, the transformation was complete. This mission style Visitors Center, located at the entrance to the Wild Oak Vineyard, offers three separate tasting bars, a beautiful slate patio with panoramic views of the surrounding vineyards and their artfully planted lawn out back, with its kinetic sculpture and a special water feature right outside the door.

“One of the hallmarks of a visit to St. Francis is our outstanding pairing program, which offers guests a fun, informative and unforgettable wine and culinary experience. We believe great wine deserves a great time, and our goal is to make sure all of our guests tell everyone they know St. Francis is not to be missed,” said Aura Bland, Director of Consumer Sales & Marketing.

From May through August there are also “Winemaker Saturdays” in the tasting room from noon until 4 p.m. “This is already very popular, giving our guests the rare opportunity to meet, taste and talk wine with the passionate winemakers who craft it. Guests can taste and discuss current releases and gain insight into all aspects of the complexities of the winemaking process.”

The St Francis Winery & Vineyards tasting room is open daily from 10 a.m. until 5 p.m. It is at 100 North Pythian Road (at Highway 12) in Kenwood, about 20 minutes from the town of Sonoma and just five minutes outside Santa Rosa. For more information, go to www.stfranciswinery.com or call 1-888-675-WINE. Tours are available for groups of ten or more with advance reservations.