St. Francis Winery & Vineyards
St. Francis Winery & Vineyards has spent more than 55 years crafting authentic, fruit-driven wines from over 400 acres of 100% certified sustainable vineyards in the Sonoma Valley and Sonoma Mountain AVAs, earning a reputation as one of California’s finest destinations for Zinfandel and food-forward wine experiences.
Perched at the base of the Mayacamas Mountains where Highway 12 winds through the Sonoma Valley, St. Francis Winery is both a wine producer of genuine distinction and one of the most celebrated tasting destinations in Northern California. The winery has been voted Best Tasting Room in the Bay Area three consecutive years, recognition driven by a food and wine pairing program that has become a model for the industry.
The estate manages more than 400 acres of certified sustainable vineyards spread across the mountain and valley appellations of Sonoma County. The Sonoma Mountain vineyards sit at elevations between 400 and 1,200 feet, where cooler temperatures and volcanic soils produce concentrated fruit with natural acidity. The valley floor vineyards contribute richness and depth to the blends. Winemakers Katie Madigan and Chris Louton draw on this diversity to craft wines that reflect the complexity of Sonoma County terroir.
Zinfandel is the signature variety at St. Francis. Their Old Vines Zinfandel comes from estate blocks planted decades ago, producing wines with the spice, depth, and layered complexity that old-vine Zinfandel delivers when farmed in volcanic Sonoma Mountain soils. This is the wine to order if you want to understand why California Zinfandel occupies a unique place in the world of wine.
The food pairing experiences at St. Francis have elevated the tasting room visit from a simple flight to a genuine culinary event. The Secrets of Sonoma program pairs each wine with locally sourced small plates, while the Tour de St. Francis takes guests through the vineyards on a trolley before sitting down to paired wines and food. These experiences consistently earn top marks from visitors and have been recognized by national publications as among the best wine country experiences available.
Ready to explore more? Use our Wine Pairing Tool to match St. Francis Winery & Vineyards wines with your next meal, or take our Wine Personality Quiz to discover your ideal Sonoma style.
Frequently Asked Questions About St. Francis Winery & Vineyards
What is St. Francis Winery known for?
St. Francis Winery & Vineyards is known for its Old Vine Zinfandel from Sonoma Mountain, its award-winning food and wine pairing experiences, and its certified sustainable farming across 400+ acres of estate vineyards. The winery has been voted Best Tasting Room in the Bay Area for three consecutive years (2024, 2025, and 2026).
Where is St. Francis Winery located?
St. Francis Winery is located at 100 Pythian Road at Highway 12 in Santa Rosa, California, in the Sonoma Valley AVA. The tasting room is open daily from 10 AM to 5 PM and is easily accessible from the main Sonoma Valley wine road.
Does St. Francis Winery offer food pairing experiences?
Yes, St. Francis Winery is especially well known for its food and wine pairing experiences. The Secrets of Sonoma program pairs wines with small plates of locally sourced ingredients. The Tour de St. Francis includes a trolley vineyard tour followed by a seated food and wine pairing. The Artisan Tasting Flight is a more straightforward tasting option.
What AVA is St. Francis Winery in?
St. Francis Winery sits within the Sonoma Valley AVA and draws fruit from both Sonoma Valley and Sonoma Mountain estate vineyards. The Sonoma Mountain fruit, grown at 400 to 1,200 feet elevation in volcanic soils, is particularly important for their Old Vine Zinfandel and Cabernet Sauvignon programs.
Are St. Francis vineyards certified sustainable?
Yes, all 400+ acres of St. Francis Winery estate vineyards are 100% certified sustainable. The winery follows strict environmental stewardship practices including water conservation, natural pest management, and soil health programs designed to preserve the land for future generations.
What food pairs well with St. Francis Old Vine Zinfandel?
St. Francis Old Vine Zinfandel pairs beautifully with braised short ribs, smoked brisket, pasta with spicy meat sauces, pizza with sausage, and aged hard cheeses like Manchego or aged Gouda. The wine’s rich fruit, spice notes, and firm structure make it a natural match for bold, savory flavors.
How do I make a reservation at St. Francis Winery?
Reservations for tasting experiences at St. Francis Winery can be made through the winery’s website at stfranciswinery.com. Advance booking is recommended for the food pairing experiences, especially on weekends. Walk-in flights may be available depending on capacity.