Dimensions Weekly Men's Magazine

Recently Dimensions Weekly found a gem of a winery in Sonoma, California. We caught up with Dave Buerger of St. Francis Winery who gave us the lowdown on the St. Francis Vineyard.

St. Francis Winery & Vineyards heritage in Sonoma County dates back to its roots as a premium grape grower in 1971, when Joseph Martin founder, purchased 100 acre vineyard located in the heart of Sonoma Valley.

The Winery, established in 1979, was christened St. Francis to commemorate the important role the Franciscan order played in bringing wine cultivation to the new world. Since those early days St. Francis has expanded its Sonoma County holdings to 600 acres of prime vineyards, and in 1999 moved to a new state of the art winemaking facility located on their estate Vineyard at the base of majestic Hood Mountain in the heart of Sonoma Valley.

St. Francis is best known for big, bold, fruit forward and full-bodied wines that showcase the incredible terroir and varied microclimates unique to Sonoma County. Tom Mackey, winemaker since 1983, understands the complex relationship between the soil, climate and the grapes. His success with St. Francis wines has won him much recognition for his ability to make wines that express the very best characteristics of each grape varietal.

St. Francis currently produces only premium Sonoma County wines including their Sonoma County series: Merlot, Chardonnay, Cabernet Sauvignon, Syrah and Zinfandel, their Wild Oak varietal series and ever expanding Artisan Series wines, all showcasing the best Sonoma County has to offer.

All St. Francis wines are crafted from 100% hand-picked Sonoma County fruit.

Nan Reiley from “Wine Country This Week” described her experience: The tasting room has a floor of large tile squares, stucco walls and a vaulted roof. French doors open on to a wide patio with tables, chairs and market umbrellas looking over a vast green lawn and on out to the vineyards.

However, perhaps the most noticeable feature of the tasting room is the staff. They are not just reciting the virtues of the wine by rote. They actually pay attention to you, they know the wines and their origins, and they are genuinely interested in making sure that you get what you want and that you enjoy yourself. 

You can choose from three different wine tasting experiences: they are the Classic (four Sonoma County wines), the Artisan (wines available only at the tasting room) and the ZinFanatic (fabulous Zinfandels). Don't miss the 2007 Sonoma County Chardonnay and the 2005 Wild Oak Zinfandel. 

You don't need to worry about lunch, either. St. Francis has a unique wine and food pairing experience for you to enjoy either outdoors or inside the elegant dining room adjacent to the tasting room.

Executive Chef David Bush presents a delightful selection of artfully crafted small bites, perfectly paired with four premium artisan wines. Food and wine pairings are served between 11 a.m. and 4 p.m. Reservations are not required, but on a weekend, it's worthwhile to call ahead to reserve your table. Sunshine, a soft breeze, soul-refreshing views and great food and wine.

What makes St. Francis Winery unique?
All their grapes are hand-picked and grown in Sonoma County

St Francis is one of the only wineries to employ a full-time Executive Chef and offer onsite wine and food pairings in their formal dining room.

St. Francis of Sonoma County and Wild Oak product lines are available nationally at nearly all major wine retailers.

St. Francis is also available for events and weddings

DW’S Choice: They host monthly Winery Dinners at their visitor center.

In our three part series, we’ll be talking to wine extraordinaire and CEO Christopher Silva about wine, pairings, and Vineyard life.

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