On a recent journey to California’s wine country, we ventured to Sonoma County for an exquisite five-course food and wine pairing lunch at St. Francis Winery & Vineyards. Under a flawless sky, the rolling vineyards and majestic hills painted a breathtaking backdrop, evoking a sense of timeless serenity. This idyllic retreat, just a short drive from Walnut Creek, offered the perfect balance of proximity and escape, transporting us to a world of rustic elegance and culinary delight.
For over five decades, St. Francis Winery & Vineyards has crafted exceptional wines from Sonoma County’s finest mountain and valley vineyards. Founded in 1971 by Joe Martin, who planted Chardonnay and Merlot in Sonoma Valley, the winery blossomed under winemaker Tom Mackey, who elevated Merlot to ultra-premium status. Today, winemakers Katie Madigan and Chris Louton uphold this tradition, producing luscious, fruit-driven wines from over 400 acres of Certified Sustainable estate vineyards in Sonoma and Russian River Valleys.
St. Francis’ commitment to quality is rooted in its partnerships with top Sonoma grape growers and its 1988 alliance with the Kopf family, whose wine and spirits legacy dates to 1933. The winery’s state-of- the-art facility, built in 1999, features a 457-kilowatt solar energy system, reflecting its dedication to preserving Sonoma’s natural resources. This sustainability ethos earned St. Francis recognition for conserving local creeks and waterways.
Nestled in Sonoma Valley, the winery’s mission-style Tasting Room, framed by estate vineyards, offers breathtaking views and an iconic bronze bell that chimes hourly. St. Francis has been voted SFGATE’s 2024 and 2025 “Best of the Bay Area” for Best Winery and Best Tasting Room, a testament to its winemaking passion. Its ZAGAT-recommended Wine & Food Pairing voted “#1 in America” by OpenTable in 2013 and 2015, showcases seasonal, farm-to-table cuisine paired with award-winning wines.
ZAGAT’s acclaim was undeniable. Upon arrival at St. Francis Winery & Vineyards, we were warmly welcomed with a glass of crisp, vibrant 2024 Sauvignon Blanc, its bright acidity setting the tone for an extraordinary experience. A leisurely stroll through the winery’s lush, verdant grounds—where sprawling vineyards meet rolling Sonoma hills—ignited our senses before the culinary journey began. Chef Peter Janiak’s seasonal menu, masterfully paired with St. Francis’ award-winning wines, surpassed all expectations, weaving a tapestry of flavors that celebrated Sonoma’s bounty.
The five-course feast opened with a vibrant heirloom tomato gazpacho, adorned with delicate ahi tuna, creamy avocado, fragrant basil, and a dusting of sumac, perfectly complemented by a refreshing 2024 Rosé. Next, a succulent duck confit atop a saffron rice cake, joined by earthy mushrooms, velvety carrot puree, cherry wine emulsion, and crunchy Marcona almonds, danced harmoniously with a refined 2022 Pinot Noir. The third course, an elegant eggplant rotolo with summer tomato, fennel pollen sugo, nutty Parmesan, and fresh chervil, found its match in a robust 2022 Sangiovese. The final savory dish—a tender, smoked pork loin au jus with creamy white bean puree, chimichurri-kissed zucchini, and burst blueberries—paired exquisitely with a bold 2021 Zinfandel, its rich fruit notes amplifying the dish’s depth. For dessert, a warm bittersweet chocolate cake, crowned with ripe strawberries, silky vanilla ice cream, and toasted pecans, was elevated by a luxurious 2021 Port, delivering a decadent finale.
Each course, a symphony of farm-to-table ingredients and impeccable wine pairings, showcased Chef Janiak’s artistry and St. Francis’ commitment to Sonoma’s culinary heritage, leaving an indelible mark on our palates.
From old-vine Zinfandel to elegant Chardonnay, St. Francis delivers a standout Sonoma wine tasting experience. Whether savoring the region’s bounty or soaking in vineyard vistas, visitors find an unforgettable blend of tradition, innovation, and natural beauty at this family-owned winery.
By Lisa Crossett, Resident since 2001