
St. Francis Winery & Vineyards
Experience award-winning wines and exquisite culinary pairings amidst stunning Sonoma vineyard vistas. Enjoy trolley tours and a relaxed, beautiful at...

Highlights
Must-see attractions

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From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Seasonal flavors shine

St. Francis Winery & Vineyards
Best Time
Seasonal flavors shine

Highlights
Must-see attractions
Experience award-winning wines and exquisite culinary pairings amidst stunning Sonoma vineyard vistas. Enjoy trolley tours and a relaxed, beautiful atmosphere.
"Truly an elevated tasting experience that combines fine dining with the beauty of wine country."

🎯 Book Food Pairings Ahead
Reservations are essential for the popular wine and food pairings, especially the five-course experience.
🚃 Ride the Wine Trolley
The trolley tour offers fantastic vineyard views and a fun, educational experience.

Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Five-Course Wine & Food Pairing
Estate Dining Room
Savor an elevated tasting experience with seasonal ingredients expertly paired with award-winning wines.

St. Francis Wine Trolley Tour
Vineyards
Enjoy a scenic ride through the vineyards, combining wine tasting with stunning panoramic views.

Award-Winning Tasting Room
Tasting Room
Experience a relaxed atmosphere with knowledgeable staff and a diverse selection of delicious wines.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Book Your Tasting & Dining in Advance
Consider the Trolley Tour for Views
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎯 Book Food Pairings Ahead
Reservations are essential for the popular wine and food pairings, especially the five-course experience.
🚃 Ride the Wine Trolley
The trolley tour offers fantastic vineyard views and a fun, educational experience.
🥂 Ask About Club Perks
If you're a club member, inquire about complementary pairings or special access.
📸 Stunning Photo Ops
The vineyard vistas and elegant dining room provide beautiful backdrops for photos.
Tips
from all over the internet
🎯 Book Food Pairings Ahead
Reservations are essential for the popular wine and food pairings, especially the five-course experience.
🚃 Ride the Wine Trolley
The trolley tour offers fantastic vineyard views and a fun, educational experience.
🥂 Ask About Club Perks
If you're a club member, inquire about complementary pairings or special access.
📸 Stunning Photo Ops
The vineyard vistas and elegant dining room provide beautiful backdrops for photos.
🚗 Consider Transportation
Sonoma can be spread out; plan your transport to and from the winery.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
St. Francis Winery & Vineyards is highly praised for its stunning vineyard setting, exceptional food and wine pairings, and the engaging trolley tour. Visitors consistently highlight the knowledgeable and friendly staff who enhance the overall experience. While the food pairings are a significant draw, they come at a premium price point, and some long-time members note changes in membership benefits regarding complimentary pairings.
"St. Francis Winery – Summer Wine & Food Pairing - The best!
While visiting Sonoma this summer, we had the pleasure of experiencing the seasonal wine & food pairing at St. Francis Winery, crafted by Executive Chef Peter Janiak. The vineyard is absolutely gorgeous, and the menu highlighted fresh seasonal ingredients paired perfectly with their award-winning wines.
From the rosé with heirloom tomato gazpacho, to the Pinot Noir with duck confit, and the Zinfandel with smoked pork loin, every bite and sip felt like a celebration of Sonoma’s summer flavors. We finished with the Port and warm bittersweet chocolate cake – the perfect ending.
Truly an elevated tasting experience that combines fine dining with the beauty of wine country. Highly recommend if you’re in Sonoma!"
Jules Cali
"Beautiful setting, relaxed atmosphere. The team accommodated us as a walk in even when they were fully booked. Very nice variety of wine with several we highly enjoyed. Luke and Zoey were so fun, knowledgeable, and accommodating, it really made the experience!"
Kimberly
"Took the Trolley Tour. Our guide/driver delivered the "edutainment" experience we were hoping for. Thank you!
Every wine we sampled was delicious and we learned a few new things to boot. Highly recommend this winery and this tour."
Carl O'Neil
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
St. Francis Winery & Vineyards is located in Santa Rosa, California. Driving is the most common way to reach it, with ample parking available. If you're coming from further afield, consider ride-sharing services or pre-arranged transportation, especially if you plan on enjoying wine tastings.
Public transportation options directly to the winery are limited. It's best to rely on ride-sharing services like Uber or Lyft, or to arrange a private driver for a more convenient experience, particularly when visiting multiple wineries in Sonoma County.
For exploring multiple wineries like St. Francis, consider booking a wine tour or hiring a driver. This allows you to enjoy tastings responsibly and without the stress of navigation. Some visitors opt for ride-sharing, but availability can vary.
While St. Francis Winery & Vineyards is primarily a tasting room and dining venue, there are numerous hotels and accommodations in the nearby Santa Rosa and Sonoma Valley areas. It's advisable to book accommodation in advance, especially during peak season.
St. Francis Winery is situated within a vineyard landscape, and while beautiful, it's generally not within walking distance of other major attractions. Planning your transportation is key for visiting.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Yes, reservations are highly recommended for wine tastings and especially for the popular food and wine pairing experiences at St. Francis Winery to ensure availability.
St. Francis Winery & Vineyards typically operates daily, but it's best to check their official website for the most current opening hours and any seasonal variations before your visit.
The cost of wine tastings can vary depending on the specific tasting experience chosen. It's recommended to visit the St. Francis Winery website or contact them directly for the most up-to-date pricing information.
While walk-ins may sometimes be accommodated, especially for basic tastings, reservations are strongly advised to guarantee your experience, particularly for food pairings and during busy periods.
St. Francis Winery offers various tasting experiences, including seated tastings and the highly acclaimed food and wine pairings, such as their five-course seasonal menu.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
The St. Francis wine trolley tour offers a unique way to explore the vineyards, combining scenic views with wine tasting. It's described as an 'edutainment' experience, providing both fun and information about the winery.
St. Francis Winery is renowned for its exceptional food and wine pairings, featuring seasonal ingredients crafted by their Executive Chef. They offer multi-course dining experiences that perfectly complement their wines.
Absolutely! The winery boasts beautiful vineyard vistas, elegant dining spaces, and picturesque surroundings, making it a fantastic spot for photography enthusiasts.
Yes, St. Francis Winery & Vineyards is a popular venue for events, including weddings, offering stunning backdrops and a memorable setting for special occasions.
Visitors describe the atmosphere as relaxed and beautiful, with friendly and knowledgeable staff who enhance the overall experience. It's considered an elevated tasting experience in a gorgeous setting.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
St. Francis Winery offers exquisite food and wine pairing experiences, featuring multi-course meals crafted by their Executive Chef. These pairings are designed to highlight seasonal ingredients and complement their award-winning wines.
The food and wine pairing experiences at St. Francis Winery are considered an elevated dining event and are priced accordingly. For example, a five-course pairing was noted at $150 per person.
While the focus is on curated food and wine pairings, they may offer lighter options or allow for wine-only tastings. It's best to check their current offerings or inquire when booking your reservation.
The cuisine at St. Francis Winery is focused on fresh, seasonal ingredients, often with a Californian influence, designed to perfectly complement their diverse wine selection. Think dishes like heirloom tomato gazpacho, duck confit, and smoked pork loin.
It's advisable to inform St. Francis Winery of any dietary restrictions or allergies when making your reservation. They are often able to accommodate special requests to ensure an enjoyable dining experience.
📸 📸 Photography
The vineyard landscapes, the elegant estate dining room, and the charming trolley offer numerous picturesque opportunities. The rolling hills and vine-covered grounds provide a classic wine country backdrop.
Yes, guests are generally welcome to take photos during their visit, especially to capture the beautiful scenery and the presentation of the food and wine pairings. Be mindful of other guests and staff.
While generally permitted, it's always a good idea to be respectful of the environment and other visitors. Professional photography or drone usage might require special permission.
Late afternoon 'golden hour' offers beautiful, soft light for vineyard photos. During tastings, the indoor lighting is typically well-suited for capturing the food and wine presentations.
The trolley tours offer unique perspectives from within the vineyards, and the estate dining room provides a sophisticated setting. The overall ambiance of the winery is very photogenic.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
It's important to note that the food and wine pairing experiences are sophisticated culinary events and may not be ideal for very young children. If visiting with family, consider focusing on a tasting experience that allows for more flexibility or checking if they have any specific family-friendly offerings or areas. Planning ahead and communicating your needs when booking is recommended.
🥂 Couples & Romantic Getaways
Consider booking a seated tasting or the five-course pairing for a truly special experience. The knowledgeable and friendly staff contribute to a relaxed yet refined atmosphere, ensuring a memorable and intimate visit for couples looking to indulge in the best of Sonoma wine country.
💍 Wedding & Event Planners
With its award-winning wines, exquisite culinary offerings, and stunning scenery, St. Francis provides a complete package for event planners looking to create an unforgettable experience for their clients. The winery's reputation for quality and beauty makes it a top choice for those planning vineyard weddings or corporate retreats.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The St. Francis Wine Trolley Experience
Visitors rave about the knowledgeable guides who share stories and information, making the journey both enjoyable and educational. It's a fantastic way to appreciate the scale and beauty of the St. Francis vineyards while savoring their wines. This tour is often highlighted as a standout activity, offering a different perspective than a typical seated tasting.
Whether you're a seasoned wine enthusiast or a newcomer to wine country, the trolley tour provides a memorable and engaging way to connect with the land and the wine. It’s a perfect addition to a visit, especially for those who enjoy a bit of adventure with their wine tasting.
Culinary Delights: Food & Wine Pairings
These pairings are more than just a meal; they are an artful exploration of flavors. Imagine savoring a rosé with heirloom tomato gazpacho, a Pinot Noir with duck confit, or a Zinfandel with smoked pork loin, culminating in a Port and chocolate cake finale. Each course is a testament to Sonoma's fresh, seasonal ingredients and the chef's skill in complementing the nuances of the wines.
While these multi-course experiences, like the five-course pairing, represent a significant investment (around $150 per person), many visitors find it to be an unforgettable highlight of their Sonoma trip. It's an experience that appeals to foodies and wine lovers alike, offering a sophisticated and delicious immersion into the world of wine country cuisine.
The St. Francis Winery & Vineyards Ambiance
The staff plays a crucial role in creating this welcoming environment. Guests frequently mention the knowledge, friendliness, and accommodating nature of the team, with names like Luke and Zoey being highlighted for making experiences particularly special. This personal touch elevates the visit from a standard tasting to a memorable interaction.
Whether you're enjoying a seated tasting, a culinary pairing, or the trolley tour, the combination of the picturesque landscape, the quality of the wine, and the warm hospitality makes St. Francis Winery a highly recommended destination for those seeking a quintessential Sonoma wine country experience.
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from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit