When thinking of heading out for an afternoon of wine tasting, which happens far less than you'd imagine for someone living at the gateway to so many tempting forays, I like to have a bit more of a plan than solely hitting up a bunch of wineries.
And what better planning than a seated wine and food pairing right there in one of the top of the pops of Sonoma County's most established and respected of grand wineries, St. Francis?
I've always had a leaning towards this stately old (for California) winery's vintages, in part, at first, as we share the same name (minus the Saint part - and now a Pope, too) but mostly for its stand out, consistently classic wines.
The winery is on the cutting edge of providing wine country guests a visit to remember and these days, the hot ticket is on-site prepped, regional artisan foods. Executive Chef David Bush is now offering winery visitors two delicious and distinctively unique wine and food tasting experiences. Reservations are strongly recommended, particularly during the busy summer and harvest seasons. Call ahead at 800 795 6674.
And if you're visiting the winery with kids in tow, though little ones are welcome in the tasting room, food pairing and private estate dinners are for grown ups only.
SEATED WINE & FOOD PAIRING
$42, Wine Club $33.60
Friday-Sunday, Three Seatings (11:00, 1:00 & 3:00)
Monday & Thursday, Two Seatings (11:00 & 2:00)
Closed Tuesday & Wednesday
Chef Bush creates an assortment of small dishes to pair with hand-selected artisan wines. Guests enjoy a casual atmosphere and fine dining presentation
at a communal table. Each seating is hosted by one of the winery's wine experts, creating a relaxing, fun and educational wine country experience.
CHEESE & CHARCUTERIE
$25, Club $20
Offered Daily (11:00 am - 4:00 pm)
Walk-ins Welcome!
Relax on the winery's terrace overlooking the vineyards and sample a flight of limited-production wines, paired with either a trio of the Chef's favorite local cheeses and seasonal accompaniments, or an artisan charcuterie platter, featuring a selection of housemade and locally produced fare.
Meanwhile, back at the kitchen table:
Care of the folks at St.Francis, the 20 winery's 2009 Cabernet Sauvignon displays complex varietal character and body, generous tannins and concentrated color, complimenting its all of the aromas you would expect from a premium Cab alongside suitably heavy hints of pleasing ripe black currant, cassis, dusty cocoa and saddle leather.
The grapes in this delightful Cab come from estate vineyards in Sonoma and Russian River valleys, as well as from growers in Sonoma County’s other top appellations, including Dry Creek Valley, Alexander Valley and Rockpile. Each carefully selected vineyard contributes distinctive and individual qualities to the finished wine.
I'm enjoying a silver medal winner in this year's SF Chronicle Wine Competition, the winery's medium bodied 2011 Sonoma County Chardonnay's - a great county wine for me to pour when dining with the locavore's. Not too pricey but definitely a quality drop. Fresh melon scent combines with a trace of citrus and hazlenut and a hint of pineapple and butterscotch Crisp and acidic, here's a Chardonnay with a long, lingering finish.
For those looking to up the ante on a group outing in wine country in 2013, how about one of St. Francis Winery's new Private Estate Dinners? Offered seven days a week by appointment only, visitors are invited to gather at the winery's table to enjoy a seven-course prix fixe dinner prepared by Chef Bush. An intimate, unique experience, Chef Bush creates multiple courses paired with the winery's iconic wines, starting with a wine reception on the Syrah Patio overlooking the lush Sonoma Mountains. Dinner is served in a private dining room with sweeping views of the Winery’s Estate Vineyards. Chef Bush and hospitality staff guide guests on a 2½ hour culinary adventure, showcasing the bounty of Sonoma County in their custom approach to wine and food pairing.
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- Offered Tuesday - Sunday, 6:30pm-9pm
- Groups of 8-16 only
- By appointment only, with 72 hours’ notice
- $135 per person (plus tax & gratuity)
- Seasonal prix fixe menu. Substitutions are limited - call for details.
Reservations Required by calling: (707) 833-0255
St. Francis Visitors Center & Tasting Room is located at 100 Pythian Road at Highway 12, Santa Rosa, CA 95409
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