Seasons of Splendor
WHAT'S HAPPENING AT
ST. FRANCIS WINERY & VINEYARDS
What a great start to 2024!
Our winery has been abuzz with activity as we move into the 2024 vintage, and we’re excited to share updates from our vineyard, cellar, winery, and more with you!
In Sonoma County, winter has brought mild weather and above-average rainfall, though less than the previous year. As early spring approaches, we anticipate a timely budbreak and hope for an early end to any late winter frost, fostering strong new canes in our vineyards.
The vineyard team has been busy preparing all of our estate vineyards for the next growing season by pruning and training the vine canes, cultivating new cover crops, and nurturing some of our newest plantings.
Winter Pruning and Cane Training
Pruning grapevines and cane training during the winter in the vineyard are crucial practices that significantly influence the health and productivity of the vines. This dormant season intervention allows vineyard managers to shape and guide the growth of grapevines, optimizing their structure for the upcoming growing season. Pruning grapevines involves:
- Selecting and securing the strongest shoots
- Promoting proper airflow
- Sunlight exposure
- Even distribution of grape clusters
Cane training, on the other hand, involves strategically positioning and securing one-year-old canes to encourage fruitful bud development, simplifying vine canopy management.
These winter practices contribute to the grapevines’ overall health and play a pivotal role in maximizing grape quality and yield, ultimately influencing the character and flavor profile of the wines you love.
Cover Crops
At St. Francis Winery & Vineyards, sustainability is ingrained in every aspect of our operations, extending seamlessly from the vineyard to the bottle. Our commitment to environmentally conscious practices is evident in our thoughtful vineyard management approaches, ensuring that every step in the winemaking process reflects our dedication to a sustainable way of life.
Cover crop rotation plays a pivotal role in enhancing the sustainability and overall health of our vineyards. Beyond the aesthetic appeal of lush green between the vine rows, these strategically chosen cover crops contribute to soil health by preventing erosion, promoting water retention, and fostering nutrient-rich soil. By rotating cover crops, vineyards can mitigate weed pressure, suppress diseases, and control pests, reducing the reliance on chemical interventions. Moreover, the symbiotic relationship between cover crops and grapevines enriches the soil with organic matter, fostering a balanced ecosystem that enhances grape quality. This thoughtful and cyclical approach to land management not only nurtures the vines but also exemplifies our commitment to long-term environmental stewardship in the pursuit of producing exceptional wines.
NEWLY RELEASED WINES
Spectacular News for Our Port Wines!
New Portuguese Vines at Wild Oak Vineyard
We’re thrilled to share a glimpse of the exciting developments at Wild Oak Vineyard! As we eagerly embrace the promise of spring, preparations are underway for an extraordinary venture – the planting of Port varietals, including Touriga Nacional, Souzao, and Tinto Cao. This marks a significant step in fortifying our commitment to the art of crafting exceptional Ports. The rich tapestry of flavors and nuances from these authentic varieties will play a vital role in enhancing our Port Program. If you’re not enrolled in the Ruby Allocation, be sure to contact your St. Francis wine concierge to access our most exclusive Port wines in the future.
Bottling Season is Here!
Bottling season is just around the corner, slated to commence in mid-late February, featuring an array of exquisite whites and reds, including the much-anticipated 2023 Sauvignon Blanc and a selection of velvety Pinot Noirs including an exciting new Estate Pinot Noir from our Rio Este Vineyard in the Russian River Valley.
The coming months are a delicate dance, balancing the bottling of carefully crafted wines from the previous year, closely monitoring the maturation of our 2023 vintage in the barrels, and laying the groundwork for the 2024 crush in the fall.
We’re excited to have you join us as we navigate the nuances of winemaking, crafting each bottle with passion and precision. Cheers to the anticipation of exceptional vintages to come!
Everyone wants to get their hands on our Gold Medal Winners!
We are overjoyed to share the fantastic news that several of our Artisan Wines have earned a prestigious Gold medal at this year’s San Francisco Chronicle Wine Competition. This recognition is a testament to the dedication and skill of our winemaking team.
We are thrilled to announce that these award-winning wines will be available for early access in the coming weeks. For those eager to secure an early taste, stay tuned for our exclusive offer or text #SFGOLD to (707) 833-0254 to sieze your golden opportunity to savor these outstanding new wines before they’re released.
Your Wines, Your Way Customize & Personalize
Wine Club Members have been enjoying the ability to tailor their wine club releases to meet their individual preferences. Ahead of each release, members can visit their membership profile online or reach out to a dedicated wine concierge to personalize their wine selections. We want everyone, especially our club members, to enjoy the wines that capture their unique tastes and preferences. We believe in providing a wine club experience that excites and inspires our members.
Don’t miss the opportunity to make each delivery uniquely yours. Cheers to a personalized journey through exceptional wines!
Sip, Sip, Hooray!
Now You Can Text Us Your Orders Anytime
Now, you can effortlessly connect with our knowledgeable wine team for assistance with orders, reservations, and more – Just send us a TEXT! We’ll also share exclusive, insider updates about our latest offers and opportunities directly to your phone. To take advantage of this seamless communication, simply text us at (707) 833-0254. This ensures you can effortlessly reach out to us whenever you need assistance, making your wine club experience even more enjoyable and personalized.