“We continue to enjoy tremendous success by focusing on Sonoma County, where we grow 100% of our grapes.  With success comes responsibility to future generations who will live and work here as well. Engaging in green practices is the right thing to do, which makes it the right way to run a business."

- Christopher Silva, President & CEO

 

Energy Efficiency Efforts

    • Solar Energy Installation: St. Francis Winery installed a 457 kilowatt solar electrical system on the roof of our Winery and barrels building in 2004. Our system continues to conserve natural resources equivalent to 32,000 barrels of oil, 14.5 million pounds of coal or 190 million cubic feet of Natural Gas, which translates to:
      • Removing 775 cars from our roads
      • Planting 110 acres of trees
      • Supplying power for over 450 homes

 

  • Additionally in 2004, St. Francis retrofitted the lighting in the Winery, switching to energy efficient T5 fixtures with 221 motion sensors units. The result is better visibility and a 55% reduction in energy usage.


  • All employees are required to conserve energy in their departments and establish energy efficient practices for their staff no matter how small or insignificant.
    • Maintenance crews use electric carts rather than gas powered vehicles for trips on Winery and visitor center site.
      • Refrigeration system used to cool wine tanks is computerized to monitor peaks and lows and adjust automatically.
        • Natural night air cooling is used for case goods and barrel storage areas to harness the cool foggy night air.

        Responsible Water Conservation In The Winery

        • Winery waste water is naturally cleaned to irrigate 120 acres of vineyards on the Wild Oak site.
          • Low flow nozzles have been installed on all hoses in Winery and cellar.
            • Valve indicators have been installed on diversion valves between storm drains and the wastewater ponds and are clearly marked with stencils to eliminate contamination of natural waterways.

            Recycle Programs

            		•
              Recycle receptacles with bilingual signage have been placed in Winery, shop and vineyard areas.
              • All Winery refuse goes to County transfer station for Single Stream Recycling where it is sorted for recycling.
                • During harvest grape bi-products are trucked offsite to local Sonoma County business where it is composted and sold as fertilizer.
                  • Computer/printers/E waste is recycled at Education Recycling Corp. in Santa Rosa.
                    • We have established protocol for the disposal of plastic chemical containers and works with the Ag commission utilizing their recycle bi-annual program.
                      • All paper waste is picked up by local business, shredded onsite and recycled locally.

                      Pest Management and Water Conservation In The Vineyards

                      The 2009 Farm Plan was established to move towards practicing sustainability to enhance our vineyards and wine quality.

                      • Leaf removal and proper irrigation reduces the threat of disease and pests. Proper preventative maintenance will be proactive to control pests.
                        • Vineyard management is developing a rotation cover crop plan for all our vineyard floors to improve soil health naturally and conserve water holding capabilities in the vineyards.
                          • Ecosystem management - We are establishing a monitoring system to measure amounts and quality of runoff, and establishing buffer zones and cover crops to control erosion and identify tributaries that drain to main water ways to protect watershed.

                           

                          Natural Resource Preservation

                          • During the construction of our Winery and visitors center, fieldstone used for walls and drainage areas was naturally sourced from Wild Oak Vineyard and building site.
                            • The metal building system for roof structure of Winery & barrel building was built from 70% recycled steel.

                            Awards & Recognition

                             

                            St. Francis Winery & Vineyards is recognized as a Green Power Partner for our solar installation on Winery and barrel building.

                             

                             

                             

                            St. Francis received “Best Practices Award” in 2009 from Business Environmental Alliance of Sonoma County in recognition of our environmentally sound business practices.


Upcoming Events

New Wine & Food Pairing Menu
Information & Reservations Click Here
Savor Sonoma Valley Barrel Tasting Event
Saturday & Sunday, March 20 & 21 Click Here
Golden Nugget's 2nd Annual Wine & Jazz Fest
March 26 - 28 Click Here
Tax Relief Winery Dinner
Saturday, April 24, 2010 Click Here
 

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