Wine of the Week: St. Francis Merlot - August 20, 2008
 |
|
Wine of the Week: St. Francis
2005 Merlot, Sonoma County ($22)
**** A ripe, showy merlot with a rich, vibrant mouth-feel. Concentrated red fruit,
with a hint of rhubarb and some dry cherries. Notes of cocoa, espresso and
vanilla. Full-bodied. Toasty.
Click here for the complete story. |
|
|
|
|
San Francisco KRON 4 News - "Heard it through the Grapevine"
Thursday, August 14, 2008
Christopher W. Silva St. Francis Winery President & CEO met with Morning
News anchor Mark Danon on KRON 4's Morning News to discuss wine, food
and what makes St. Francis Winery so special. Watch the video below.
|
|
St. Francis Winery Employee Rex Williams
is Sonoma County Fair's Rancher of the Year
Rex and Kerry Williams, the Sonoma
County Fair’s top ranchers for 2008,
are proving that you don’t have to marry or
inherit a farm to be ranchers.
But the Williams, who run 300 head of
ewes on leased land, also are proving it takes
passion, hard work and sheer determination to
be ranchers in Sonoma County, particularly,
when you start from scratch with no land
or livestock. It’s a sacrifice many people
would not make. For Rex and Kerry, first
generation Sonoma County ranchers who
live in Sebastopol, the long hours and hard
work are the price for the rural life they
are carving for themselves and children,
Wyatt, 13, and Olivia, 5.
“If we didn’t absolutely love what
we do it would be stupid because of the
hours we spend doing this,” said Rex, 42,
who works full time as the maintenance
supervisor at St. Francis Winery. Rex
likes to say his day job helps support his
ranching habit.
“I leave after an eight hour shift at the
winery, go home and start another eight
hour shift with the sheep. But if you love
what you do, it’s not work.”
Read the complete story. |
 |
|
Heather Munden
Artisan Winemaker for St. Francis Winery
Our Director of Winemaking, Tom Mackey, is pleased to announce that Heather Munden has joined the St. Francis winemaking team. Heather will focus her considerable talents on our Artisan Series of small production wines available only here at the Visitors Center. Her specific focus, both in our vineyards and our cellar, will be to further elevate the quality of these exceptional wines.
After graduating from UC Davis, Heather’s career began as the Lab Director of Michel-Schlumberger. She went on to gain international experience as a winery consultant in the Puglia region of Italy, and joined winemaking teams in Australia, Chile and New Zealand. |
 |
After five years at Hartford Family Winery in Sonoma County, Heather joined St. Francis in the fall of 2007 where we know she will bring exceptional skill and experience to our winemaking efforts.
Her creative interests range from being a professional cook to beekeeper and a cheese and salumi maker. When not at St. Francis, you can find Heather caring for her orchards and gardens accompanied by her four legged friends and constant companions Col-c, a black lab, and Mano, a very large Rhodesian ridgeback.
|
|
St. Francis Winery Dog and Cat of the Year Awards
Santa Rosa, CA, January 1, 2008— St. Francis Winery announces the Sonoma Winery Dog and Cat of the Year. Congratulations to Tailgates Cassidy Plunkett, winner of St. Francis Winery's Sonoma Dog of the Year title, awarded last October 7th at our annual Blessing of the Animals celebration. Cassidy Plunkett currently resides in Santa Rosa and has been visiting St. Francis Winery since he was four months old. Cassidy is now 12 years old, a former AKC Champion, and has fathered three litters here in Sonoma County. He is often referred to as the "Carey Grant" of the hound crowd, because of his charm and sophistication. In 2006 he was diagnosed with cancer in his left rear knee. Cassidy lost his leg, but retained his composure and attitude. Cassidy continues to live a happy life getting around in his "Welcome Waggin" pulled by his faithful food slaves, and looks forward to a successful reign as the St. Francis Winery’s Sonoma Dog of The Year.
Also at the Blessing of the Animals celebration on October 7th St. Francis Winery awarded Sonoma Cat of the Year to Simba who was adopted in January, 2005 from the SFSPCA. He was 2-1/2 years old at the time. He had come from a very neglectful home where he developed physical and emotional problems. He remained at the shelter for almost one year until the White family discovered him. He has dealt with many issues but has successfully overcome them with the help and love of his new family. You can tell that Simba is a dog in a cat's body when watching him follow his family everywhere. Besides a loving family, Simba lives with Sadie, his tortoiseshell cat mate, and Rusty, his collie dog brother. Simba is as excited as a cat can be about winning the title of St. Francis Winery’s Sonoma Cat of the year! |
St. Francis Winery's Dog of the Year
Tailgates Cassidy Plunket
St. Francis Winery's Cat of the Year -
Simba
|
|
| Hurried Harvest
By KEVIN MCCALLUM
September 4, 2007 - THE PRESS DEMOCRAT
Winemakers Dennis Borell, left, and Tom Mackey watch Saturday as a load of chardonnay, from Hunter Ranch in the Sonoma Valley, is unloaded to be crushed at St. Francis Winery and Vineyards in Kenwood.
Sonoma County grape growers and winemakers enjoyed their Labor Day weekend, but not because they got to relax like the rest of us. Click here for the full story.
|
SCOTT MANCHESTER / PD |
|
7 Questions for Christopher Silva, President & CEO
St. Francis Winery
Adams Beverage Group, Spring 2007
As St. Francis’ President & CEO, Christopher Silva has a specific focus: producing world class Sonoma wine. He believes that the best wines can be grown in Sonoma County and everyday his efforts are centered on continuing the awareness and enjoyment of St. Francis’ award-winning wines. Click here for the complete story.
|
 |
|
| Wild Oak es un nuevo capítulo en St. Francis
March 7, 2007 - Diario Las Américas.com
By Por José R. Garrigó
La Bodega St. Francis, cuyos comienzos se remontan a principios de la década de 1970, es conocida por los aficionados debido a la calidad de sus vinos. Con 35 años de experiencia, cuentan con viñedos propios y contratan fruta de otros cosecheros selectos. Recientemente lanzaron al mercado una nueva marca llamada Wild Oak by St. Francis. La misma, según Christopher W. Silva, Presidente y principal ejecutivo de la empresa, “marca un nuevo capítulo en la historia de la bodega St. Francis”. Click here for the complete story. |
|
| The bell tolls: St. Francis maintains the trappings of an Italian church
Jaunary 5,2007 - San Francisco Chronicle
By: Tara Duggan, Chronicle Staff Writer
Alot of wineries go for the California Mission look in their tasting rooms. So it's not surprising that a winery called St. Francis would go for a similarly churchy architectural style. Visitors approach the tasting room via a stone bridge, strolling past a bell tower that evokes an Italian hill town. The bell was actually made in Italy and blessed in the St. Francis Cathedral in Assisi, the saint's hometown. Inside, slate tile floors, serene statues and wrought-iron chandeliers add to the experience.
It could all veer toward the Disney-esque, but it works. All in all, the winery's pretty setting and the helpful tasting room staff make it worth a stop.
The vibe: Friendly and knowledgeable, the hosts offered lots of extra pours and helped guide visitors to an interesting tasting. Click here for the complete story. |
|
| Winemaker Brings Family Philosophy To Wines
June 19 , 2006 - NBC5, Chicago
In this edition of Taste, Bob Aldridge, chief financial officer at St. Francis Winery and Vineyards, explores his Sonoma County property.
Joe Martin started St. Francis Winery in 1971. He's a family man who wanted to translate his philosophy into the wine he creates. Martin sought to create full-flavored wines to be enjoyed as “part of life, part of family, and part of the celebration of life.” Click here to view the show. |
 |
|
THE WHITE HOUSE-- MAY 2006
St. Francis Winery President & CEO Christopher W. Silva recently attended a non-partisan charity event at the White House, as St. Francis donated wine to raise funds for the Foundation for Art and Preservation at Embassies and US Monuments around the world. During his meeting in the Blue Room with the First Lady, Mrs. Bush requested that St. Francis wines be served on a regular basis at the White House. Chris gladly complied, and later said that "Mrs. Bush couldn't have been more warm and gracious. It was quite a memorable evening."
|
|
Alternate Fuels -CBS Special
September 15, 2005 - Eye on The Bay CBS 5/UPN Bay Area
Click Here to see why St. Francis Winery went solar. CFO Bob Aldridge shows you around the Winery and explains how solar panels help save money and preserve natural power.
|
| Wiser Ways to Work
Fall 2005 - Covering Business and Management in the Bay Area
Host Gloria Dunn, CEO of North Bay Management Academy
A 27 minute public television interview by noted TV personality Gloria Dunn with St. Francis Winery President & CEO Christopher W. Silva offered an opportunity to take a scenic site visit of St. Francis Winery Crush Pad as grapes came in during harvest 2005.
The Business of Wine with Guest Christopher W. Silva, President & CEO. (Link is now unavailable) |
 |
|
Professional Excellence In Oenology
April 29, 2005 -- Tom Mackey, Director of Winemaking at St. Francis Winery & Vineyards was awarded the "Professional Excellence In Oenology" award in Manhattan at the Rockfeller Center's Rainbow Room. The 5th Annual Excellence Awards is made possible by a joint venture between the New York Institute of Technology and Quarterly Review of Wines.
|
|
Dr. Edward Guiliano, President & CEO of NYIT presents Tom with award for "Professional Excellence of Oenology". |
Tom's wife Miriam accompanies Tom to the April 29, 2005 awards ceremony at the Rockfeller Center in New York. |
|
|
|
Joe Montana is recognized by St. Francis
Santa Rosa, April 8, 2005: Calling him "a champion on and off the field," St. Francis Winery President & CEO Christopher W. Silva presents a 3 litre etched bottle of 2000 St. Francis "Old Vines ZInfandel" to San Francisco 49er football legend Joe Montana.
 |
Joe and his wife Jennifer attended the ceremony in the St. Francis Tasting Room. Joe was honored by the Winery for his many good works and contributions to children's charities such as "Make a Wish" Foundation for seriously ill children, Boys and Girls Club, and various children's hospitals. The reception also honored supporters of Cardinal Newman High School, Chris' alma mater and the school now attended by Joe's sons.
San Francisco 49er football legend Joe Montana with St. Francis President & CEO Christopher Silva |
|
|
St. Francis Winery Meets the Giants
From the Wine Spectator
Posted: Wednesday, April 20, 2005
A Giants step for winekind, robots as sommeliers,
sheep as vineyard workers and Dom dressed up -
It's distracting enough to taste wine in the presence of a celebrity; try explaining carbonic maceration when squeezed between two 320-pound linemen. That's what Christopher Silva, CEO of St. Francis winery in Sonoma Valley, faced last night when he hosted a wine dinner for a handful of New York Giants football players at Tribeca Grill in New York. In attendance were Eli Manning, Tiki Barber, Jack Brewer, Kenderick Allen, Luke Pettigout, Brandon Winey, Jesse Palmer and Charles Way, now director of player development. The event quickly turned into a high-spirited wine class. "How would you describe the color of this wine?" Silva asked, holding up a glass of his 2002 Behler Chardonnay Reserve. "Looks like a sample for a drug test," Barber quipped. "Hey Eli, are you chewing gum?" asked backup quarterback Palmer of his team's wunderkind starting quarterback. Palmer, best known for his stint on ABC's The Bachelor, had just finished watching Sideways for the third time and couldn't resist peppering the tasting with some of his favorite quotes from the film. The group ended with a glass of '01 Pagani Vineyard Zinfandel Reserve, which elicited a sigh of relief from Manning, who had recently been scared away from Zinfandel by a corky bottle. "Palmer and I tried Zin for the first time the other night and it was the worst wine I've ever tasted," says Manning, who is planning on buying a wine fridge and starting a collection. "I'm glad I gave it another try."
 |
Giants quarterbacks Jesse Palmer (left) and Eli Manning (right) put some big reds to the test with St. Francis President & CEO Christopher Silva |
|
|
| St. Francis Winery & Vineyards Dedicates 457 kW Solar Electrical System
PowerLight’s Solar Electric System Delivers Clean, Reliable Energy
to Sonoma County Winemaker
SANTA ROSA, CA, AUG. 10, 2004 — Bay Area policymakers joined today with St. Francis Winery & Vineyard and PowerLight Corporation in dedicating St. Francis Winery’s new solar array. This 457 kilowatt solar electrical system is one of the largest solar installations in the Wine Country — and in the nation. Covering 80,000 square feet, this solar array produces the equivalent electricity during the day to power over 450 homes, and generates over 40% of the winery’s energy needs. The installation was completed in June 2004.
 Click here for the complete story. |
|
| This wine auction was for 'The Birds'
Spirited bidding on dinner at Bodega setting of classic Hitchcock
thriller
July 17, 2004
By PEG MELNIK
THE PRESS DEMOCRAT
Some people pair their zinfandels with Italian food. Others prefer
to pair it with suspense.
The latter made for some spirited bidding at Friday's charity
auction at St. Francis Winery in Kenwood, the kick-off of this year's
Sonoma County Showcase of Wine and Food.
Actress Tippi Hedren, best known for her star turn in Alfred Hitchcock's
"The Birds," presented the most film-noir inspired auction
lot: a dinner party featuring Ravenswood wine at the Bodega Schoolhouse
where an eerie scene in the 1963 film was shot.
Click
here for the complete story. |
|
| St. Francis Winery Goes Solar
St. Francis is one of the first wineries
in the nation to go solar!
January 27, 2004
www.solarbuzz.com
St. Francis Winery has commissioned the installation of a 457 kilowatt
solar electrical system for its Winery in Santa Rosa. St. Francis’
new solar array will be one of the largest solar installations in
the Wine Country — and in the nation.
Furnished by PowerLight Corporation of Berkeley, CA, this solar
system will produce the equivalent electricity during the daytime
to power over 450 homes, and generate over 30% of the Winery’s
annual required energy. The installation will be completed in May
2004.
Click
here for the complete story. |
|
| Showcase bidders sold on Sonoma County
1,300 on hand for wine and food auction; festivities continue
today with Latin-themed pairings July 12, 2003
By PEG MELNIK
THE PRESS DEMOCRAT
Actress Tippi Hedren said the chilled barrel room at St. Francis
Winery -- with its roaming spotlights, bronze lamé tablecloths
and oak barrels peeking from behind the black velvet curtains --
would make a "perfect movie set. The more Hitchcockian, the
better."
Hedren, perhaps best known for her star turn in Alfred Hitchock's
"The Birds," was among the 1,300 guests who witnessed
the madcap bidding at a live barrel auction that opened the Sonoma
County Showcase of Wine and Food in Kenwood.
A fund-raising tally wasn't available late Friday, but with bids
topping $25,000 within the first half-hour, the auction hinted at
big-money events in the Napa Valley, Sonoma County's high flying
sibling to the east.
Click
here for the complete story. |
|
WASHINGTON, D.C.
September 17, 2002:
St. Francis Winery CEO Christopher
Silva presents an etched bottle of 1999 "Old
Vines" Zinfandel to former President Bill Clinton
and Senator Hillary Clinton in their Georgetown home.
The occasion was a party to honor children's author Cheryl
Saban upon the release of her new book, "50 Ways to Save
Our Children." St. Francis Winery continues to participate
in numerous local and national nonpartisan children's charities.
|
 |
 |
|
|
| |
| |
|
| |
RSS Feed