The First Grapes of an Exciting Vintage
Harvest has officially kicked off at St. Francis Winery & Vineyards! On the morning of August 26, 2025, our first pick in the Russian River Valley set the tone for an exciting season. Sauvignon Blanc from our estate Lagomarsino Vineyard led the way—crisp, bright, and bursting with flavors of honeydew melon, kiwi, and fresh apple skins, picked at 22 Brix (that’s the measure of sugar in the grapes!). Not far behind, our first Zinfandel from the Buchignani Vineyard in Dry Creek Valley arrived, rich with blackberry and plum notes at 23.5 Brix, promising a fresh, delicious red.
This year is extra special as Sonoma Valley celebrates its 200th harvest, honoring “The Year of the Vintner.” As the birthplace of California wine, Sonoma Valley holds a special place in our hearts—and St. Francis has proudly been part of this legacy for over 50 years. From our estate vineyards in Russian River and Sonoma Valley to our premier grower partners across Moon Mountain, Rockpile, Sonoma Mountain, Sonoma Coast, Dry Creek Valley, Russian River, and Alexander Valley, we’re thrilled to showcase the incredible diversity and quality of Sonoma County wine.
Mother Nature played her part too! A cooler-than-average summer, foggy mornings, and sunny afternoons created perfect ripening conditions, keeping grapes balanced, flavorful, and lively. As the month of August warmed, our whites reached peak sugar levels, setting the stage for our reds to shine in the coming weeks.
Our winemakers and vineyard teams are rolling up their sleeves, ready to craft these grapes into wines that will delight your glass locally and around the world.
From all of us at St. Francis—Katie Madigan, Chris Louton, Jake Terrell, and the whole team—we can’t wait for you to taste the fruits of this exciting harvest.
Cheers to another amazing vintage!
