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Other News

white grape harvest

The Wait Is Over:
Harvest Has Arrived!

Anthem

Anthem:
Your Tastebuds’ New Favorite Symphony

Ruby Port Allocation

Port Progress:
A Growing Commitment

Rio Este Vineyard Russian River Valley

Río Este Vineyards:
Where Nature Leads the Way

News & Updates

What's happening at St. Francis Winery

What a great start to 2024!

What a great start to the 2024 Vintage!
  • February 1, 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

Vineyard Workers

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. 

NextSpectacular News for Our Port Wines!Next

Events

Wine Club Open House

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Les Miserables

Les Misérables! 

Come Over October

Harvest Happy Hour

Blessing of the Animals Event

Blessing of the Animals

Explore our Sonoma Wine Journal

In the Vineyards
Petite Sirah Veraison

Veraison in Sonoma: A Turning Point in the 2025 Grape Harvest Season

Sonoma County
Best of Sonoma County

St. Francis Named ‘Best Tasting Room’ in Sonoma County

Joe Martin Day

Uplifting Our Community, One Project at a Time

Celebrating Back-to-Back Wins!

Giving Back

St. Francis Celebrated at 2025 Sonoma County Tourism Awards

Travel & Tourism
Dog Friendly Winery

Dog-Friendly Wineries in Sonoma

Wine and Food
Introducing ‘Secrets of Sonoma’ Culinary Wine Pairings of Self-Discovery

Introducing ‘Secrets of Sonoma’
Culinary Wine Pairings of Self-Discovery

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100 Pythian Road at Hwy. 12 Santa Rosa, CA 95409
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