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Other News

Book Tastings

June is Wine Club Member Month – And We’re Celebrating You!

Terrace Tasting Flight

St. Francis Named Finalist in SFGATE & Press Democrat Best Of Awards

Joe Marting Day of Service

Honoring Our Tradition of Generosity and Hospitality

Old Vines Zinfandel

Spring Awakens Across Our Estate Vineyards

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

The Neil Diamond Musical BroadwaySF

A BEAUTIFUL NOISE: The Neil Diamond Musical

Summer Solstice Celebration

Summer Solstice Celebration

St. Francis Goes to Broadway - Sonoma Wine Event

St. Francis Goes to Broadway

Flavors of Spain

Flavors of Spain

Explore our Sonoma Wine Journal

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

Travel & Tourism
Tower view winter in Sonoma

Winter Escape in Sonoma

Weddings
Wedding Tent

2025 Wine Country Wedding Trends: Crafting Unique Moments Against Sonoma’s Stunning Landscape

Wine and Food
creating a charcuterie board

Master the Art of Charcuterie and Wine Pairing

Wine and Food
Holiday wine cocktails

Best Wine Alternatives to Classic Cocktails: Elevate Your Next Happy Hour

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