Uplifting Our Community, One Project at a Time

Each summer, the team at St. Francis Winery & Vineyards pauses all tasting room and winery operations for a full day to honor our founder, Joe Martin (1934–2015). This annual tradition, known as the Joe Martin Day of Service, is a company-wide volunteer initiative that reflects Joe’s deep commitment to community and compassion. This year, we were proud to lend our support just down the road at Valley of the Moon Children’s Center, a place that provides critical care and resources to vulnerable children and families in Sonoma County.

“Joe Martin Day is more than a day of service—it’s a reflection of who we are as a company,” says Rick Bonitati, CEO of St. Francis Winery & Vineyards. “We’re proud to support our neighbors at Valley of the Moon Children’s Center and help create a space where children and families feel safe, welcomed, and supported. It’s an honor to continue Joe’s legacy in such a meaningful way.”

Our team spent the day volunteering at the Los Guilicos Garden and Children’s Services Center, where we rolled up our sleeves and got to work with full hearts and a shared sense of purpose. Together, we tackled a variety of meaningful projects designed to enhance and uplift the space for the children, families, and staff who depend on these essential services.

A Day of Purpose and Positivity

The work was both hands-on and heartfelt. One team focused on the Children’s Center, cleaning and reorganizing the lobby and visitation rooms to create calm, welcoming spaces for families. Cheerful wall decals were added to bring warmth and comfort, helping transform the environment into a more inviting place. Just outside the entrance, creativity was in full bloom—Earla the cow statue received a fresh coat of paint and a vibrant manicure, adding a playful pop of color and joy to greet visitors as they arrived.

In the Children’s Garden, we expanded planting beds and installed a new gate at the entrance. Together with volunteers from the UC Master Gardener Program, we prepared a native plant learning area—where kids can explore nature and connect with the land through guided, hands-on activities. The Master Gardeners also shared a special tradition with us: teaching how to craft dolls from corn husks, a simple, heartfelt gift they give to every child who visits the garden.

We also created a new Firewise Demonstration Area, moving the educational “Firewise House” to its new home and building a shaded walking path through a cleared native plant section. This space will help educate families on wildfire safety, native landscaping, and home protection—topics especially important to our community in recent years.

In the outdoor classroom area, our team repaired the shade structures, painted picnic tables, and built new benches—including ADA-accessible picnic tables to ensure everyone can enjoy the space comfortably. We also cleared and created a safe, accessible walkway, making the garden more welcoming and easy to navigate. At the garden entrance, a new stone planter was built, adding both beauty and function to the space where children and families begin their exploration.

A heartfelt thank you to our amazing team members who prepared and served lunch for the entire group. After a full morning of hands-on work, sharing a meal together was a meaningful way to recharge, connect, and reflect on the impact of the day. Your effort and hospitality truly brought the spirit of community full circle.

Service Rooted in Values

Joe Martin Day is more than just an annual tradition; it’s a reflection of who we are. As a winery inspired by St. Francis of Assisi, the patron saint of animals and ecology, we believe in compassion, stewardship, and connection—not just in winemaking, but in how we engage with our community. Our commitment to service has been recognized with the Sonoma County Stars of the Industry Community Enrichment Award, an honor that reflects the meaningful impact of these efforts.

“Joe Martin believed that true leadership starts with service, and that philosophy continues to guide us today,” says Bob Aldridge, Chief Operating Officer of St. Francis Winery & Vineyards. “Seeing our entire team come together—building benches, painting, gardening, and working alongside the incredible staff and volunteers at Valley of the Moon—was a powerful reminder of the impact we can make simply by showing up for our neighbors. This is what community looks like, and we’re proud to be part of it.”

Joe Martin believed in the power of people and the importance of giving back. That legacy lives on today—not only in every bottle of wine we make but in every moment we spend supporting the place we call home.

To all the staff, volunteers, and partners who made this year’s Joe Martin Day so impactful—thank you.

Together, we’re making a difference, one act of service at a time.