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A Guide to the Perfect Wines for Spring and Summer

Guide to Perfect Wines for Spring and Summer
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Embrace the season’s warmth and blossoming beauty by trading in your hearty red wines for crisp whites, refreshing rosés, and lighter reds. Whether you’re picnicking in the park, hosting a barbecue, or simply unwinding on the patio, the perfect wine can enhance every moment. Discover the top wine varietals to savor this spring and summer, ideal for both outdoor adventures and cozy indoor relaxation. 

Crisp Whites for Sunny Days

Perfect Wines for Spring and Summer

Sauvignon Blanc: A Zesty Delight

Sauvignon Blanc, with its bright acidity and vibrant citrus flavors, is the quintessential wine for warm weather. Sip on a chilled glass of Sauvignon Blanc and savor its notes of grapefruit, lime, and fresh melon. Pair it with a light seafood dish or a fresh salad for a refreshing meal that perfectly complements the season. 

Chardonnay: A Versatile Choice

Chardonnay is another excellent option for spring and summer sipping. With its vibrant acidity and notes of tropical fruits and citrus, this versatile white wine is perfect for various occasions. Enjoy it on its own as a refreshing aperitif or pair it with grilled seafood, chicken, or creamy pasta dishes for a delightful meal that celebrates the flavors of the season. 

Estate Cuvée Blanc: Treasured White

Cuvée Blanc is a treasured white wine blend and an excellent choice for savoring during warm summer days. With its captivating bouquet, this wine is adorned with soft tropical pineapple, gooseberry, and vanilla notes, layered with fresh vanilla bean that gives a rich yet refined finish, bright and crisp. Enjoy it on its own, or pair it with ceviche, grilled vegetables, or a classic caprese salad. 

Rosé All Day

Spring and Summer Wines with Rose

Provence-style Rosé: The Epitome of Elegance

No summer soirée is complete without a bottle of rosé. Renowned for its pale pink hue and delicate strawberry, peach, and rose petal flavors, rosé exudes elegance with every sip. The St. Francis 2023 Rosé from Sonoma County, crafted by Winemaker Katie Madigan, epitomizes this elegance. This delicate, fresh, and fruity rosé has already garnered an impressive list of accolades from the Press Democrat‘s North Coast Wine Challenge. Made in the saignée style using grapes such as Zinfandel, Pinot Noir, Merlot, and sometimes Mourvèdre, it offers crisp refreshment, complemented by its pale hues and summer aromatics. Serve it alongside a charcuterie board or grilled shrimp skewers for a chic and sophisticated pairing that will undoubtedly impress your guests. 

Lighter Reds for Balmy Evenings

Lighter Reds for Balmy Evenings

Pinot Noir: Elegant and Refined

While red wine may not be the first choice for warm weather, a light-bodied Pinot Noir can be a delightful option for balmy evenings. With its silky texture and notes of cherry, raspberry, and earth, Pinot Noir pairs beautifully with grilled salmon, roasted chicken, or mushroom risotto. Serve it slightly chilled for a refreshing twist on a classic favorite. 

As we embrace the warmer months ahead, let’s raise a glass to the joys of spring and summer with these delightful wine selections. Whether you prefer crisp whites, refreshing rosés, or light reds, there’s a perfect wine waiting to be enjoyed. 

So, gather your friends and family, fire up the grill, and toast to the season with a glass of your favorite wine in hand. Cheers to savoring the flavors of spring and summer! 

Explore and Shop St. Francis Wines  

Explore our Sonoma Wine Journal

Giving Back

St. Francis Celebrated at 2025 Sonoma County Tourism Awards

Travel & Tourism

Dog-Friendly Wineries in Sonoma

Wine and Food

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

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100 Pythian Road at Hwy. 12 Santa Rosa, CA 95409
+1 (707) 833-0242
Open Daily | 10 AM – 5 PM | Holiday Hours
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Seasonal Mezze menu

These dishes are accompanied by a chef-curated 'secret' selection of our award-winning Sonoma County wines.

This is a sample menu. Items are subject to change.

Sweet

Apple & Golden Raisin Compote
Carrot, Cashew & Maple Spread 🥜

Sour/Acidic

Cranberry & Jalapeno Chutney
Whipped Ricotta with Lemon Curd 🥛 🥚

Rich/Fats & Oils

Creamy Brie with Orange & Honey 🥛
Pumpkin Pimento Cheese 🥛

Bitterness

Butternut Squash Hummus
Brussels Sprout & Labneh Dip 🥛

Allergen Key

🥛 Dairy    🥜 Nuts    🥚 Eggs

Seasonal pairing menu

This is a sample menu. Items are subject to change.

2025 Rosé
Sonoma County
– Paired With –
Albacore Ceviche 
Heirloom Tomato & Melon Gazpacho | Basil | Jalapeno | Cucumber | Fried Shallot

2023 ‘Caro Santo’ Sangiovese 
Sonoma Valley 
– Paired With –
Stuffed Zucchini
Roasted Tomato  & Sage Sugo | Parmesan | Crunchy Garlic
Crispy Capers | Sunflower 

2022 Old Vines Zinfandel 
Giovanetti Vineyard, Russian River Valley
– Paired With –
Petite Eggplant & Mozzarella Lasagna
Pepper & Saffron Puree’ | Jimmy Nardello Relish | Finocchiona
Parsley 

2022 Cabernet Sauvignon 
Rockpile 
– Paired With –
Grilled Hanger Steak with Gremolata 
Yukon Gold & Black Truffle Mousseline | Red Wien Braised Cabbage  Chanterelles | Beef Demiglace 

2022 Port
Sonoma County
– Paired With –
Toasted Coconut Panna Cotta 
Blackberry Gelee | Chocolate Crumble