St. Francis Winery & Vineyards 

Sonoma Valley

In recognition of their significant contribution to advancing the image of the region’s grapes and wines, St. Francis Winery & Vineyards has been selected as Honorary Chair Winery for 2010 Sonoma Wine Country Weekend. As Honorary Chair Winery, St. Francis Winery & Vineyards leadership will serve as spokespeople for the event, as well as hosts of the special “Chairman’s Dinner” on Saturday, September 4. 

St. Francis Winery & Vineyards, located in the heart of Sonoma Valley, was founded by  Joe Martin, a San Francisco businessman and his wife Emma, who purchased the 100 acre Behler Ranch Vineyard in Sonoma Valley in 1971. In 1979, after several years of growing and selling grapes to local wineries, the decision was made by Joe and partner Lloyd Canton to build their own winery. St. Francis Winery was established and christened after St. Francis of Assisi, in recognition of the Saint’s role as a protector of the natural world and as acknowledgement of the Franciscan order, believed to have been the first to bring European grape cultivation to the new world.  

In 1999, the construction of St. Francis’ new state of the art Winery facility was completed just in time for harvest. With the completion of St. Francis Visitors Center in 2001, the transformation was complete. Now an icon to locals and visitors alike, this stunning mission-style Visitors Center offers panoramic views of the surrounding Wild Oak Vineyards, lavender-dotted gardens, and vistas of the Sonoma Valley. 

St. Francis Vineyard & Winery CEO and President Christopher Silva is proud of this honor, and the heritage of St. Francis and other Sonoma County growers and vintners who have helped create today’s successes. “My grandfather, the dairy farmer, was born in a farm house in the Sonoma Mountains. I grew up hearing that Sonoma was a special place because we are farmers, and Sonoma County is about farming.  Sonoma Wine Country Weekend celebrates that and so much more.” 

“Amidst the backdrop of a breathtaking setting, Sonoma Wine Country Weekend celebrates the unique people, wine, food, and history that make us one of the world's great wine growing regions.  Those who come here find something enduring, and grounding, in this magical place of farmers who make wine.” 

“We are pleased to serve as Honorary Chair Winery of Sonoma Wine Country Weekend this year,” Silva said. “We see Sonoma Wine Country Weekend as a unique opportunity to share our wines and our story with the outside world. Sonoma County is world class wines, breathtaking scenery, and some of the friendliest people around. We have much to celebrate!”