The best way to leave a Wine Country visitor with the ‘true experience’ of Sonoma County… is through the fork as well as the glass. One winery in Sonoma Valley that is Crushin’ It when it comes to the taste of the surrounding area is St Francis Winery in Santa Rosa, CA.
A good tip when tasting wine and spending the day in winelover’s paradise is to pair the glass with foods that complement, or contrast, to bring out the nuances of the wine itself.
Have YOU ever tried to pair a bold Cabernet with an aged gouda cheese?
It not, you are missing out.
Tasting wine without food is an exercise in futility. Voted #1 Restaurant in America by Open Table in 2013, the food and wine is top notch at this winery.
Taking inspiration in the seasons offerings around him, Chef Bryan Jones at St Francis, sources foods locally from both the Estate gardens right outside the kitchen and local Sonoma County producers.
Serving multi-course plates whose beauty rivals that of any Michelin starred restaurant, guests can expect to find a true foodie experience when scheduling a food and wine pairing at St Francis.
The service, setting and style of the experience also leaves guests feeling that they just stepped out of the pages of a food and wine magazine shoot. While sitting at a half round communal table with views of the picturesque vineyards right outside and Mt Hood in the background, it seems like a window looking out on an Italian town.
Then they start pouring their hand selected artisan wines and …I am sold.
A ‘Best Bet’ for visitors to Sonoma County, reservations are required for this sit-down tasting and booking in advance is recommended as they are quite popular for locals and visitors alike.
Make sure you take a walk around the grounds and the vineyards after your Taste of Sonoma and really enjoy the whole package. Dishes range from Artic Char to Red Wine Braised Duck to Smoked Beet Salad.
If you do not have time for the whole food and wine experience, St Francis Winery also offers options for the casual visitor.
Relax on the terrace overlooking the vines and mountains beyond and sip a flight of limited-production wines, paired with local cheeses, artisan charcuterie and seasonal styled accompaniments.
The charcuterie plates are just as pretty as the food and wine pairings if you ask me. It’s a great way to enjoy a relaxing Sonoma Valley afternoon.
This Wednesday, May 6th, St Francis Winery will be Guest Hosting #SONOMACHAT, a weekly conversation on twitter from 5-6pmPST with topics and Guest Hosts hosting LIVE every Wednesday.
Join the Conversation on Wine Wednesday and ask the winery questions, enjoy interacting with others who also love Sonoma County wines and learn more about the St Francis brand.
Follow along using the hashtag #SonomaChat or follow @AmyLieberfarb @SonomaChat for more information.
Chin Chin…
Reservations Strongly Recommended for Food and Wine Pairings – Parties of 6 or more, please call for reservations.
100 Pythian Road at Hwy. 12
Santa Rosa, CA 95409
Questions? (800) 795-6674
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