Our Team
Rick Bonitati joined the St. Francis team as President & Chief Executive Officer in early 2018. With over 30 years of experience in the fine wine business and a focus primarily on Sonoma County wines, Rick’s passion for premium Sonoma County wines is a perfect addition to St. Francis’ leadership team. After graduating from University of Miami in FL with a Bachelor’s degree in Music Merchandising, Rick visited California for the first time. He spent a week in the Sonoma area and fell in love with the region, the wines and the people. It was on that trip he set a goal to be part of the wine community.
Fast forward three decades, Rick is an accomplished leader who quickly moved up the ranks in sales and later in winery management. Beginning his career with the Gallo Family, he later moved to Jackson Family Wines holding various roles from National Sales Manager of the Artisan and Estate Division to General Manager of La Crema and Hartford Family Winery, culminating as Senior Vice President of Production for California and Oregon. Most recently, Rick was the Chief Operating Officer for Paul Hobbs Wines’ domestic and import portfolio.
Now living and working in Sonoma County, Rick appreciates the diversity of the region and heritage of expert farming and winemaking that makes Sonoma unique. Utilizing the natural wonders of the region along with a dedication to excellence, Rick has positioned St. Francis Winery & Vineyards as a top producer of distinctive and compelling wines that capture Sonoma in every bottle.
