Terroir & Vineyards
St. Francis owns 400 acres of carefully chosen, diverse Sonoma County vineyards. The winery’s estate vineyards give it complete control over growing and production, a cornerstone to St. Francis’ quality philosophy. Each of the three estate owned vineyards has its own soil profile and unique microclimate that forms a “tapestry of terroirs” carefully matched to the grape varieties grown there.
Sonoma Valley AVA is in southern Sonoma County, flanked by the Sonoma Mountains to the west and the Mayacamas to the east. The climate is moderated by the Pacific Ocean’s cool summer fogs and the influence of San Pablo Bay to the south.
BEHLER VINEYARD
This is the original St. Francis Estate Vineyard. Located in the Sonoma Valley AVA, on the northern valley floor, it is bordered on two sides by Sonoma Creek, with loam and gravel soil. It has a cool mesoclimate ideal for both Chardonnay and Merlot.
WILD OAK VINEYARD
Wild Oak Vineyard is situated at the base of Sugarloaf Ridge and Hood Mountain in Sonoma Valley AVA. The gravel that has washed down over the centuries provides an ideal soil for small yields of concentrated fruit. The vineyard boasts 13 varieties, from large blocks of Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, and Chardonnay, to smaller plantings of Sauvignon Blanc, Petite Sirah, Malbec and Petit Verdot.
LAGOMARSINO VINEYARD
Located in the Russian River Valley AVA, this vineyard extends east from the valley floor into the rolling hills and has moderate temperatures and a west–southwest exposure. Chardonnay is planted in the coolest area, the river flood plain with loam and clay soil. Midway up, in a warmer section, Sauvignon Blanc is planted in upland gravel and loam soil. Cabernet Sauvignon thrives near the top of the property, with an excellent western exposure.
In addition to owning 415 acres of premium Sonoma County vineyards, St. Francis has carefully nurtured long-term relationships with top Sonoma County grape growers. This gives the winery access to some of the region’s most coveted varieties from highly acclaimed AVAs.
RIO ESTE VINEYARD
Established in 2018, Río Este Vineyard is our newest estate, spanning 80 acres along the eastern bank of the Russian River in Healdsburg’s renowned Russian River Valley AVA. Nestled near Eastside Road and Old Redwood Highway, this vineyard benefits from the region’s signature cool climate and morning fog, ideal for cultivating exceptional Pinot Noir, Cabernet Sauvignon, Zinfandel, and Sauvignon Blanc. The diverse soils—Yolo sandy/silty loam for Pinot Noir and Zinfandel, and Pleasanton gravelly loam for Cabernet Sauvignon—contribute to the wines’ distinct character. While the vineyard’s low-lying location is prone to seasonal flooding, this natural cycle nourishes the vines, enhancing fruit concentration and complexity.
