Secrets of Sonoma: Culinary Wine Pairings of Self-Discovery

St. Francis Winery & Vineyards reimagines wine tasting with a transformative new experience that blends social wellness, mindfulness, and self-discovery — offering guests a deeper connection to wine, nature, and each other.
Just launched last month, Secrets of Sonoma: Culinary Wine Pairings of Self-Discovery is an immersive journey that welcomes wine lovers of all levels to explore the art and science of food and wine pairing through an engaging yet approachable format.
 

Embark on a culinary wine pairing of self-discovery, where breathtaking Sonoma Valley landscapes set the stage for a transformative exploration of taste. Unlike traditional wine pairings, this immersive experience delves into the art and science of flavor, challenging boundaries and unlocking the secrets of your palate.

A fusion of wine education and culinary exploration, Secrets of Sonoma features a mezze-style spread crafted by Executive Chef Peter Janiak to highlight essential flavor elements for perfect wine pairings. Guests will discover classic combinations they love while uncovering surprising new favorites, making each tasting an exciting journey of flavor discovery.

“At St. Francis Winery, we believe wine is more than just a beverage
— it’s an experience,” says Chef Peter Janiak.

This interactive tasting invites guests to engage their senses, discover personal flavor preferences, and deepen their understanding of great pairings without the rigidity and pretentiousness some have come to expect from fine wine.
Unlike the nationally acclaimed, fine-dining Wine & Food Pairing experience at St. Francis — where pairings are expertly curated — Secrets of Sonoma puts the power in guests’ hands. This interactive experience encourages exploration, allowing guests to discover the wines and flavors they love most, making it easier than ever to select the perfect bottle to take home.

Inspired by Mediterranean mezze-style dining, this experience invites guests to explore how different flavors in wine and food interact to suit their tastes. Through an engaging, hands-on approach, guests gain a deeper understanding of pairings while building confidence in their own palate — regardless of their wine expertise.
The menu for this experience celebrates sustainable, seasonally inspired cuisine, featuring fresh, locally sourced ingredients. This shared dish experience highlights a variety of thoughtfully crafted seasonal dishes designed to showcase the diverse flavors of Sonoma County’s bounty, including dishes such as Whipped Ricotta with Sumac & Honey, Spring Carrot Romesco, or Fig, Olive & Cocoa Nib Tapenade. Executive Chef Peter Janiak's approach brings this mezze-style spread to life, curated to complement and elevate the flavors of St. Francis Winery’s celebrated portfolio of Sonoma County-grown wines.

Ideal For Both Newcomers and Seasoned Wine Enthusiasts

This lively and engaging experience invites a new generation of wine lovers to the table. With a relaxed, approachable setting, guests can explore wine without pretense — discovering bold, innovative pairings that elevate any dining occasion and inspire a deeper appreciation for the art of wine and food while cultivating meaningful connections and enriching social wellness.

This experience features five wines paired with a seasonal mezze-scape and will be hosted outdoors on the winery's breathtaking Vineyard Portico, available daily from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., lasting 105 minutes.
It is designed for parties of 2 to 12 guests (individual reservations are not recommended).
The cost is $70 retail or $56 for wine club members.
Dogs on leashes are welcome in the experience. Guests must be 21 years or older to attend.

For reservations, visit stfranciswinery.com; call or text 707-833-0242.
St. Francis Winery & Vineyards is located at 100 Pythian Road, Santa Rosa