Wine and Film Under the Stars in Sonoma Wine Country

St. Francis Winery, one of Sonoma County’s premiere winemakers, recently launched its first annual “Stars Under the Stars” outdoor film festival and wine pairing. Held at the stunning St. Francis Winery, surrounded by gently rolling green hills, the event is curated by celebrity sommelier and film aficionado Christopher Sawyer.

The festival debuted last week with the Hitchcock thriller The Birds. Next up tonight, Thursday, July 15, is the Academy Award-winning drama Chinatown, starring Jack Nicholson and Faye Dunaway. This ‘neo-noir’ film’s masterful combination of mystery and psychological drama will be paired with St. Francis’ “Old Vines” Zinfandel. “Zinfandel is at the heart of California wine culture,” Sawyer explains. “What began as humble plantings in the Gold Rush evolved into California’s, if not America’s, signature style wine. Its contribution to the wine world cannot be underestimated.”

Seating begins at 7:30 pm, followed by the screening at 8 pm and a short discussion of the evening’s film and wine pairing immediately afterward (if we were lucky enough to be in the Sonoma area today, we wouldn’t miss this pairing). If you happen to be so fortunate, enjoy this summer evening with a classic film and stellar wine under the stars. The event is free and open to the public; the featured wine will be offered for $8 per glass.

Even if you can’t make the festival, however, put Sonoma County and St. Francis Winery on your “must visit” list. We can personally vouch for the 2007 Old Vines Zinfandel, a deeply satisfying red that evokes the even tannins and robust notes reminiscent of Old World-style winemaking.

Where:  St. Francis Winery: 100 Pytheon Road,  Santa Rosa, CA 95409

Time:     Seating starts at 7:30pm

Cost:       Free!