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Our winemaking team is a group of extremely talented and dedicated individuals who have brought a passion for the art and craft of winemaking to St. Francis Winery, as well as cutting edge knowledge and finely honed hands-on experience. Their abilities and the synergy of their collaborations make for an impressive team and stunning wines.

 


Katie Madigan, Sonoma County Winemaker

A key member of St. Francis Winery’s production and winemaking team for nearly 10 years, Katie Madigan became the Winery’s Sonoma County Winemaker in 2012.

For Katie, winemaking is the perfect combination of science and creativity. A chemistry major at UC Santa Barbara, she joined St. Francis as a harvest intern in 2002. After working long hours for four months, doing everything from lab work to vineyard visits, she was hooked. “I loved the fast pace and diversity of the job,” she says. “I didn’t want to leave at the end of every day.”

Two years later, Katie became a full-time lab tech at St. Francis and began studying Enology & Viticulture at UC Davis. Promoted to Assistant Winemaker in 2006, she focused on Chardonnay production and championed night picking of all Chardonnay fruit to preserve flavors, aromas, and acid levels.

As our Sonoma County Winemaker, Katie continues St. Francis’ long tradition of creating high quality wines from 100% hand-picked Sonoma County grapes. She oversees production of our top selling Sonoma County Chardonnay as well as our popular Sonoma County Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Claret and “Old Vines” Zinfandel. 

Katie strives to create wines that are enjoyable, balanced and memorable. She fondly remembers her first bottle of St. Francis wine, a gift from her parents on her 21st birthday. It was a magnum of Cabernet Sauvignon, and she still has the empty bottle. “That was a special memory for me,” Katie says. “I want St. Francis to be the wine people remember.”


Heather Munden, Artisan Winemaker

Heather arrived at St. Francis Winery in 2007 with extensive winery and vineyard experience from around the world, including her time as Assistant Winemaker at Hartford Family Winery. Her hands-on approach to viticulture and exceptional winemaking skills have made her an extraordinary addition to the team. As the Artisan winemaker, Heather is responsible for the small production single vineyard wines available only at the Winery and through the Wine Club. Her love of food and wine is reflected in her legendary feasts prepared for friends and family at her home.

 


Derek Borell, Production Manager

Derek (Dennis’ son) came to St. Francis in 1990, right out of high school and worked summers in the Winery as a "cellar rat". His natural cool demeanor and good natured personality are winning qualities that make him the perfect candidate to oversee St. Francis’ barrel crew. As Production Manger his duties are now many and varied, keeping all facets of wine production organized and moving in an efficient process. Derek’s off site hours are spent enjoying family life with his wife Sharon and their two sons, Jordan and Brandon.


 

Upcoming Events

Valentine's Winery Dinner
Tuesday, February 14, 2012 Click Here
7th Annual VinOlivo
Saturday-Monday, Feb. 18-20 Click Here
S.F. Chronicle Wine Competition Public Tasting
Saturday, February 18, 2012 Click Here

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