Open Table’s top-rated U.S. restaurant is at a California winery (video)

Open Table’s top-rated restaurant in America is at a Northern California winery: St. Francis Winery and Vineyards in Sonoma.

This week’s award, based on reviews by foodie-oriented diners, underscores the growing popularity of pairing fresh, locally produced food with wine at wineries. In the Sierra Foothills, examples include Naggiar Vineyards in Grass Valley and Wise Villa in Lincoln. Our magazine’s profiles of Naggiar are here, and our article about Wise Villa is here.

In our region, Carpe Vino of Auburn, a wine shop and restaurant, made Open Table’s top 100 list for the third year in a row. The details are here.

St. Francis Vineyard was established in 1971, planting 22 acres of Chardonnay and the first 60 acres of Merlot in Sonoma Valley. It draws loyal customers and visitors from the Bay Area and elsewhere.

“Our winery and stunning mission-style Visitor Center is in the heart of Sonoma Valley surrounded by estate vineyards,” according to the winery. “Our commitment to showcase the best of Sonoma extends to our Tasting Room, which pairs our award-winning wines with the most breathtaking view in Sonoma Valley, and to our ZAGAT-recommended Wine & Food Pairing, which has earned worldwide praise from legions of fans.

“In 2012 we planted a 2-acre Estate Garden, giving our chef access to fresh fruit, vegetables and herbs grown steps away from our kitchen, and giving our guests an unforgettable, farm-to-table Wine & Food Pairing experience in the heart of Sonoma Valley.”

Here’s a video of the food and wine pairings: