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St. Francis Winery offers free film fest

St. Francis Winery has launched its third annual summer film festival, where films and wines are expertly paired. The festival will be curated by celebrity sommelier and film aficionado Christopher Sawyer, and will feature classic films alongside St. Francis’ award winning wines.

  On Thursday, July 19, Alfred Hitchcock’s “Rear Window” will be featured, with a pre-show concert performance by Phil Berkowitz and The Dirty Cats.

  The 1986 blockbuster “Top Gun,” starring Tom Cruise, will be screened Thursday, July 26, after a performance by ’80s cover band Band Camp.

  On Aug. 2, the musical “Mamma Mia” – starring Meryl Streep, Pierce Brosnan and Colin Firth – will be shown, with the Cork Pullers providing the pre-show entertainment.

  On Aug. 9, jazz fusion musicians Tumbao will perform and Bill Murray and Andie MacDowell will provide the laughs as “Groundhog Day” graces the outdoor screen.

  The festival’s Aug. 16 finale will feature 1999 Academy Award winner “American Beauty,” starring Kevin Spacey and Annette Bening, which won five Academy Awards, including Best Picture. National recording artist Nat Keefe of Hot Buttered Rum will perform prior to the film.

  Seating on the lawn begins at 7 p.m. with a pre-show concert and wine reception, followed by an independent short film selection from the San Francisco 48 Hour Film Project. Feature films begin at dusk. Guests are welcome to bring low-backed lawn chairs, blankets and a picnic. However, alcohol brought from offsite is prohibited.

  Sawyer will host a short discussion of the evening’s film and wine pairing immediately following an introduction made by St. Francis Winery CEO and President Christopher Silva.

  There is no charge for attending and the popcorn is free. Food, sweets and wine by the glass will be available for purchase.

   St. Francis is located at 100 Pythian Road in Santa Rosa.