St Francis Winery was originally owned by John Reynell and his family from 1869 to the early 1940's. Carew Reynell took over management of Walter Reynell & Sons at 17 years old. Under Carew, great improvements were made to the family business including building a distillery house in 1900. Under Carew Reynella Brandy became the leading Brandy in Australia.

Carew was killed in Gallipoli in 1915 but distillery operations continued here until a new distillery was built at the main winery in the 1940's. After the Second World War the building was used as temporary quarters for seasonal vineyard workers, mainly immigrants from Europe. It was later used for cultivating mushrooms and then for the restoration of vintage cars.

From 1940-1970 the building was used for various functions until taken over by St Francis as a winery. This building has now been renovated to host our conference and function centre. A restaurant licence was sought and approved in 1986. In 1989 the existing accommodation rooms, reception and housekeeping areas were built. The hotel licence was granted in 1996 and 2 years later Walters bistro and the gaming room was built.