Now in its third century, Charles Krug Winery is the quintessential example of a multigenerational winery that fuses tradition and innovation to craft wines of high acclaim. It is the oldest winery in the Napa Valley and has been owned and operated by the Peter Mondavi, Sr. family for four generations.

The winery dates back to 1861, when it was founded by Charles Krug, a Prussian immigrant, teacher, revolutionary, and visionary. Charles was extremely innovative. In fact, he introduced the cider press for winemaking, and carefully selected rootstocks, varieties, and vineyard sites—all concepts unheard of in his time. After his death, the winery was held in proprietorship through Prohibition. Italian immigrants (and parents to Peter Sr. and Robert) Cesare and Rosa Mondavi purchased the winery in 1943 and rebuilt it to accommodate modern winemaking.

Today, Charles Krug Winery owns 850 prime Napa Valley acres from Carneros to Howell Mountain, 500 of which are planted to vineyards and sustainably farmed. "We are blessed with exceptional properties and healthy vineyards," Co-proprietor Peter Mondavi, Jr. says. "Our wines are evolving to take advantage of the great clones and vineyard management that we have."

In the spring of 2011, Winemaker Stacy Clark joined the Charles Krug Winery team. "Stacy shares the wine-growing philosophy and style of our family and that is why she is such a wonderful addition to the team," Peter says. "We strive for balance in the fruit, oak and tannins: wines that are quintessential in character representing Napa Valley and the variety; wines that have a strong sense of place and origin. Our wines are classically restrained and, at times, have hints of old-world provenance."

In late 2013, Charles Krug Winery opened its newly transformed and renovated historic Redwood Cellar Tasting Room and Hospitality Center. Originally built in 1872, the stunning space is a Registered National Historic Landmark. Yet, just like the winery, there’s newness about it. Designed by renowned architect Howard Backen, the renovation honors the winery’s noble heritage with historic reclaimed clear heart old-growth redwood from the family’s original storage tanks, pine structural beams, and stone walls which together lend the handsome, contemporary—yet timeless—space an authentic, natural ambience.

Guests are always welcome to taste at the tasting bar or the cellar’s open lounge. They’re also invited to reserve a tasting in a spacious private room on the ground floor or mezzanine. Giant arched windows give guests a full view into the Family Reserve Barrel Room, a working cellar where some of the finest wines are crafted. In spring 2014, the winery is also introducing a trattoria offering fresh grilled panini and other Italian specialties to savor while relaxing in the Redwood Cellar Lounge or outdoor picnic area.

While every day at the winery is enchanting, the family also hosts many magnificent events, including tastings on the lawn and concerts. In fact, Charles Krug is one of the rare Napa Valley wineries permitted to host weddings. Romantic, beautiful, and historic, Charles Krug Winery upholds its legacy with a commitment to advancement, family, and a love of the Napa Valley that is always apparent in its delightfully balanced and fruit-forward wines.

An Interview with Co-proprietor Peter Mondavi, Jr.
T&T: Charles Krug Winery is a family business. When did you start working there?
PM: I started working at the winery when I was eight. I worked four hours per day and I recall 50 cents per hour. I vividly remember having lunch with our mix (Italian, Spanish, and Portuguese descent) of vineyard workers. Typically, we’d have tortillas warmed on a cast iron skillet over a small, makeshift fire fueled by the cuttings from the day’s work.

T&T: As a member of the third generation of Napa Valley’s renowned Mondavi family and the proprietor of the region’s oldest winery, is legacy important to you?
PM: Absolutely, as co-proprietors, my brother Marc and I believe our legacy is twofold. First, we want to preserve our history as the oldest winery in the Napa Valley and second, we want to perpetuate the legacy that started with my grandparents. We are so richly endowed in history and family heritage. It is the responsibility of current and future generations to carry on this strong sense of preservation and stewardship.

T&T: Thanks to your family, the Culinary Institute of America has a three acre sustainably farmed garden. What prompted you to loan them the land?
PM: Our love for the union of food and wine was ingrained in us by our grandmother. She had a one-acre farm on the home estate. She practiced farm-to-table in every sense of the meaning, long before it was a term or movement. We feel this is a way to honor her heritage and to further our belief that wine and food are inseparable. What better way to propagate this than through a wonderful teaching garden that will expose hundreds of enthusiastic, rising chefs to our family winery?

What to Buy Wines
'11 Yountville Cabernet Sauvignon - $30
Black cherry, currant, tobacco, cocoa, cassis

'10 Family Reserve Generations - $50
Bright berries, nutmeg, candied cherry

'09 Napa Valley X Clone Cabernet Sauvignon - $100
Ripe black cherry, hint of nutmeg, dark chocolate

Special Notes
Private tastings and tours by appointmet, barrel tastings, picnic grounds, culinary garden, weddings and receptions.

Touring & Tasting is a media company that produces a wine and travel magazine and is also partner in the Hitched Wine Club.