Charles Krug is Napa Valley's first winery. Founded in 1861 by Prussian immigrant Charles Krug, he came to America at age 22 with nothing but willpower and proceeded to become a major player in establishing the entire California wine industry.

When Krug died in.1892, the winery was purchased by his close friend, James Moffitt, a San Francisco banker. Moffitt owned the winery through prohibition, then. began looking for a winemaking family to carry on the Krug tradition. He found that pioneering spirit and vision in Cesare and Rosa Mondavi, to whom he sold the winery in 1943.

Cesare was 60 when he purchased the winery for $75,000. His two sons, Peter and Robert, both went to Stanford, then came back to run the winery. When Cesare died in 1959, Rosa became president, then passed the torch.of leadership to Peter in 1966.

There were tremendous enological, viticultural and marketing innovations that Peter Mondavi undertook during the last four decades. Among them were vintage dated varietals, pioneering cold fermentation and sterilization for white wines, use of small French oak barrels and glass lined steel tanks, the first winery newsletter "Bottles & Bins" and the August Moon Concert Series at the winery.

Meanwhile, Peter's two sons -- Marc and Peter, Jr. were educated at UC Davis and Stanford, respectively., and have been playing a major role in winemaking and winery management since the early 1980's. Mare oversees the vineyards and winemaking, while Pe.ter Jr. manages marketing, sales and general winery functions.

The future is indeed bright for the Peter Mondavi family and the Charles Krug winery. Peter Mondavi,Sr., is now 81, and still comes in the office each day, yet he is increasingly letting his sons set the vision for the next generation.

Charles Krug is a family winery above all else. Building upon a history unparalleled in the California wine industry, the winery is poised to continue its tradition of innovation and produce high-quality Napa Valley wines for generations to come.

Charles Krug Winery / 2800 St. Helena Hwy. N / St Helena, CA / 707-963-2761


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