At a Glance
Charles Krug
2800 Main Street
St. Helena, CA 94574
Hours: Open daily 10:30 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Tasting fees: $15-$60
Wines currently offered: Napa Valley Sauvignon Blanc, Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon; Limited Release Sauvignon Blanc, Howell Mountain Cabernet Sauvignon and Zinfandel, Family Reserve Generations, Zinfandel Port; Vintage Selection Cabernet Sauvignon and Stone Man and Limited Release Cold Springs Cabernet Sauvignon
Appointment necessary: For parties of eight or more
Pets: Dogs OK outside
Picnics: Yes
Did You Know?
The cider press Charles Krug first used to press winegrapes was “borrowed” from Agoston Haraszthy at Buena Vista Winery in Sonoma and is now on display upstairs in the Redwood Cellar.
It’s the oldest winery in Napa Valley and, from its recently renovated tasting room and hospitality center to the well-manicured grounds, every aspect of Charles Krug has been designed to honor its heritage and history. Founded in 1861 by Prussian immigrant Krug, the winery has been owned and operated by the Mondavi family since 1943. Today, centenarian Peter Mondavi, Sr., and his sons, Marc and Peter Jr., are at the helm.
In 2013, the winery debuted its restored Redwood Cellar, where guests can choose among a variety of tasting options. The original cellar was destroyed in a fire and a new structure was built over its remains in the 1880s. This recent update stays true to the building’s past while giving the space a more welcoming, modern feel.
The large, open room blends sleek lines with rustic materials, including redwood repurposed from dismantled wine holding tanks that dated back to the 1940s. The lounge area in front of the tasting bar is open to all visitors (walk-in or by appointment), all of whom are greeted with a warm welcome upon arrival. Guests can choose from four tasting options, ranging from a classic selection of the wines Charles Krug is best known for to an intimate, 90-minute tasting and tour of the whole estate, including the grounds, barrel room, Carriage House and the onsite farm-to-table garden (maintained and harvested for use by the nearby Culinary Institute of America at Greystone). Barrel tastings are also available.
Private tastings take place in the wine library, adjacent to the main tasting room, where the focal point is a wall of history: Every vintage released by the Mondavi family is represented by at least one bottle, displayed chronologically. It’s an impressive display of the family’s achievements.Winemaker Stacy Clark, who joined the winery in 2011, shared some recent and upcoming releases with us, including the 2013 Estate Bottled Sauvignon Blanc (lovely, elegant mouthfeel and a refreshing finish), 2011 Napa Valley Vintage Selection Cabernet Sauvignon (velvety tannins and a long silky finish) and the 2010 Cold Springs Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon (from Howell Mountain, this Cab was more “powerful and austere,” as is typical of Howell Mountain fruit, Clark explained). The standout, however, was the 2012 Generations Bordeaux blend, to be released in March, which made everyone in the room pause and say, “Wow!” (Seriously.)
Upstairs from the tasting room is an event space that can easily accommodate up to 250 people, its walls full of photos and memorabilia from the winery’s storied past. It’s one of the many areas available for receptions, business events and private parties. The restored 1881 Carriage House Great Room has a soaring cathedral ceiling and floor finished in old-growth redwood, and stunning hand-forged chandeliers, perfect for a Wine Country wedding reception. Downstairs, a simpler, pillared space can be transformed according to any theme. Each floor can accommodate up to 250 people. Outside, an expansive, park-like lawn wrapped in vineyards features a large barbecue pavilion and a stage. There are also two smaller picnic areas for casual day visitors to enjoy.
It’s an all-encompassing place, full of history, family, beauty and hospitality. In the words of Aura Bland, vice president, direct to consumer sales, “Anyone with any kind of curiosity about the history of wine in Napa Valley owes it to themselves to visit Charles Krug.” Well said.
