Although it now belongs to the Peter Mondavi family, Charles Krug Winery was named after its founder, a Prussian immigrant who came to Napa Valley and broke ground in 1861. Through the quality of his wines, Krug brought acclaim and recognition to the little known Napa Valley. The Mondavis, who have done a fair amount to vault the reputation of Napa themselves, acquired the vineyard in 1943. Peter Mondavi became manager in 1966, further propelling the winery to new heights. He pioneered the planting of Pinot Noir and Chardonnay in Carneros, introduced sterile filtration techniques in the cellar, and began aging wine in small barrels of French oak.

Today, the vineyard covers 850 acres in four Napa Valley appellations: Carneros, Yountville, Howell Mountain and St. Helena, where the winery is located. Each vineyard is planted with the grape varieties best suited to the terroir, among them, Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Cabernet Franc, Pinot Noir and Chardonnay. Several Krug wines have recently drawn our attention, including the Cabernet Sauvignon X Clones, a deep, full-bodied Cabernet, displaying hints of blackcurrant, spice and subtle smoke. Also look to the Sauvignon Blanc for good all around value.