The history of Napa Valley starts at Charles Krug Winery. Founded in 1861 by a Prussian immigrant, this iconic winery and historic Redwood Cellar and Carriage House represents the great legacy of a visionary man. After Prohibition ended, another 1st generation immigrant family, the Mondavis, revived this great property that is now home to the fifth generation of family ownership. Charles Krug history is Napa Valley history.
This spectacular winery is situated in the heart of Napa Valley in the town of St. Helena. The 150 acres that Cesare’ and Rosa Mondavi purchased in 1943 are still part of its growing vineyard holdings. They source from nine vineyards scattered throughout the Napa Valley. They are renown Cabernet Sauvignon producers who introduce a number of Bordeaux varietals (Malbec, Cabernet Franc, Petit Sirah, Merlot) and also produce a delicious Sauvignon Blanc.
The grounds of Charles Krug are pristine. The Redwood Cellar, the first building you will visit on property, is a stately building that originally housed Charles Krug and his wine making team. When the Mondavis purchased it, they modernized it for cutting edge wine making in the 1960s and further renovated it in the early 2000s into the architectural masterpiece that it is today. The Carriage House, originally a gift from Charles Krug to his bride, Carolina Bale, to house their horses and carriages, was modernized to a magnificent ballroom and event space that is now home to dozens of weddings and large events every year. The Great Lawn, adjacent to the Carriage House, is 5+ acres of a majestic lawn that has been home to major concerts, symphony orchestras, ballet troupes, and large scale culinary events. The Stage on the Great Lawn was built as a speakers forum in the 1950s so community leaders could speak to large groups.
In 2021, Charles Krug is home to the Blue Note Napa, hosting 60 jazz concerts featuring Chris Botti, Kenny G, Taj Mahal, Jody Watley and Dave Koz. They are also home to Festival Napa Valley featuring some of the great orchestras, opera stars and ballet performers around the world, and are a major venue for the Napa Valley Film Festival. They have also created Charles Krug branded events like Comedy (with the Laugh Cellar), A Celebration of the Fashion Arts with Doris Hobbs, a speakers series called SIP with Charles Krug (a Series of Interesting People), Sunset Cinemas, featuring the best movies from the previous Napa Valley Film Festival, and a number of culinary events to celebrate the Culinary arts.
Their indoor and outdoor tasting areas are unique and memorable. Indoors in the Redwood Cellar, you will be able to visit a historic barrel room and get a glimpse of Big Red, the last remaining redwood wine tank. The outdoor cabana garden and homemade pizzas create a very delicious alternative to the normal wine tastings around the valley. Make your reservations now to visit this historic winery. https://www.charleskrug.com/
