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Our

Legacy

history in the making

Dowry to Dynasty

While known in his time as a pioneering visionary, it is doubtful that even Charles Krug could have foreseen how the humble winery he founded in 1861 would forever alter the American wine landscape. The ambitious Prussian immigrant transformed 540 acres of prime Napa Valley land that came to him through marriage to Carolina Bale, into the valley's very first winery. Years later, another immigrant family ̶̶ the Mondavis from Italy ̶̶ would begin their own chapter at Charles Krug, rising to become the "first family" of American wine.

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1861

The Beginning

Charles Krug, the visionary father of Napa Valley winemaking, establishes his eponymous winery in Napa Valley.

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1882

Tastemaker, Then & Now

Charles Krug opens the very first public tasting room in California, giving birth to wine tasting as we know it.

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1943

A New Era

Cesare & Rosa Mondavi, together with sons Peter and Robert, purchase the historic 147-acre estate, and a winemaking dynasty is born.

Meet the Mondavis

1946

Early Innovations

Peter Mondavi, Sr., continues to develop cold fermentation as a revolutionary new technique for crafting white wines, it becomes an industry standard.

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1963

Continued Innovation

Charles Krug becomes the first Napa Valley winery to integrate imported French oak barrels as part of its red wine aging protocols.

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2008

Estate Replantings

After nearly 10 years and $25 million dollars invested, the winery completes a major program to replant the family’s prized estates to Bordeaux varietals, tailored to each site.

Explore our Vineyards

2013

New Beginnings

Renowned architect Howard Backen completes the transformation of the historic Redwood Cellar into a world-class wine hospitality center.

Experience the Redwood Cellar

The mondavi family

Our roots run deep.

Legacies are built on the foundation of those who have paved the way. This legacy begins as a love story. An ardent young man from Sassoferrato, a tiny Italian village at the base of the Apennines, makes his way to America with his bride to be.

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cesare mondavi & family

four generations of success

The Mondavi Family

In 1943, Cesare & Rosa Mondavi, purchase the iconic Charles Krug and build upon the winery's reputation for innovation and uncompromising quality. The Mondavi Family have now been stewards of this great estate for over 75 years and four generations.