New Guest Experience Ideas from a Longtime Winery

Charles Krug Winery, home to California’s first tasting room, is expanding its hospitality offerings and launching new tasting experiences. 

Since being founded in 1861, Charles Krug Winery has been at the forefront of California wine country tourism and remains a benchmark for hospitality standards. These new offerings speak to the next generation of consumers and continue to solidify Charles Krug as a world-class estate.

The Charles Krug historical estate tasting room is part of the legacy. Dating back to 1882 and located in the idyllic town of Saint Helena, the Redwood Cellar was the first-of-its-kind tasting room. The tasting room has since evolved into a popular wine-country destination.

“Hospitality has always been at the core of our philosophy at Charles Krug and our new tasting experiences are central to showcasing our position as a pioneer in Napa Valley tourism .” said fourth-generation family member Riana Mondavi, co-proprietress. “We’re excited to continue evolving Charles Krug as the winery for Napa’s next generation and the epicenter of culture in Napa Valley.”

Taste Like a Somm is a new, elevated and interactive workshop with Charles Krug’s Certified Sommelier Jeff Arnold. Taste blind as Arnold guides guests through the nuances of wine tasting. The new Cabernet Connoisseur experience invites guests to taste through four small-lot, premium estate Cabernet Sauvignons, including the Vintage Selection flagship wine.

The Estate Tasting will continue to be available to reserve daily where guests can relax and unwind as they taste through the most-limited, small production offerings in the stunning Redwood Cellar. 

On weekends at 10:30 a.m. and 2:30 p.m., guests can opt for the Tour & Tasting where they get to explore the estate vineyards, learn more about the estate’s storied heritage and enjoy expertly crafted wines.

In the summer months, Cabanas are available to reserve for a private tasting experience where guests take in the stunning views underneath the 200 year old oak trees.

“As we toast to 80 years of bringing guests an experience like no other, we pride ourselves on being the pioneer of Napa Valley wine experiences,” said co-proprietor Peter Mondavi Jr. “ Today, five generations later, our family legacy continues as stewards of this historic estate, the ultimate wine country destination.”