HotelSt. Helena · Napa5.0 · 6
Vignoble
Four acres in St. Helena with a family of hens delivering eggs to suite doors most mornings.
Wine EnthusiastsRomantic Getaways
< 1 mi
St. Helena · Napa Valley · St Helena
Charles Krug Winery
Founded in 1861, this is the oldest winery in Napa Valley, owned by the Mondavis since 1943.
4.4(355)
Known forCabernetHistoric EstateCave ToursFood PairingDog-FriendlyKid-Friendly
About Charles Krug Winery
Charles Krug Winery, established in 1861, is the oldest winery in Napa Valley and is renowned for its rich history and exceptional wines. The Mondavi Family has owned the estate since 1943, continuing a legacy of winemaking excellence that emphasizes sustainable practices and a deep connection to the land. Visitors can enjoy a world-class hospitality experience at the estate, which features California's first tasting room and hosts a variety of memorable events throughout the year.
Why Visit Charles Krug Winery
The Caviar & Wine Pairing pairs over 30 grams of Italian Calvisius caviar with small-lot sparkling and white wines, a pairing designed specifically for Charles Krug. If you're after Cabernet, the Cabernet Connoisseur Tasting explores vineyard site and terroir across a 60-minute seated session.
- Napa Valley's oldest winery, established in 1861 by Charles Krug
- Mondavi Family ownership since 1943, now four generations
- California's first public tasting room opened here in 1882
- Winemaker Stacy Clark crafts single vineyard Limited Release wines
- Caviar & Wine Pairing includes over 30 grams Italian Calvisius caviar
The Setting
The Historical Redwood Cellar anchors visits here, built from massive redwood timbers and still standing after more than a century. Outside, estate vineyards spread across St. Helena hillsides, visible from paths that wind toward rows of Cabernet vines. California's first tasting room opened on this property in 1882, and the hospitality center still occupies the same footprint where public tastings began.
The Tasting Experience
The Estate Tasting ($50) pours current release and small-lot wines inside the Historical Redwood Cellar, where guides share stories about the Mondavi family's 75-year stewardship. For deeper focus, the Cabernet Connoisseur Tasting ($75) is seated and explores how vineyard site shapes each pour. The Chocolate & Wine Pairing ($90) matches five small-production wines with flavored chocolates over an hour.
The Tasting
Tasting experiences.
Prices and availability are approximate and may not reflect current offerings.
Estate Tasting
$50Join us as you taste through a variety of our current release, small lot wines. During this experience, we will share our stories and winemaking traditions inside our Historical Redwood Cellar. You’re welcome to elevate your visit by adding a barrel sample, or, if you’re feeling hungry, pre-reserve a cheese and charcuterie plate, available daily. From Thursday through Sunday, you can also enjoy our delectable wood-fired pizzas, which may be ordered and enjoyed during your experience.
Reservation Required
Cabernet Connoisseur Tasting
$75If you’re a true Cabernet Sauvignon aficionado, or simply curious about the meaning of “terroir”, this is the perfect experience. During this 60-minute seated tasting, you’ll explore how vineyard sites shape a wine’s flavors and aromas. You’ll enjoy four exquisite, limited-production estate Cabernet Sauvignons, the varietal our family has been crafting since 1944. You’re welcome to elevate your visit by adding a barrel sample, or, if you’re feeling hungry, pre-reserve a cheese and charcuterie plate, available daily. From Thursday through Sunday, you can also enjoy our delectable wood-fired pizzas, which may be ordered and enjoyed during your experience.
60 minReservation Required
Tour and Tasting
$90Trace the history of winemaking with a guided tour of our beautiful, historic estate. Your 90-minute experience begins with a short walk to one of our estate vineyards, where you’ll get up close to the vines and soak in the stunning views. You’ll then enjoy an indoor, seated tasting of four signature, current-release Napa Valley wines, paired with a gourmet cheese and charcuterie plate.
90 minReservation Required
Chocolate & Wine Pairing
$90Indulge in the harmony of chocolate and wine in this seated, 60-minute experience. During this session, you will enjoy five different small-production wines, paired with exquisitely flavored chocolate. Each hand-painted, locally crafted piece is custom-made to pair with our wines by Chef and Chocolatier Holly Peterson at Flourish Chocolate in Calistoga. See how rich, velvety chocolate with mouth-watering fillings can meet and even enhance the nuanced elegance of our limited-production wines.
60 minReservation Required
Caviar & Wine Pairing
$150Savor our Italian Calvisius Caviar, exclusively hand-selected for Charles Krug, expertly paired with our exclusive, small-lot sparkling and white wines. This experience features over 30 grams of caviar, along with classic accompaniments and a few playful twists and surprises.
Reservation Required
The Pour
Wine list.
Wine details aren't available online.
Contact Charles Krug Winery directly for current offerings — visit their website or call (707) 967-2229.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where to Stay Nearby
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HotelSt. Helena · Napa4.5 · 514
Alila Napa Valley
The heated pool at Alila Napa Valley faces west toward the Mayacamas range.
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Drive Times
From Napa hotels.
Estimated drive time from each hotel to Charles Krug Winery, ordered by proximity.
| Hotel | Drive | Book |
|---|---|---|
| Silverado Resort | ~31 min | Book |
| The Westin Verasa Napa | ~34 min | Book |
| Archer Hotel Napa | ~34 min | Book |
| Andaz Napa, by Hyatt | ~34 min | Book |
| Carneros Resort and Spa | ~37 min | Book |
| The Meritage Resort and Spa | ~41 min | Book |
Estimates based on straight-line distance with a wine-country routing factor. Actual drive times vary with traffic and route choice.
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