Founded in 1980, Schug
Carneros Estate Winery is the showcase and life-long dream of one of
California's most celebrated winemakers. Walter Schug's reputation
blossomed during his tenure as Founding Winemaker for Joseph Phelps
Vineyards in the 1970s, where he made California’s first proprietary
Bordeaux-Style blend (Insignia) and legendary vineyard designated
Cabernets (Bacchus and Eisele Vineyards). Drawing on his long
experience in the production of fine wines in both Europe and
California, Walter set up his own winery with his wife Gertrud in
the cool, marine climate of the Carneros Appellation. Here he could
focus on the Pinot Noir and Chardonnay varietals that had always
been close to his heart. In 1995 Sonoma-born winemaker Michael Cox
came on board at Schug. Trained in Enology at UC Davis, Mike worked
in several Californian wineries before he was lured from Napa Valley
to Carneros - Sonoma, to work with Walter Schug as his assistant
winemaker. One year later he was promoted to Winemaker and placed in
charge of the day-to-day winemaking duties, where he remains today.
Schug Carneros Estate Winery combines
old world understanding and tradition with modern winemaking
techniques. By using only the finest grapes available, and
maintaining the best winemaking values, these wines have gained
acceptance worldwide as true contemporary classics.
office (206)
332-1995