Charles Krug is an excellent stop for visitors who want Napa history to be part of the day. Founded in 1861, the estate is associated with the beginnings of commercial winemaking in Napa Valley and later became part of the Mondavi family's story. The historic Redwood Cellar and large St. Helena property give the visit a sense of continuity that newer tasting-room destinations cannot easily reproduce.
The standard Estate Tasting introduces current wines in a relatively accessible format, while Cabernet-focused and tour experiences go deeper into the estate's history and production. Specialty options add chocolate or caviar pairings, and the winery's wood-fired pizza program on select days makes it possible to combine a tasting with a casual meal. Private cabanas create a longer, more social format for small groups. Cabernet Sauvignon and Sauvignon Blanc are important parts of the portfolio, along with other classic Napa varieties.
Charles Krug works particularly well for first-time Napa visitors who want a historical reference point before visiting more modern estates. It can also be a practical St. Helena lunch stop when pizza service is operating. Because the property itself is worth seeing, leave some time beyond the tasting to appreciate the historic buildings and grounds.
Charles Krug photos
Charles Krug details
- Address
- 2800 Main St, St Helena, CA 94574
- Phone
- 707-967-2229
- Reservations required
- Yes — reserve/prepay tasting experiences; wine-by-glass/bottle may be available for shorter visits
- Tasting price
- $50–$150
- Typical visit time
- 60–90 min; private cabana 2 hr
- Wine focus
- Cabernet Sauvignon, Sauvignon Blanc and classic Napa varietals; small-lot and Bordeaux-style Generations
- Discount available
- Priority Wine Pass
- Picnic
- No — outside food and picnicking not permitted
- Food
- Yes — cheese/charcuterie, wood-fired pizza Thu–Sun, chocolate and caviar pairings
- Group tasting
- Yes — cabanas up to 12; private/group experiences available
- Distance from St. Helena
- 1.1 miles
- Distance from SFO
- 78.7 miles
Common questions about visiting Charles Krug
Do I need a reservation at Charles Krug?
Charles Krug is listed as reservation-required. Book this stop before you lock the rest of a Napa tasting day; this listing does not confirm last-minute walk-ins. Listing note: Yes — reserve/prepay tasting experiences; wine-by-glass/bottle may be available for shorter visits. Confirm before you go; policies change by day and experience.
How much does a tasting at Charles Krug cost?
Tasting fees at Charles Krug are listed at $50–$150. See tasting options below for the current menu of experiences. Charles Krug is listed with Priority Wine Pass on Discover Wine. Fees and formats change; confirm with the winery before you book.
How long should I plan to spend at Charles Krug?
Plan 60–90 min; private cabana 2 hr at Charles Krug, not counting drive time to the next stop. Leave a buffer before any later reservation so you are not cutting a longer tasting short.
What should I expect at Charles Krug?
Charles Krug is listed with a focus on Cabernet Sauvignon, Sauvignon Blanc and classic Napa varietals; small-lot and Bordeaux-style Generations. Food note: Yes — cheese/charcuterie, wood-fired pizza Thu–Sun, chocolate and caviar pairings. Picnic note: No — outside food and picnicking not permitted. Groups: Yes — cabanas up to 12; private/group experiences available. The overview at the top of this page covers tasting styles and who the stop is for.
What wineries should I visit before or after Charles Krug?
Wineries often paired with Charles Krug include Beringer Vineyards, HALL St. Helena, Duckhorn Vineyards, and V. Sattui Winery. Stay geographically tight rather than crossing Napa mid-day.
Where does Charles Krug fit into a Napa tasting day?
Use Charles Krug as a St. Helena anchor. On Thursday–Sunday, check whether pizza service can cover lunch; if booking the 90-minute tour, stay nearby afterward rather than crossing the valley.
Tasting options and prices
- Estate Tasting $50
- Cabernet Connoisseur $75 / 60 min
- Tour & Tasting $90 / 90 min
- Chocolate & Wine $90 / 60 min
- Caviar & Wine $150
- private cabanas 2 hr with minimum spend.
Tasting fees and formats change. Confirm current options with the winery before you book.
Discount available
Charles Krug is listed with Priority Wine Pass. Confirm dates and blackout rules on Napa tasting discounts and with the winery before you go.
Other wineries near Charles Krug
- Beringer Vineyards
- HALL St. Helena
- Duckhorn Vineyards
- V. Sattui Winery
Use the Napa winery map to compare drive miles and reservation windows.
Information last verified: September 2026. Visitor details (hours, tasting prices, reservations) are sourced from the official winery website. Confirm before you visit. How we maintain listings.