Schug Winery was founded in 1980 by Walter Schug, the founding winemaker for Joseph Phelps Vineyards in the Napa Valley. Drawing on his extensive experience in the production of fine wines in both Germany and California, Walter, along with his wife Gertrud, established the winery in the cool marine climate of the Carneros Appellation. For 35 years Walter focused on Pinot Noir and Chardonnay that had always been close to his heart. Today, the winery is owned and operated by Walter and Gertrud’s children Axel, Claudia and Andrea.