Avenue Vine

With the organic certification of Charles Krug Winery’s Page and Homefinders vineyards by California Certified Organic Farmers (CCOF), the Peter Mondavi Family is now among Napa Valley’s top producers of organic winegrapes.

The 56-acre Page vineyard and the 23-acre Homefinders property, both located in the prestigious Yountville appellation, bring to seven the number of organic vineyards owned by the family and farmed for its Charles Krug label. Others include the 57-acre Slinson and 97-acre Voltz ranches in the Yountville appellation; the 20-acre Rocky Ridge vineyard and the 2.5-acre Four Sisters property, both located in the prestigious Howell Mountain appellation; and the historic “B” block in the 138-acre Family Estate Vineyard in St. Helena

Homefinder's Vineyard

Homefinder's Vineyard:
Along with the Page Vineyard, the adjoining property, Homefinder's Vineyard, is planted in Cabernet Sauvignon. Often referred to as the Page-Homefinder's Vineyard, these two properties are very different in soil types. The Homefinder's Vineyard has a rich Cole silt loam that borders the creek and enhances the vines along with a slightly warmer climate.

Purchased: 1971
Acreage: 30
AVA: Yountville - Napa Valley
Climatic Zone: 2
Soil Structure: clay

Page Vineyard

Page Vineyard:
Page Vineyard lies adjacent to the western portion of Fracchia Vineyard. Clear Lake clay is the dominant soil, and, like the soil in the adjacent Homefinder's property, it contains some Cole silt loam as well. Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Petit Verdot, Cabernet Franc, Petite Syrah and Malbec flourish in the warm temperatures and rich soil.

Purchased: 1971
Acreage: 75
AVA: Yountville - Napa Valley
Climatic Zone: 2
Soil Structure: clay

The conversion to organic production is a notable departure from standard viticulture practice in Napa Valley, but entirely consistent with the Peter Mondavi Family’s long record of innovation. Under the leadership of family patriarch Peter Mondavi, Sr., 93, the winery was the first in Napa Valley to use cold fermentation of white wines, the first to use French oak barrels for aging wine, and among the first to use glass lined fermenting tanks. Mr. Mondavi also published the first winery newsletter, Bottles & Bins, in 1949.

Now, under the leadership of Peter Mondavi’s two sons, Marc and Peter, Jr., Charles Krug is among the largest and best known Napa Valley wineries to convert to organic farming practices, a transition that began in 2003 and, with these new certifications, now includes approximately 300 acres.

“My brother and I were born on this land, and we’re raising our own families here, so it’s no wonder that we treat it with the respect it deserves,” said Peter Mondavi, Jr. “As both winemakers and operators of a family business, we’re committed to organic farming practices because we believe it produces better wine and preserves the environment for future generations.”

The conversion to organic farming, which began in 2003, preceded Charles Krug’s 2005 enrollment of some 150 acres in the Fish Friendly Farming Program (FFF) for the Napa River watershed, preserving local fish and wildlife habitat.

Organic farming refers to agricultural produce grown without conventional pesticides, synthetic fertilizers, sewage sludge, bioengineering or ionizing radiation.

In an era when many of Napa Valley’s best-known wineries are being acquired by multi-national corporate owners, the Peter Mondavi family is determined to keep Charles Krug independent.

“Unlike the wine conglomerates, which manage their business for the next financial quarter, our family is investing in the vineyards and winery for the next generation,” said Marc Mondavi. “When you take care of the land, the land takes care of you.”

About Charles Krug Winery:
Charles Krug Winery is Napa Valley’s first winery, founded in 1861 and acquired by Cesare and Rosa Mondavi in 1943. Owned and operated by the Peter Mondavi Family, the Charles Krug Winery produces cabernet sauvignon and other noble varietals with grapes grown in prized Napa Valley appellations, including Yountville, Carneros, Howell Mountain, and St. Helena. The historic winery, whose landmark buildings are currently undergoing extensive renovation, is located in St. Helena, CA. For more information, visit http://www.charleskrug.com/.

Charles Krug Vineyards Website: www.charleskrug.com

California Certified Organic Farmers Website: www.ccof.org

St. Helena, CA,--November 3, 2007