VISIT SONOMA COUNTY WINERIES

Description:
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 Winemaker for Joseph Phelps Vineyards in the 1970s, where he made California's first proprietary Bordeaux-Style blend (Insignia) and the legendary vineyard designated wines (Bacchus and Eisele Vineyard).<br /><br /><br /><br />Drawing on his long experience in the production of fine wines in both Europe and California, Walter set up the winery 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. <br /><br /><br /><br />10 years ago, Michael Cox came on board at Schug. Qualified in Enology at UC Davis, Mike worked in several Californian wineries before he was lured from Napa Valley to Carneros, to work with Walter Schug as his assistant winemaker. In 1996 he was promoted to Head Winemaker and placed in charge of day-to-day winemaking duties. <br /><br /><br /><br />