Schug Carneros Winery Estate

The founder of Schug Carneros, Walter Schug, spent ten years as the founding winemaker at Joseph Phelps Vineyards during the 1970s and created California's first proprietary Bordeaux-style blend, Insignia, and the first varietal Syrah in the U.S. He also made the vineyard designates Eisele and Backus, and pioneered late-harvest dessert wines. He was the first ever to receive a 99-point score from wine critic Robert Parker, Jr..

Schug's real passion was Pinot Noir. Phelps discontinued producing Pinot Noir in 1980 and Schug began making it the same year under his own label. Ten laters later, he built Schug Carneros Estate Winery near the town of Sonoma. Walter and his wife Gertrud were joined by son Axel in 1989 who directed the sales and growth of the winery in the ensuing years and is currently the managing partner.

Schug is the "winemaster emeritus" today while Michael Cox has handled the winemaking duties since 1995. For Pinot Noir, they use German plunger fermentation tanks and European oval oak casks in addition to small French oak barrels. The style here has always emphasized elegance and age ability.

The Schug lineup of Pinot Noir, Pinot Noir Rosé, Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot and Chardonnay are sold on the website and distributed nationally. The winery's tasting room at 602 Bonneau Road in Sonoma is open daily from 10:00 to 5:00.