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Charles Krug Winery Appoints New Vice President, Direct to Consumer Sales

30 July, 2014

Charles Krug Winery Appoints New Vice President, Direct to Consumer Sales DTC expert Aura Bland joins historic, family-owned winery   St. Helena, California – Charles Krug Winery co-proprietor Peter Mondavi Jr. announced today that Aura Bland will join the team as Vice President, Direct to Consumer Sales, to further develop the family winery’s growing portfolio of consumer accounts, effective August 4th.   The appointment underscores the company’s commitment to the next century on the eve of patriarch Peter Mondavi’s centennial, with its strategic plan to heavily invest in consumer hospitality offerings, including the recent investments in Charles Krug’s stunning new tasting room facility. Bland will report to Mike Jaeger, Chief Operating Officer.   A seasoned DTC and hospitality expert, Bland comes with a wealth of experience within the wine industry, having spent the last four and a half years as Director of Consumer Sales and Marketing at St. Francis Winery in Sonoma, where she managed all consumer direct channels, including the retail room, wine club, ecommerce, social media and special events.     Bland was instrumental in developing St. Francis Winery’s highly acclaimed wine and food program, which will benefit the promotion of Charles Krug’s new tasting room trattoria, Cucina di Rosa. Before St. Francis, Aura was the visitor center manager at Rosenblum Cellars (owned by Diageo Chateau & Estates).   Given the historic renovation of Charles Krug’s original 1872 Redwood Cellar into its new tasting room and hospitality center (in addition to the trattoria), Bland will develop programs delivering high touch visitor experiences as well as stronger offerings with the wine club, business development and the Direct to Consumer experience as a whole. Says Jaeger, “We conducted an exhaustive search to find just the right person, with the expertise to fully capitalize on the enormous opportunities that exist with our newly renovated tasting center.  Needless to say, we are all thrilled that Aura has accepted this role at the Charles Krug Winery.”   Bland graduated with a Bachelor of Science degree from the University of Florida and holds a Master’s Degree in Journalism from Northeastern University.  When she is not working, Aura enjoys running, cycling, dinners with friends, and spending weekends with her family at their Russian River cottage.     About Charles Krug Winery The Charles Krug Winery, Napa Valley's oldest winery, was established by Prussian immigrant Charles Krug in 1861. In 1943, Italian immigrants Cesare and Rosa Mondavi purchased the historic property, which remains a family-owned winery producing estate-driven Napa Valley wines.  Built on a foundation of family values, hard work and European winemaking tradition, the winery offers a portfolio of Cabernet Sauvignon and Bordeaux-styled wines. The winery is under the direction of Peter Mondavi Jr., who along with his brother Marc Mondavi, stewards the family business passed to them by their father, legendary Napa Valley wine icon Peter Mondavi Sr., who continues to serve as President and CEO. The family is now proudly welcoming members of the fourth generation to the business, continuing a legacy started almost 70 years ago and setting a foundation for generations to come.   For press inquiries and images, please contact Kimberly Charles or Alexandra Fondren at Charles Communications Associates at press@charlescomm.com or 415.701.9463.   ###      
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Charles Krug Winery Hospitality Center to Open Trattoria

14 July, 2014

Charles Krug Winery Hospitality Center to Open Trattoria The eagerly anticipated Cucina di Rosa Trattoria debuts July 18th   St. Helena, California — Charles Krug will delight locals and epicurean pilgrims to Napa Valley’s wine country on Friday, July 18th, when the winery formally opens its Cucina di Rosa Italian trattoria. The Cucina’s realization was the final element of a $9.5 million restoration and beautification of the Redwood Cellar Building designed by noted architect Howard Backen.  Named in honor of the winery’s matriarch Rosa Mondavi, and launched to commemorate the 100th birthday of her son, Peter, the opening brings the renovation of the historic winery and property full circle.   Cucina di Rosa will initially be open every Friday, Saturday and Sunday, from 10:30 AM to 4:00 PM. With a menu designed by Napa Valley celebrity chef, Richard Haake, the trattoria will offer a variety of rustic panini sandwiches, antipasti, salads as well as traditional Italian snack items designed to pair beautifully with Charles Krug’s estate wines.   Meant to reflect the entertaining style that epitomizes the Italian heritage of proprietor Peter Mondavi Sr. and his family, guests will have the option to dine in the spacious tasting room or picnic on the tree-coveredgrounds. Says Chef Haake, “Our inspiration is Rosa, but our focus isn't so much on her recipes but her gracious hospitality. Rosa was always quick to share her daily creation from the family kitchen. The Cucina will focus on fresh, homemade products that include our bread, antipasti, salads, panini and sweet bites made daily.”   Charles Krug has enjoyed a close relationship with The Culinary Institute of America at Greystone since the inauguration of its Chef Larry Forgione-led CIA Student Farm at Charles Krug Winery. Honoring this partnership with an emphasis on fresh ingredients is important to Chef Haake. The Cucina will enjoy access to produce from the property’s shared CIA Student Farm, using its seasonal ingredients as inspiration for the chef’s daily specials.   Haake goes on to note Cucina di Rosa’s partnership with Equator coffee. No good meal is complete without a finale of top quality espresso drinks.  “We are excited to partner with Equator. We have hired a great barista, Rosa Villenueva to make perfect espresso and cappuccinos. Yes her name is "Rosa", a happy coincidence.”   For more information about the winery, its offerings both culinarian and vinous please visit Charles Krug’s website.   About Charles Krug Winery The Charles Krug Winery, Napa Valley's oldest winery, was established by Prussian immigrant Charles Krug in 1861. In 1943, Italian immigrants Cesare and Rosa Mondavi purchased the historic property, which remains a family-owned winery producing estate-driven Napa Valley wines.  Built on a foundation of family values, hard work and European winemaking tradition, the winery offers a portfolio of Cabernet Sauvignon and Bordeaux-styled wines. The winery is under the direction of Peter Mondavi Jr., who along with his brother Marc Mondavi, stewards the family business passed to them by their father, legendary Napa Valley wine icon Peter Mondavi Sr., who continues to serve as President and CEO. The family is now proudly welcoming members of the fourth generation to the business, continuing a legacy started almost 70 years ago and setting a    foundation for generations to come.   For press inquiries and images, please contact Kimberly Charles or Alexandra Fondren at Charles Communications Associates at press@charlescomm.com or 415.701.9463.     ###
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Charles Krug Winery Teams with Morton’s and Mastro’s Restaurant Groups. Raise Half a Million for Make-A-Wish®

11 July, 2014

Charles Krug Winery teams with Morton’s and Mastro’s Restaurant groups Raises $500,000 for Make-A-Wish® Celebrating its 12th anniversary, the annual Make-A-Wish® Foundation fundraising dinners hosted by Morton’s and Mastro’s Restaurant groups and Charles Krug’s Peter Mondavi Jr. have raised nearly $500,000       St. Helena, California – Peter Mondavi Jr. of Charles Krug Winery and Landry’s Inc.’s Morton’s and Mastro’s Restaurant groups recently celebrated their long-term commitment to The Make-A-Wish Foundation, with four successful June fundraising dinners that raised $48,575, bringing the grand total amount to $482,264 over twelve years. All proceeds go to Make-A-Wish®.   The Make-A-Wish® Foundation has been bettering the lives of American children living with a life-threatening illness since 1980. Through granting the ‘wishes’ of children living with life-threatening illnesses, Make-A-Wish® aims to help these children fight back with strength, courage and most importantly, hope. Through the generosity and hard work of companies like Charles Krug Winery and Landry’s Inc., Make-A-Wish® is able to grant a wish, on average, every 38 minutes to a child in need.   This year’s events included dinners on both coasts, including Morton’s in Reston, VA and Boston-Seaport, MA, as well as Mastro’s in Scottsdale, AZ and Costa Mesa, CA. Successful auction items included 18-liter bottles of 2011 Charles Krug Vintage Selection Cabernet Sauvignon.            Peter Mondavi Jr. co-hosts these Make-A-Wish® dinners with Landry’s Vice President of Wine and Spirits, Tylor Field. They have worked together since the first dinner in 2003, making the efforts at these Make-A-Wish® dinners a joint success.    Peter Mondavi Jr.’s twelve years of dedication towards such a worthy cause is something he holds dear to his heart. "It has been an honor and privilege to work alongside Tylor for 48 dinners over 12 years and experience the generosity that comes forth in all the communities to which we travel,” he said. “With cumulative donations of nearly $500,000, it's comforting to know that we have helped to bring hope, strength and joy to so many children and their families who face such daunting medical challenges."   Of their joint efforts, Field says, “To be able to give back to all the communities we do business in has always been important to both of our brands. Especially children. Traveling and working with Peter is also an honor. That his is one of the few “family” wineries left in Napa adds to the allure of working with a charity that helps entire families.  What started as a small idea to contribute to the foundation has turned into a successful, 12-year endeavor. With the help of our guests, Peter and Make-A-Wish®, we hope to be able to continue to grant wishes to children and their families for many more years to come.”   Charles Krug Winery and the Morton’s and Mastro’s Restaurant groups hope to continue holding events for Make-A-Wish® to further support the cause. To donate to the Foundation, visit their website at wish.org   About Charles Krug Winery The Charles Krug Winery, Napa Valley's oldest winery, was established by Prussian immigrant Charles Krug in 1861. In 1943, Italian immigrants Cesare and Rosa Mondavi purchased the historic property, which remains a family-owned winery producing estate-driven Napa Valley wines.  Built on a foundation of family values, hard work and European winemaking tradition, the winery offers a portfolio of Cabernet Sauvignon and Bordeaux-styled wines. The winery is under the direction of Peter Mondavi Jr., who along with his brother Marc Mondavi, stewards the family business passed to them by their father, legendary Napa Valley wine icon Peter Mondavi Sr., who continues to serve as President and CEO. The family is now proudly welcoming members of the fourth generation to the business, continuing a legacy started almost 70 years ago and setting a foundation for generations to come.   For press inquiries and images, please contact Kimberly Charles or Alexandra Fondren at Charles Communications Associates at press@charlescomm.com or 415.701.9463.   ###    
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Charles Krug to Host Napa Valley Barrel Auction

5 May, 2014

St. Helena, California — Charles Krug will open its doors to wine lovers from around the world during Auction Napa Valley on Friday, June 6th, when the winery will host the Napa Valley Barrel Auction and Marketplace on the grounds of their historic and recently renovated property. In the comfort of the winery’s spacious, newly renovated temperature-controlled barrel cellar, guests will taste rare samples from 100 Napa Valley vintners directly from the barrel and participate in the spirited bidding on these limited, custom-designed wines. The top ten bidders on each lot will secure a future release case of the wine they discover that day. The Marketplace extravaganza will take place just outside on the winery’s picturesque, tree-lined promenade, where dozens of Napa Valley wineries will pour current releases alongside over 40 of the region’s most acclaimed restaurants and culinary innovators. This popular and highly anticipated portion of the event is also where prospective bidders can preview the extraordinary lots that will be offered in the Live Auction on Saturday. 2014 marks a momentous year for Charles Krug. With the recent grand opening of their Howard Backen-designed Redwood Cellar Hospitality Center, the heralded release of the estate’s 150th vintage, and the excitement surrounding Peter Mondavi Sr.’s centennial this November, the family-owned winery designed their auction lot to reflect the winery’s new modern aesthetic while maintaining the historic gravitas that defines Charles Krug. With a focus on multi-generational legacies, three generations of the Peter Mondavi Sr. family have united with the six-generational Royal Asscher diamond family to celebrate the wine legend’s 100th birthday year and Royal Asscher’s 160th anniversary. Winning bidders (two couples) will experience a once-in-a-lifetime trip to London that includes three nights at the iconic 5-star The Savoy, one of the world’s most alluring historic hotels (it originally opened its doors in 1889). The Savoy has played host to royalty, world leaders, and legends of the stage and screen. Brilliantly reinvented for the 21st century, old-fashioned glamour continues to sparkle with a new luster. The London trip also includes dinner at one of London’s top restaurants with both the Peter Mondavi Sr. and Asscher families, a behind the scenes tour of the McLaren Technology Centre (for a day both James Bond and Mario Andretti would envy) and a private tour of the Tower of London, featuring the Crown Jewels and the Asscher family’s most significant achievement: the Cullinan Diamond. To ‘crown’ it all off, the lot also includes an iconic 9L bottle of rare Charles Krug wine crafted by three generations of the family as well as a one-of-a-kind pendant with 100 floating diamonds, sapphires and rubies designed by sixth generation family member Lita Asscher, aptly named the Peter Mondavi Sr. 100th Birthday Celebration pendant (valued at $19,500).  Auction Napa Valley is Napa Valley Vintners’ annual community fundraiser that for more than 30 years has utilized the worldwide reputation of Napa Valley wines and the scenic beauty of the region to raise funds to enhance the health and well-being of the Napa Valley community. To date, Napa Valley Vintners has invested more than $120 million from Auction Napa Valley proceeds in Napa County nonprofit organizations. A limited number of three and single-day packages to Auction Napa Valley are still available. To purchase tickets, visit auctionnapavalley.org. About Charles Krug Winery The Charles Krug Winery, Napa Valley's oldest winery, was established by Prussian immigrant Charles Krug in 1861. In 1943, Italian immigrants Cesare and Rosa Mondavi purchased the historic property, which remains a family-owned winery producing estate-driven Napa Valley wines. Built on a foundation of family values, hard work and European winemaking tradition, the winery offers a portfolio of Cabernet Sauvignon and Bordeaux-styled wines. The winery is under the direction of Peter Mondavi Jr., who along with his brother Marc Mondavi, stewards the family business passed to them by their father, legendary Napa Valley wine icon Peter Mondavi Sr., who continues to serve as President and CEO. The family is now proudly welcoming members of the fourth generation to the business, continuing a legacy started almost 70 years ago and setting a foundation for generations to come. For press inquiries and images, please contact Kimberly Charles or Alexandra Fondren at Charles Communications Associates at press@charlescomm.com or 415.701.9463.  # # #
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Peter Mondavi Sr. to Celebrate Centennial Birthday

12 March, 2014

St. Helena, California — Peter Mondavi Sr., President and CEO of Charles Krug Winery, will be commemorated for his 70-year career in the wine industry with the winery’s official opening on April 5th of its new, Howard Backen-designed Historic Redwood Cellar & Hospitality Center. It also comes on the heels of Mr. Mondavi’s recent acceptance of Wine Enthusiast’s ‘American Wine Legend’ Wine Star Award in New York City, which honors his 38 years as President, as well as his lasting contributions to California’s wine industry. Mr. Mondavi will celebrate his centennial birthday in November. Along with the prestigious Wine Enthusiast recognition, Mr. Mondavi is one of twelve ‘Living Legends’ appointed by the Napa Valley Vintners Association and a Lifetime Achievement Award recipient for Napa Valley vintners from the California State Fair. He was also added to the CIA Vintners Hall of Fame in 2012. Though his official birthday is in November, the April 5th celebration at the new Charles Krug tasting facility reflects his pride in the recent enhancements and ardent commitment to the future of the estate. He resides at the winery in St. Helena and maintains active involvement in almost every aspect of the family-owned enterprise. Mr. Mondavi is a first-generation American citizen. His parents, Cesare and Rosa, moved the family to Lodi, CA from Minnesota in the early 1920s, and Peter Sr.’s career in the wine industry was sparked with a summer job assembling boxes for shipping grapes. A veteran of the Second World War, Mr. Mondavi earned a degree in economics from Stanford University and researched oenology at UC Berkeley. Soon after the war, Mr. Mondavi joined his brother (Robert) in heading the Charles Krug winery. He has since played a key role in cementing Charles Krug’s place as one of Napa Valley’s premier wineries. Peter, Sr. is credited with being the first to experiment with cold fermentation during his tenure at UC Berkeley, a technique that eventually became a standard industry practice. “Most of the wines at that time were made at higher temperatures, where they would lose their fruit character through oxidation,” he explains. He was also the first to introduce the use of French oak barrels and glass-lined tanks to Napa Valley. The United States Congress and California Governor Jerry Brown have both recognized Mr. Mondavi’s contributions to the California wine industry. As he approaches his 100th birthday, his passion for innovation and improvement remains intact - he was a key proponent of Charles Krug’s recent $30 million investment in Bordeaux grape varietal plantings and facility upgrades including the restoration of the 19th century Redwood Cellar. Along with the recent improvements to the winery and grounds, the family has implemented sustainable agricultural methods on its entire estate. Sons Peter Jr. and Marc Mondavi handle much of the winery’s operations today, but Mr. Mondavi still plays an active role in ensuring the quality of each vintage. The family jokingly refers to “Dad” as “the energizer bunny,” a reference to his unflagging enthusiasm for wine production. “He has boundless energy and tours the winery with a spring in his step on his daily visits,” Peter Jr. marveled. After nearly one hundred years (and counting!), Peter Mondavi Sr. continues to build his legacy. About C. Mondavi & Family Established in the 1940s by Italian immigrants Cesare and Rosa Mondavi, C. Mondavi & Family remains a family-owned business, which has thrived for generations to produce fine wines for a variety of occasions and consumers. Built on a foundation of family values, hard work and European winemaking traditions, the winery offers a portfolio of wines for both special occasions and everyday gatherings of family and friends. Strategic planning and operations are handled by co-proprietors Marc Mondavi and Peter Mondavi Jr., both sons of legendary Napa Valley wine icon Peter Mondavi Sr., who serves as the company’s President and CEO. The family is now proudly welcoming members of the fourth generation to the business, continuing a legacy started almost 70 years ago and setting a foundation for generations to come. For press inquiries and images, please contact Kimberly Charles or Alexandra Fondren at Charles Communications Associates at press@charlescomm.com or 415.701.9463. # # #
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C. Mondavi & Family Announces Three Strategic Hires: Key Appointments Along with Launch of Hospitality Center Signal Ambitious New Chapter

30 January, 2014

St. Helena, CA – As part of a holistic strategic plan to heavily invest in both vineyard replantings and hospitality offerings with the soon to be officially launched stunning hospitality center at Charles Krug Winery, Co-Proprietors of the parent company C. Mondavi & Family, Marc and Peter Mondavi are  pleased to announce several key appointments, underscoring the company’s commitment to the next century on the eve of its patriarch Peter Mondavi’s centennial. The three key positions include:  Kathy DeVillers as Chief Financial Officer, Jim Russell as Vice President of National Sales and in the third quarter of 2013, Pamela Hiett as Vice President, Guest Services and Direct Sales, all of whom report to Mike Jaeger, Chief Operating Officer. Given the historic renovation of the original Redwood Cellar dating from 1872, which was completed in the fall of 2013, offering a new tasting and hospitality center; seasoned industry DTC and hospitality expert Pamela Hiett was appointed to develop programs delivering high touch visitor experiences as well as stronger offerings with the wine club, business development and the whole Direct to Consumer experience. Her background working with Jackson Family Wines, the Robert Mondavi Winery as well as consumer favorites Bed, Bath & Beyond and Restoration Hardware, prepared her well for this newly created post. Of the appointment, Jaeger noted, “Pamela’s forte in developing strategic plans, increasing tasting room traffic and club memberships as well as extremely personalized customer experiences of the highest standards perfectly dovetailed with our needs. We look forward to setting a new industry standard in hospitality under Pamela’s direction.” Effective this week, Kathy DeVillers has joined C.Mondavi & Family as Chief Financial Officer. She brings to the company deep experience within the wine sector. Starting her career at Allied Domecq in the finance department, she advanced to Vice President of Finance and Distributor Strategy. She also had positions as CFO of St. Supery Vineyards and Ascentia Estates. Most recently, she was with the Vincraft Group as Managing Director of Finance overseeing the company’s investments of capital in limited production fine wines such as highly respected Kosta Browne and Gary Farrell. Also recently effective was the appointment of Jim Russell as Vice President of National Sales. A well-respected and experienced sales executive with over 30 years in the wine industry holding various high level sales positions at Allied Domecq where he rose to Senior Vice President of Sales. Russell was responsible for growing and developing Clos du Bois into a well-respected industry classic brand. After a long career at Allied Domecq, Russell joined Rosenblum Cellars as VP Sales & Marketing. Most recently, he spent eight years at Constellation Brands starting as Senior Vice President of Sales for Icon Estates and transitioning to a Sales SVP/General Manager role for their largest territory. His versatility selling both the value level as well as collectible wines makes him well suited for the portfolio of C. Mondavi & Family. Of the three key appointments in the last few months, COO Mike Jaeger states, “Our company is headquartered on the site of Charles Krug Winery, Napa’s oldest winery established in 1861 and purchased by Cesare and Rosa Mondavi in 1943. Seventy years after that purchase, we honored the successes of Cesare, Rosa and their son Peter Mondavi Sr. with the renovation of the historic Redwood Cellar. It is a testament to their good business sense and ongoing innovations to the wine business that we take our company into a solid place in the 21st century. We have a tremendous foundation, and much to build. It is an exciting time for us and for the industry.” About C. Mondavi & Family Established in the 1940s by Italian immigrants Cesare and Rosa Mondavi, C. Mondavi & Family remains a family-owned business, which has thrived for generations to produce fine wines for a variety of occasions and consumers. Built on a foundation of family values, hard work and European winemaking traditions, the winery offers a portfolio of wines for special occasions and everyday gatherings of family and friends. Strategic planning and operations are handled by co-proprietors Marc Mondavi and Peter Mondavi Jr., both sons of legendary Napa Valley wine icon Peter Mondavi Sr., who serves as the company’s President and CEO. The family is now proudly welcoming members of the fourth generation to the business, continuing a legacy started almost 70 years ago and setting a foundation for generations to come. For press inquiries and images, please contact Kimberly Charles at Charles Communications Associates at press@charlescomm.com or 415.701.9463.  #   #   #
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