Introducing Cucina di Rosa at Charles Krug Winery

Charles Krug Winery
2800 Main Street
St. Helena, CA 94574
(707) 967-2229

Iconic Charles Krug Winery has been a staple of Napa Valley since 1861. Located in St. Helena, the winery recently received a magnificent restoration, taking the property’s original buildings and upgrading them to world-class tasting and events facilities that celebrate the winery’s distinctive heritage with a modern flair.

Often at the forefront of wine country innovation, the winery has made its mark since it’s founding: using a cider press for wine production, opening the valley’s first tasting room, implementing the use of cold fermentation, and being the first in the valley to import French oak barrels, among others. And now, there’s a new reason to visit this Napa Valley legend. With their beautiful renovation and the addition of Cucina di Rosa, a culinary program dedicated to the Mondavi matriarch, Rosa Mondavi, and a celebration of the family’s Italian heritage, the winery has elevated itself again.

Located in the winery’s gorgeous Redwood Cellar, aptly named for the redwood slats that line the walls and ceiling, the Cucina is in a shared space with the winery’s estate tasting area, with windows overlooking their pristine barrel room. The stunning redwood addition is a continuation of the history of the space, as each slat has been carefully sourced from the original wine barrels used to produce their wares.

The winery welcomed Chef Daryl Muromoto, formerly of such acclaimed eateries as Meadowood and the girl & the fig, to craft the dynamic menu that celebrates both his passion and connection to his own part Sicilian lineage and the winery’s Italian legacy. The kitchen offers two delicious food options for guests, and the Salumeria and Outdoor Pizza Kitchen are now open and ready for visitors to dig in.

Insider Tip: Take a peek into the winery’s upgraded barrel room through the large windows on the east side of the building. Here you can see Big Red, the last of the original redwood barrels standing tall and welcoming tour visitors for a memorable selfie.

Salumeria
Open Daily, 11am – 4pm

Truly setting itself apart from other winery food pairing experiences, Charles Krug’s Cucina di Rosa’s Salumeria is a casual, yet elegant counter offering up cured meat, cheese, and mixed plates in a relaxed environment. Located across the room from their Estate Tasting area, the Salumeria welcomes guests to pull up a chair and sample beautifully handcrafted selections to complement their wines and Italian traditions. Guests can order red or white flights to get a full-bodied experience with the winery’s offerings or a glass of their favorite Charles Krug wine to savor slowly as they nibble. Available daily, the Salumeria does not require a reservation. Seating is first-come, first-serve.

Insider Tip: Plan on enjoying with a friend and order both a red and white flight to experience the full range of flavor of their dynamic wines. Insider’s Insider Tip: Their cabernet sauvignon is worth ordering a glass plus a bottle to take home. Truly one of the best deals in the valley.

Outdoor Pizza Kitchen
Thursday – Monday, 11am – 4pm

The culinary team at Krug has loaded up a wood-fired oven in the winery’s lush backyard to craft delectable, Italian-style, thin crust pizzas showcasing traditional recipes and seasonal flavors. Always offering a crisped to perfection Margarita pizza, the winery’s oven will be slinging a vegetarian and meat option as well. Lounge on the lawn or enjoy shaded seating at one of the large picnic tables.

While the toppings are seasonal, if you happen to be there for the funghi-topped pizza, we highly recommend it. Signorina mushrooms are excellently paired with roasted garlic, carmelized onions, fontina cheese and truffle oil. Chef flexes his flavor muscles on the salami pizza as well with selections from the Cucina, crushed tomatoes, mozzarella, capers and parsley. We were able to tuck into three (THREE!) excellently baked pizzas, glass of wine in hand on a perfect wine country afternoon. Pairing pizza and wine at this historic estate is a refreshing change of pace from the typical wine tasting.

Insider Tip: Plan to stop by Charles Krug during Harvest this fall on September 16th, 2017. The winery will host Italian themed Tastings on the Lawn, an annual event that will include a variety of Italian-themed delicacies, live music, and of course, plenty of their wine.

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WineCountry Collective

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