A brief history
Founded in 1980, the Schug Winery is the showcase and life-long dream of one of California's most celebrated winemakers. Walter Schug came to the US after being born and raised on a Pinot estate in Germany and was the founding winemaker for Joseph Phelps vineyards. Drawing on his experience in the production of fine wines in Germany and as founding Winemaker for Joseph Phelps in California, Walter and his wife Gertrud built the winery to focus on Pinot Noir. In 1995 Sonoma native Mike Cox joined the team as Winemaker with Walter Schug overseeing the business as Winemaster. Nestled in the hills of the cool climate of the Carneros Appellation, the winery is dedicated to Walter’s original passion for graceful and elegant Pinot Noirs.
