Schug Winery was founded in 1980 by Walter Schug, the founding winemaker for Joseph Phelps Vineyards in St Helena. Drawing on his extensive experience in the production of fine wines in both Europe and California, Walter and his wife Gertrud established his own winery in the cool marine climate of the Carneros Appellation.

For over 40 years, Schug Winery has focused on the Pinot Noir and Chardonnay varietals that had always been close to Walter's heart. Today, the winery is owned and operated by Walter and Gertrud's children, Axel, Claudia, and Andrea. His children and winemaker Johannes Scheid carry Walter's legacy today.

Johannes grew up on a small winery in Germany and studied viticulture at Geisenheim University when he met Walter in 2009. Walter, also an alumnus from Geisenheim, was giving a talk about making wine in California. Johannes approached Walter, and the rest was history, as they say.

Becoming a winemaker at a relatively young age was among Johannes' most desired achievements. Still, he didn't stop there, saying, "Now, working with our small team, I can put my signature style on the Schug portfolio. The support and trust of the family and team are essential to me."

Beyond its 42-acre estate vineyards, Schug continues expanding its sourcing from regions like the Petaluma Gap and vineyards throughout Sonoma to produce wines distinct from one another, creating interest and diversity in our portfolio.