Beth Costa Executive Director Russian River Wine Road
Wending through some of the most picturesque wine country in California, Wine Road, Northern Sonoma County, takes visitors on a sensually gratifying journey of natural beauty, sublime tasting experiences and memorable personal encounters with the state’s most devoted and individualistic winemakers. Even for veteran wine travelers already well acquainted with California wine country, Wine Road is likely to be uncharted territory, sure to imbue a fresh sense of discovery. Along the way are some of California’s oldest wineries, run by vintners whose commitment to tending the vines and producing world-class wines, true to the appellation, runs back generations. Founded more than 30 years ago, Wine Road is an association of wineries and lodgings in the Alexander, Dry Creek, and Russian River Valleys of Northern Sonoma County. From its modest beginning as an organization of nine wineries, it has grown into a spirited constellation of more than 150 wineries and 50 lodgings. It’s not actually a “road” in the sense of a single, continuous stretch of paved highway, but more of a treasure map to the many jewels nestled among the hills and valleys of a region where fresh air, fine wine and exquisite cuisine await those who traverse it.
Peter Mondavi, Jr. "Charles Krug Winery "
As the third generation member of the family who owns and operates C. Mondavi & Sons, Peter Mondavi, Jr. now leads the vision for the historic Charles Krug Napa Valley brand. His responsibilities include day-to-day operations such as winemaking and overseeing the 850 acres of Napa Valley estate land, in addition to directing sales and marketing for this brand. As co-proprietor, he works closely with his father and brother, Marc, to carry forward the legacy of the Peter Mondavi Family and steward all of the winery's brands.
The second son of Peter and Blanche Mondavi, Peter Mondavi, Jr. was born in 1958 and raised on the historic winery property. Peter Jr. followed in his father's footsteps by attending Stanford University, where he earned a BS and an MS in Engineering, then an MBA. Peter's engineering background has proved a valuable asset to the winery; he has directed a number of key design projects, including the development of a state-of-the-art winemaking facility. His business education has contributed to the development and execution of the company's long-term strategic plan. Peter Jr. is overseeing an ambitious, $21.6 million winery and vineyard investment program, focused on replanting the family's 850 acres of prized Napa Valley land and upgrading winemaking operations. The intention is to enhance Charles Krug Winery's reputation as one of Napa Valley's premier properties, centering on the family's tradition of innovation, integrity and quality. He is a member of numerous wine-related organizations, including the Wine and Food Society of San Francisco and the American Society for Enology and Viticulture. He is a former board member of both the Napa Valley Vintners Association and the Family Winemakers of California.
