Charles Krug made the first commercial wine in Napa Valley in 1858 and established his own winery just north of St. Helena in 1861 — beginning the town’s long transformation from farming community to wine-country landmark. Krug, a Prussian immigrant, had learned winemaking from Agoston Haraszthy in Sonoma before striking out on his own.
His winery became a gathering place and economic engine, drawing workers, investors, and fellow winemakers to the area. Within a generation, dozens of wineries would follow his lead.