St. Helena was the focal point of early commercial wine production in the Napa Valley region. As a result of the production of wine in this region, the entire wine industry in California was shaped.

The town of St. Helena was established in 1855. Several years later, in 1861, the first winery was established in the Valley by a German immigrant. His name was Charles Krug. A number of other German immigrants soon followed in his steps, including the Schrams and the Beringers. Krug went on to become one of the first major vintners in Napa Valley. Born in 1825 in Prussia, Krug had been a political radical as a youth. Later he moved to Alto, California and became a neighbor of Agoston Haraszthy, who became Krug’s mentor regarding the production of grapes and wine. Before long, Krug began producing wine for others. One of his first clients was George Yount, of Yountville fame.

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