Winemaker Notes
When Tony and Herta “H.B.” Peju relocated to Rutherford Napa Valley from Los Angeles in 1983, they brought with them a vision of building a winery, an unwavering work ethic, and two young daughters who soaked in their parents’ entrepreneurial spirit and love for Napa’s beautiful farmland. They established Peju Winery and dedicated themselves to welcoming guests and crafting exceptional wines from Napa Valley. Peju remains family-owned with Tony and HB’s two daughters Lisa and Ariana guiding the business today. Lisa and Ariana are bringing fresh ideas while maintaining the meticulous focus on quality that began nearly 40 years ago.
The family owns and sustainably farms six estate vineyards in Napa Valley ranging from Carneros, Napa’s coolest growing region, all the way north to Calistoga. Rare in today’s wine industry, the family’s careful oversight of its estate vineyards assures quality from grape to glass. Peju’s 30-acre Rutherford Estate was certified organic in 2007 by the California Certified Organic Farmers (CCOF) and in 2019 all six of their vineyard properties were certified under the Fish Friendly Farming program. With its landmark tower, warm hospitality, and award-winning wines Peju is a celebrated place to visit in Napa Valley.
One of the most prestigious wines of the world capable of great power and grace, Napa Valley Cabernet is a leading force in the world of fine, famous, collectible red wine. Today the Napa Valley and Cabernet Sauvignon are so intrinsically linked that it is difficult to discuss one without the other. But it wasn’t until the 1970s that this marriage came to light; sudden international recognition rained upon Napa with the victory of the Stag’s Leap Wine Cellars 1973 Cabernet Sauvignon in the 1976 Judgement of Paris.
Cabernet Sauvignon undoubtedly dominates Napa Valley today, covering half of the land under vine, commanding the highest prices per ton and earning the most critical acclaim. Cabernet Sauvignon’s structure, acidity, capacity to thrive in multiple environs and ability to express nuances of vintage make it perfect for Napa Valley where incredible soil and geographical diversity are found and the climate is perfect for grape growing. Within the Napa Valley lie many smaller sub-AVAs that express specific characteristics based on situation, slope and soil—as a perfect example, Rutherford’s famous dust or Stags Leap District's tart cherry flavors.