Peju Province Winery

8466 St Helena Hwy, Rutherford, CA 94573

Website: http://www.peju.com/

My first thought upon arriving at this winery was that the owners must be of French heritage. The winery is housed in a 50 foot, pink stucco tower resembling a French Provincial tower. It is surrounded by a pool and fountains. The parking lot was lined with Sycamore trees and a view of the vineyard. Beautiful gardens and landscaping with Greek mythological statues encompass the area leading to the tasting room. It would be a lovely place to relax and read a book.

The owners of this winery are Tony and Herta Peju. Although they were both born in Europe, neither one is French. Tony’s birthplace was on the Caspian Sea and Herta was born in Austria. The two of them were living in Los Angeles before purchasing the 30 acres of land in Rutherford that is the Peju Province Winery today.

This was one of the most fun wine tasting experiences that I have had in Napa. The interior of the winery is 1600 square feet with a mezzanine. On the lower level, there are various wine accessories for purchase and there is a large stained glass window created in 1906 depicting the three Greek graces in a beautiful garden. A hostess greeted us upon entering the tasting room and led a small group of us up the stairs to one of two tasting counters. Rather than conducting separate tastings for individuals, the Peju tasting room “ambassador” pours all the same wines for the entire group gathered around the counter, sharing the story of each wine and history of Peju. When the tasting is complete, the group is ushered out and a new group is brought up to the counter.

This was a unique experience and our “ambassador” was entertaining. I enjoyed the educational aspect of the tasting, and we were encouraged to ask questions as we were sampling. I found the wines to be enjoyable.  The Provence Rosé and Carnival white wine are very easy drinking wines that are refreshing on a hot, summer day.

Peju Province vineyard in Rutherford, CA