About Peju
From Humble Beginnings: Our Family’s Journey to Winemaking
Vision Before Reality
Tony Peju envisions an estate winery & commissions Calvin Straub to draw up plans.
A Leap of Faith
Tony & HB Peju purchase 30-acre parcel in Rutherford and move their family North from Los Angeles.
Garage Turned Winery
Tony & HB begin selling their wine from their garage which was also the winery.
The First of Many
The first PEJU wine is released, a 1983 Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon.
Iconic Sycamore Driveway
Tony plants the famous Sycamore trees, carefully pruning twice a year creating a living canopy
Original Tasting Room & Winery Built
Phase one of the winery build is complete and the Peju family welcomes guests to their new tasting room.
Persephone Vineyard
Tony & HB purchase 350 acers of land in Pope Valley that had never been plated to grapes. Tony names the property ‘Persephone Vineyard’.
Province is born
Tony creates Province, an innovative red and white wine blend.
Lisa Peju
Lisa Peju joins the winery full-time as marketing & sales ambassador.
Building the Tower
Construction begins on the PEJU Tower. The tower doors opened to guests in 2003 after the installation of the stained glass window.
Ariana Peju
Ariana Peju joins the winery full-time and initiates a sustainability program, leading the installation of solar panels on the winery roof.
Sara Fowler
Sara Fowler joins PEJU as Winemaker. Her first mission was to transition the Rutherford vineyard into being organically farmed, which was accomplished in September 2007.
Celebrating 25 Years
As the Peju Family celebrates 25 years of being family owned & operated, they also mark the completion of the final phase of the tasting room. The Uluru Room, added behind the PEJU Stained Glass, was finished just in time for the 25th-anniversary celebration!
Napa Green
The winery receives it’s Napa Green certification.
Calmére Estate
The Peju family purchases Acacia Winery and surrounding vineyards in Carneros, renames property Calmére.
Best Places to Work
PEJU Winery named ‘Best Place to Work’ for fourth consecutive year.
Celebrating 40 Years
The Peju family celebrates 40 years as a family owned & operated winery in Napa Valley.
Our Founder, Tony Peju, Passes Away
Following the passing of Tony Peju, Lisa and Ariana take the helm of the winery.
OUR PEJU FAMILY
TONY PEJU, FOUNDER & OWNER
1937 - 2023
The Father of Custom Crush and Direct to Consumer Wine Marketing, Tony Peju was best known for thinking out of the box before thinking out of the box was a thing. A determined visionary, he made his dream a reality by building one of the most well loved wineries in Napa Valley. His goal remained steadfast, to make PEJU Winery the highlight of every guests visit to Napa Valley. Read more
HERTA PEJU, OWNER
Herta (HB) Peju was born in Austria and grew up in Venezuela. In 1983, HB and Tony Peju purchased a 30 acre property in Rutherford – the site of PEJU Winery today. A steady presence in many roles in the business, she also ensures that all of the winery’s elaborate gardens and landscaping are maintained to a high standard. Guests often greet her while she is checking on the flowers and trees and overall ambiance of the winery grounds, which also encompass stunning flowers and a wide variety of trees. HB presides over a lavish garden and orchard at her home and is fond of creating delicious meals from that day’s harvest.
LISA PEJU, OWNER
Born in Los Angeles, Lisa Peju came to the Napa Valley with her family when she was six years old. Lisa started her training young as she grew up in Napa Valley suckering vines, harvesting grapes, and welcoming visitors to her family’s winery. Fast forward to after college when she saw the need for PEJU representation outside of Napa Valley. Lisa hit the road, presenting PEJU wines to trade and consumers across the US and internationally. She has been instrumental in expanding sales to new markets beyond the winery. Lisa is an avid animal lover who enjoys spending time with her chickens and now her new puppy! If traveling permits, you might even catch her working harvest in the PEJU cellar, something she has always loved to do.
ARIANA PEJU, OWNER
Ariana grew up in the Napa Valley and has been involved in Peju winery operations since its founding in 1983. In her early childhood she helped in the vineyard and wherever she could – working and studying as the winery grew, flourished, and became a leader in Napa Valley winemaking and guest service. After working on a farm in San Luis Obispo, Ariana traveled and learned from wineries in France and Chile; and attended global conventions, from California to Hong Kong, to deepen her understanding of the wine industry. She returned to Napa Valley in 2003, where she worked her way up the ranks at Coppola and Peju. She built and executed new environmental imperatives as she worked alongside her mentor and father, Tony Peju, eventually assuming her current role as CEO and Chairman of the Board. Ariana remains focused on business operations and development, oversees all aspects of the company, and is introducing her children, Sonny and Benjamin, to wine with the same ethics of hard work, family, and quality that her parents instilled in her.
OUR EXTENDED FAMILY
SARA FOWLER
Vice President of Winemaking & Operations
Sara Fowler has been named Best Local Winemaker by Napa Valley Life Magazine in 2016, 2017 and 2018. Sara began working harvests and summers at Kendall-Jackson, and then pivoted to studying enology at Fresno State and becoming a winemaker. When she arrived at PEJU in 2006 her first mission was to transition the estate vineyard into being organically farmed, which was accomplished in September 2007. Today she supervises the farming of the winery’s six estate vineyards in four different sub-AVAs of the Napa Valley.
Over the past few decades, Sara has traveled the world representing the Napa Valley as a speaker, guest panelist, and wine educator. Sara currently lives in St. Helena, her interests include travel, gourmet cooking, hiking, and Bocce. She has been actively involved with the Rutherford Dust Society since 1999, and was Board Vice President (2023-2025), Napa Valley Vintners, Napa Valley Grape Growers, Wine Tech and ASEV (American Society for Enology and Viticulture.
DAVID AMADIA
President
David Amadia, the newly appointed President of PEJU, brings a unique blend of business acumen and a deep passion for the wine industry to his role. With a rich background spanning over three decades in the world of wine, Amadia has consistently demonstrated a commitment to excellence and a keen understanding of the artistry behind winemaking.
Amadia embarked on his recognized wine career in 1990, and over the years, he has had the privilege of working alongside industry icons, including Peter Gago at Penfolds, Randall Grahm at Bonny Doon, and Paul Draper at Ridge Vineyards. Notably, Amadia spent 17 years with Ridge, culminating in his role as President. His career has been defined by his exceptional ability to elevate renowned brands to even greater levels of sustainability, success, global recognition, and profitability.
NICOLAS MONTAÑEZ
Chef
Nicolas Montañez was born and raised in Michoacán, Mexico. Growing up he was surrounded by the flavors of the region. As a child he recalls wandering through the open-air markets where fresh fruits, vegetables and mushrooms were at every stall. Montañez has brought creativity and the inspirations from his early childhood, combined with California’s seasonal bounty to craft delicious selections that celebrate wine and food. Montañez enrolled in continuing education classes at the acclaimed Culinary Institute of America, St. Helena. Today, he works closely with PEJU Winemaker Sara Fowler, tasting through each dish along with the wines and adjusting to ensure a perfect pairing.
MANUEL CORONA
Estate Manager
Meet Manuel Corona, PEJU’s very first employee. Hired by Tony Peju in 1983, Manuel helped Tony and HB build PEJU Winery from the ground up, literally! He became part of the family, often picking Lisa and Ariana up from school when their parents were busy with important customer meetings. For four decades, Manuel served as Tony’s right-hand man until Tony’s passing in June 2023. Now as Estate Manager, he continues to oversee the winery and grounds, and lends invaluable support to Lisa and Ariana as they take on running the family business.
Tower & Garden
Our 50 foot tower was designed by renowned Southern California architect, Calvin Straub. Built in 2003, its rendering has graced the label of every estate-bottled PEJU wine since our 1983 Cabernet Sauvignon.
Upon entering through the hand-crafted wooden doors of the copper roofed, stone-faced tasting room tower at PEJU Winery, visitors are greeted by one of the most well-appointed and architecturally appealing facilities in all of the Napa Valley. With a soaring ceiling and a mezzanine, the large, open room houses a selection of books on food, wine and Napa Valley history; artwork, crystal decanters and wineglasses, wine openers and accessories, local olive oils, and other delectables, all lit by a massive, antique stained glass window dating back to 1906.
Our Rutherford Estate is a peaceful environment comprised of impeccable lawns, immaculately pruned trees and a bounty of flowers. The gardens change on a daily basis and visitors can often glimpse Herta Peju, guiding the planting and pruning as she has for many years, with her hands in the dirt! Mature perennials range everywhere; roses and dahlias mingling with other seasonal plantings of colorful annuals to create a dazzling and fragrant display. There is the man-made “Willow Creek” with its charming footbridge, a Koi pond and several splashing fountains, and footpaths meandering throughout, leading the visitor from one idyllic vignette to the next. A prominent feature of the gardens is the work of sculptors Welton Rotz and Philip Dizick, whose art has been tucked strategically into the gardens. Enjoy our virtual garden tour below, but of course we hope to see you in Rutherford!
The Stained Glass
The centerpiece of the iconic PEJU Tower is a breathtaking 10’x 20’ Art Nouveau stained-glass window, crafted by the renowned Franz Mayer of Munich(Germany) in 1906. This magnificent back-lit scene showcases three greek muses playing musical instruments in a beautiful garden setting. Originally commissioned for J.J. Haggarty, owner of an upscale department store in Los Angeles, the stained-glass window adorned his newly constructed mansion called “Castle York”, Unfortunately, Castle York was demolished in 1971, and the stained-glass winow was consigned to storage, seemingly lost to the world. In 1993, Tony Peju, with his keen eye for artistry, discovered the window at a San Fransisco art auction. After 10 years in the family barn, the Tower was completed and Tony installed this exquisite piece of artistry into its home.
Historic Gates
Always on the lookout for unique pieces to enhance his landscape design, the metal pillars supporting the PEJU gates were purchased by Tony Peju in the early ‘70s when the Pacific Stock Exchange closed on Spring Street in downtown Los Angeles. A bit of classic LA leading you to our Rutherford tasting room.
Grecian Pillars
Altissimo Climbing Roses drape two columns depicting Athena (left) the goddess of war and Aphrodite (right) the goddess of love and beauty. Tony loved the classics and you’ll see a clever sprinkling of this style throughout the grounds at PEJU.
Girl on a Bench
Girl on a Bench is one of two bronze sculptures created by artist Philip Dizick. The sculpture depicts a young girl reclining peacefully on a park bench in the shade of a willow tree. Tony & HB were fond of the artist and you’ll see several of his works adorning the grounds.
Koi Pond
In 1997, Tony Peju designed and built “Willow Creek” and its tranquil koi pond from upcycled stones. The stones for the creek were recovered from the estate grounds as the vineyards were planted. Look around, you may find a heart shaped stone.
Moonrise
Moonrise is one of three Carrara
marble sculptures on the estate produced by Welton Rotz. It depicts the lunar goddess, whose horns represent the cow (nourishment), who dies and is reborn each month with the waning and waxing of
the moon.
Eternal Cycle
Eternal Cycle by Welton Rotz depicts the Goddess in Triad, sometimes known simply as Demeter (the Greek “meter” meaning mother, “de” signifying a delta, or triangle): creator, protector, and destroyer – maiden, mother, and crone.
Balance Movement
The geometrics of this Philip Dizick steel & glass sculpture are reminders of who we are and where we come from. They are believed to activate emotions that stimulate inter-dimensional stages of consciousness. What do you feel as you cross through the threshold?
Repose
This bronze sculpture by artist Philip Dizick depicts a woman reclining on her side peacefully dreaming. In her sleep space, where past and present cease to exist, the meaning of her life is clearly seen. Do your best not to disturb her.
Harvest Dance
Harvest Dance by Welton Rotz was installed in 1993. Made from a single block of Carrara marble, the sculpture aptly depicts a man and woman dancing in celebration of a successful grape harvest and is the inspiration for our HB Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon label.
Sycamores
The sycamore trees that line the driveway have become an iconic part of PEJU’s landscape. Tony hand pruned these trees to grow this way and today, their foliage and arching shape make them one of the most recognizable features of our estate.
Organic Culinary Gardens
Our Rutherford Estate is certified organic, and we also cultivate an organic vegetable garden that Executive Chef Nicolas Montañez forages from daily for use in the PEJU kitchen. Check the signage for a listing of seasonal vegetables and recipes from Chef.
PEJU Solar Panels
In 2006 over 500 solar panels were installed on the winery roof. Today, our solar panels provide almost 40% of the winery’s energy use!
The Vineyards
Founded in 1983, PEJU’s journey began with the establishment of our original estate in Rutherford. This location, which housed the PEJU family home, the winery, and a 30-acre vineyard initially known as Stephanie Vineyard, marked the inception of our winemaking legacy. Today, PEJU has expanded to include six distinct vineyard properties across Napa Valley, from the cool, southern Carneros region to the warm, northern Calistoga area, encompassing a total of 515 acres. We sustainably farm a total of 253 planted acres, with CCOF certification in Rutherford. Each vineyard is a testament to the diversity of Napa’s terroir, showcasing grapes that embody the unique soil composition, terrain, microclimate, and exposure of their respective locations. With over 200 acres under vine, our Estate Vineyards are strategically situated in the Oak Knoll District, Carneros, Rutherford, Calistoga, and Pope Valley, each offering a distinct and expressive sense of place.
This rich tapestry of vineyards enables us to craft wines that are not only a reflection of Napa Valley’s storied winemaking tradition but also a celebration of its varied landscapes. We sustainably farm our vineyard, with CCOF certification in Rutherford. We believe organic and sustainable farming enhances health, benefits the ecosystem, and produces higher quality fruit, healthier vines, and greater vineyard longevity. In 2009, we were certified as a Napa County Green Winery and Bay Area Green Business, having met all standards for pollution prevention, resource conservation, and environmental compliance.
HB Vineyard
Rutherford, Napa Valley
Named in honor of co-founder Herta “HB” Peju, our HB Estate Vineyard is planted with the five traditional Bordeaux varietals and French Colombard. The soils are deep and well-drained, formed by three alluvial fans that supply gravel and sand to the valley floor’s deep loamy soil, making for ideal growing conditions. Additionally, the vineyard’s location imparts ‘Rutherford Dust’ to our red wines, a distinctive profile of cocoa powder notes and fine tannins.
Appellation: Rutherford
Total Acres: 30
Bearing Acres: 20
Purchased: 1983
Climate: Moderately warm, marginally influenced by early morning fog
Elevation: 100 feet above sea level
Soils: Deep and well drained, gravelly-sandy and alluvial
Varietals: Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, Merlot, Malbec, Petit Verdot & French Colombard
Red Goose Vineyard
Calistoga, Napa Valley
Red Goose Vineyard is situated at the entrance of Dutch Henry Canyon in Calistoga, nestled at the northern extremity of Napa Valley. Tony Peju christened it after the striking red goose sculpture adorning its front gate. This area boasts volcanic soil and is renowned for its significant diurnal variation, characterized by substantial temperature fluctuations from daytime highs to nighttime lows during the growing season.
Appellation: Calistoga
Total Acres: 87
Bearing Acres: 11
Purchased: 2006
Climate: Warm to hot, depending upon the time of year
Elevation: 360 feet above sea level
Soils: Gravely loam
Varietals: Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, Petit Verdot
Clones: 16
Persephone Vineyard
Pope Valley, Napa Valley
Named by Tony Peju, the vineyard takes its name from Persephone, the goddess of Greek mythology symbolizing nature’s cycle of renewal and growth. Situated on Howell Mountain’s eastern slope in Pope Valley, Persephone Vineyard embodies the timeless elegance and natural beauty of the goddess. It’s a place where tradition meets innovation, producing wines that reflect both the rich heritage of winemaking and the unique terroir of this area.
Appellation: Napa Valley
Total Acres: 350
Bearing Acres: 127
Purchased: 1996
Climate: Warm and dry with minimal marine influence
Elevation: 1,100 feet above sea level
Soils: Ranging from moderately deep to shallow, Bressa-Dible, Contra Costa and Pleasanton loam
Varietals: Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc, Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, Zinfandel
Clones: 16
Tess Vineyard
Pope Valley, Napa Valley
Inspired by Tony Peju’s dream of a fairy named Tess gracefully soaring like a dragonfly, the beautiful Tess property, previously known as Schoolhouse Vineyard, is located just south of Persephone in Pope Valley. Acquired sixteen years after Persephone, Tess is a notable addition to the Peju family’s winemaking legacy.
Appellation: Napa Valley
Total Acres: 43
Bearing Acres: 22
Purchased: 2012
Climate: Warm and dry with minimal marine influence
Elevation: 1,000 feet above sea level
Soils: Ranging from moderately deep to shallow, Bressa-Dible, Contra Costa and Pleasanton loam
Varietals: Sauvignon Blanc, Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, Petit Verdot, Sangiovese, Malbec
Clones: 11
Orchard Vineyard
Oak Knoll District, Napa Valley
Our Orchard Vineyard, named for the history of fruit orchards in the Oak Knoll District of Napa Valley, is situated at the southern end of the mid-valley floor. Known for its close proximity to the San Pablo Bay, the area benefits from relatively cooler and more moderate temperatures compared to other areas in the valley. This climate, combined with the district’s long growing season, has earned the Oak Knoll District a reputation as one of Napa Valley’s most renowned sub-appellations.
Appellation: Oak Knoll District
Total Acres: 5
Bearing Acres: 4
Purchased: 2014
Climate: Moderate to cool, marine air and fog can remain until late morning
Elevation: 112 feet above sea level
Soils: Transitional from gravelly to silty clay loam
Varietals: Cabernet Sauvignon
Calmére Estate Vineyard
Carneros, Napa Valley
The Peju family acquired this vineyard property in 2016 and embarked on an extensive upgrade, strategically replanting varietals and specific clones tailored for a cooler climate and the region’s heavy clay soils. They christened the estate ‘Calmére’, a name derived from the French words for calm (calme) and sea (mer), embodying the tranquil ambiance and breathtaking vistas overlooking San Pablo Bay.
Appellation: Carneros
Total Acres: 100
Bearing Acres: 41
Purchased: 2016
Climate: Cool with prevailing marine winds and fog from San Pablo Bay
Elevation: 500 feet above sea level
Soils: Clay dominated, very shallow in general
Varietals: Chardonnay, Pinot Noir and Merlot
Clones: 15
Sustainability
These efforts include the installation of solar panels at the winery, recycling, composting, reduction of water usage, and availability of electric vehicle chargers for employees and visitors. Our solar panels provide almost 40% of the winery’s energy use. Our winery is ‘Napa Green’ meaning we are certified sustainable from production to administration to hospitality.
PEJU WINEMAKING WITH SARA FOWLER
Quality Driven & 100% Made with love
For more than forty years, the dedication to crafting wines of exceptional distinction has been the cornerstone of PEJU’s winemaking philosophy. We meticulously produce a select collection of small-lot and single vineyard wines, predominantly reserved for our Club Members and guests who visit our Tasting Room in Rutherford, Napa Valley.
Our six estate vineyards in the Napa Valley lay the groundwork for producing world-class wines. Committed to crafting classic wines that showcase the distinct character and quality of our unique sites, winemaker Sara Fowler is dedicated to exploring the unique opportunities each specific terroir and microclimate offers.
It All Starts In The Vineyard
Winemaking starts in the vineyard. Our six distinct Napa Valley estate properties lay the groundwork for producing world-class wines. Committed to crafting classic wines that showcase the distinct character and quality of our unique sites, winemaker Sara Fowler who has been with us since 2006, is dedicated to exploring the unique opportunities each specific terroir and microclimate offers. Segmenting each estate into individual vineyard blocks, Sara’s goal is to harvest when the flavors have reached their peak and bottle wines that express balance and beauty.
GREEN CERTIFICATIONS
In 2007, our 30-acre Rutherford Estate was honored to receive Organic Certification from the California Certified Organic Farmers (CCOF), a testament to our commitment to organic farming practices. Beyond this, all our estate vineyards have earned certification for sustainability from Fish Friendly Farming, reflecting our dedication to environmentally responsible viticulture. At the heart of our philosophy is the belief that organic and sustainable farming practices not only benefit our health and the environment but also lead to the cultivation of higher quality fruit. This, in turn, translates into wines of superior quality.
Further solidifying our commitment to environmental stewardship, in 2009, PEJU was recognized as a Napa County Green Winery & Bay Area Green Business. This certification was awarded after we successfully met rigorous standards in pollution prevention, resource conservation, and environmental compliance. These achievements underscore our ongoing dedication to sustainability and our role as guardians of the land, ensuring that we not only produce outstanding wines but also contribute positively to the ecological balance of our surroundings.
BORDEAUX VARIETALS
Situated in the heart of the Napa Valley, our historic winery is inherently devoted to Cabernet Sauvignon and the quintessential Bordeaux varieties. Spanning 30 acres, our Rutherford Estate is planted with the five noble Bordeaux varietals: Cabernet Franc, Cabernet Sauvignon, Malbec, Merlot, and Petit Verdot. The Cabernets hailing from our estate are celebrated for their characteristic soft, round mouthfeel and the iconic “dusty” tannins that are a hallmark of the Rutherford appellation. Over the past four decades, our dedication and passion have established us as a premier producer of award-winning Napa Valley wines, sourced from our six cherished estate vineyards.
RUTHERFORD DUST
The region is defined by the phrase “Rutherford Dust” which was coined by the legendary winemaker Andre Tchelistcheff. The Cabernets hailing from our estate are celebrated for their characteristic soft, round mouthfeel and the iconic “dusty” tannins that are a hallmark of the Rutherford appellation. The unique composition of gravel, loam, and sand in the soil of this region endows the fruit with a distinctive character, culminating in wines of profound expressive flavor.
BARREL PROGRAM
Typically, our red wines are aged for 16-18 months, capturing the essence of their vibrant character. Meanwhile, our Reserve tier wines undergo an extended aging process of 22-26 months. These Reserve wines, with their bolder profiles, are better suited to integrate the more intense influences of newer oak and the complexities that arise from a longer stay in the barrel. This prolonged aging period not only softens the wines’ tannins but also paves the way for them to age gracefully over time, ensuring that each bottle reaches its full potential.
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