The Krug Way

Our Story

Archival photo of Krug's yard in Reims

Joseph Krug founded Maison Krug in 1843, driven by his understanding that the true essence of champagne is pleasure itself. His dream was to craft the very best champagne he could offer, every year, regardless of annual climate variations.

Paying close attention to the vineyard’s character, respecting the individuality of each plot and its wine, as well as building an extensive library of reserve wines from many different years allowed Joseph Krug to fulfil his dream. Thus, the first Édition of Krug Grande Cuvée was born. 

By going beyond the notion of vintage to create the most generous expression of Champagne, every year, he founded a House in which all Champagnes are of the same level of distinction, with an undisputed quality. 

Part 1

THE FOUNDER'S NOTEBOOK

In 1848, Joseph Krug committed his vision to the pages of his dark cherry personal notebook, beginning a tradition of transmission. Today, his words are the foundation of Krug’s guiding philosophy in the vineyards, tasting room and beyond. 

 

Portrait of Joseph Krug
“We cannot obtain good wines without using good elements and good terroirs. We may have obtained a good champagne in appearance using average or even mediocre elements, but these are exceptions on which you can never rely or you risk damaging your operation and losing your reputation.”

JOSEPH KRUG

Founder, Maison Krug

Olivier Krug
“Every year since the foundation of the Maison, a new Édition of Krug Grande Cuvée is created, every year the inspiration will be the same, but the creation will be totally unique and different.”

Olivier Krug

Sixth Generation of the Krug Family & Director of the House

Part 2

A

MAVERICK SPIRIT

Joseph’s maverick spirit and uncompromising philosophy have guided six generations of the Krug family.
The Clos du Mesnil vineyard in the village of Le Mesnil-sur-Oger

In the early 1970s, brothers Rémi and Henri Krug, fifth generation of the Krug family, seized the opportunity to acquire a walled vineyard in Le Mesnil-sur-Oger, reputed for the exceptional purity of its Chardonnay. 

They had the bold idea to create the ultimate tribute to individuality: a champagne from one plot, one grape variety, and a single harvest year. The first Krug Clos du Mesnil was crafted from the harvest of 1979.

Discover Krug Clos du Mesnil

Krug Rosé 28ème Édition

The Invention of Krug Rosé

In 1976, the brothers had another daring vision to craft an unexpected rosé champagne, inspired by the Maison’s reputed art of blending, that could be re-created each year. The first Krug Rosé was presented seven years later. 

Discover Krug Rosé

Part 3
Krug iD and the Krug App

Krug iD: Six Digits with a Story to Tell

In 2011, Maison Krug introduced the Krug iD, six digits on the back label of each bottle of Krug that, when entered online or scanned via the Krug app, unveil the story of its creation, its composition, serving suggestions, pairing inspiration and more. 

Discover the story of your bottle

Close up of a label on Krug Grande Cuvée 167eme Édition

The Édition Number

In 2016, we took the idea further by giving an Édition number to each new creation of Krug Grande Cuvée and Krug Rosé. This number, displayed on the front label, makes it easier to identify the different creations of these champagnes. It indicates the number of times in the history of the Maison that the dream of the founder – or the fifth generation of the Krug family in the case of Krug Rosé – has been recreated year after year. 

As such, up until the mid-2010s, bottles that left our cellars in Reims did not feature an Édition number, and older bottles may not have a Krug iD. If you have such a bottle in your cellar and you would like to know more about it, our Tasting Committee team may be able to help. You can reach us through our Contact form.

 

Part 4

A New Chapter

The Joseph Winery

The Joseph winery in Ambonnay

In 2024, Maison Krug began another chapter with the construction of Joseph, its state-of-the-art sustainable winery located in the heart of Ambonnay, an essential cru for the Maison for generations. From its eco-design and ergonomics to an aesthetic that harmoniously blends into the landscape, Joseph marks a new era for Krug. 

Learn more

Part 5

Welcome to

THE WORLD OF KRUG

Krug Cellar Master Julie Cavil in the vineyard
Title:

Craftsmanship

Content:
Since 1843, Maison Krug has been guided by the vision of Joseph Krug to craft the very best champagne he could offer, every year, regardless of annual climate variations.
Title:

THE ART OF ENJOYING KRUG

Content:
There are no rules governing the pleasure of how to enjoy a glass of Krug champagne, as everyone will experience it in their own personal way. Nevertheless, there are several ways you can enhance your tasting experience.
The Lodge in the village of Trépail
Title:

OUR EMBLEMATIC PLACES

Content:
Maison Krug is based in Reims, where it was founded in 1843, but its historic sites span the Champagne region. Beyond Champagne, Maison Krug has a global presence thanks to its community of Krug Ambassades around the world.