Anthony “Tony” Peju, wine industry pioneer and founder of PEJU Winery,
passed away in his Calistoga home on June 10, 2023, at the age of 85. Peju
redefined Napa Valley four decades ago as he successfully championed the right
of winemakers and grape growers to sell wine made from their own grapes, paving
the way for the hundreds of wineries that do so today. In founding PEJU, he
cultivated his brand of wine-country experience through a “guest-first” company
culture and direct-to-consumer marketing approach that led to loyal employees
and thousands of vocal fans.
Born in 1937, Peju immigrated to the United States in the 1950s. He and his
wife, Herta, owned successful flower shops and a nursery in Southern
California, but Peju had grander dreams. In 1981, he designed a logo for the
PEJU brand and, in collaboration with architect Calvin Straub, envisioned the
design of a beautiful winery with stunning towers. With that vision in mind and
drawing in hand, the couple bought a 30-acre property in Rutherford in 1983,
moved to Napa Valley to raise their two young daughters, and began making and
selling wines out of their garage. In 2003, Peju completed the tower he
envisioned 20 years prior, once again making his mark by constructing the
tallest building in Napa County at the time of opening. In relentless pursuit
of his vision, he pushed boundaries, questioned the status quo, and changed the
wine industry forever.
“Today we lost a force of nature,” Herta says. “Tony was relentless and had
incredible drive and perseverance, which enabled him to overcome all obstacles
to make his vision a reality.”
Ahead of the estate’s 40th anniversary this year, Peju formally handed over
the business to his two daughters, Lisa and Ariana, but his impact remains
visible throughout the Rutherford estate, from the sculptures that decorate the
grounds to the iconic sycamore trees to the koi fish in the pond.
Peju is survived by his wife and three children, Michelle, Lisa, and Ariana,
along with his son-in-law and two grandchildren. A full obituary paying homage
to Tony’s life, career, and Napa Valley contributions can be found at peju.com/tony-peju-obituary.
