Charles Krug, a Prussian immigrant with controversial political beliefs for which he was briefly jailed, arrived in San Francisco in 1852. He likely came with no grape-growing or winemaking experience, but his insight, thirst, and inherent understanding that premium wines are made from European grape varieties inspired him to lead advances in winemaking. Innovations such as using a cider press to efficiently crush grapes, planting insect-resistant rootstock, and establishing the first public tasting room made him a founding father of the pioneer Napa Valley wine industry.