La Crema stands as one of California’s most reliable producers of cool-climate Chardonnay and Pinot Noir, crafting wines that balance accessibility with genuine terroir expression.
Founded back in 1979 in the Russian River Valley, the winery established its reputation by focusing exclusively on these two notoriously finicky Burgundian varietals long before they became fashionable in California. Their philosophy centers on sourcing fruit from premier coastal vineyards where Pacific influences create the long, moderate growing seasons that allow for the development of complex flavors while maintaining essential acidity.
What sets La Crema apart is their remarkable consistency across price points and their thoughtful expansion into other cool-climate regions including Sonoma Coast, Monterey, and Oregon’s Willamette Valley. While technically part of the Jackson Family Wines portfolio since 1993, La Crema has maintained its distinct identity and winemaking approach, offering wines that deliver authentic varietal character without breaking the bank.