The GOODS from La Crema

Sonoma County, CA | Originally founded with “best” in the name, La Crema has garnered acclaim for crafting elegant and balanced Chardonnay and Pinot Noir. Becoming the best takes time, and when the winery celebrated its 40th anniversary in 2019, the status of its original name, La Crema Viñera, meaning “Best of the Vine,” was solidified.

When selecting wines to share with friends and family this season, only the best will do. It’s important to choose grape varietals that are versatile and will pair with an assortment of dishes, and two of the most-loved wines that exhibit these qualities are Chardonnay and Pinot Noir. 

Specializing in cool-climate Chardonnay and Pinot Noir, La Crema sources fruit from premier appellations stretching from Santa Barbara to the Willamette Valley. Head Winemaker Craig McAllister crafts these wines to capture the unique personality and profile of each vineyard, combining traditional Burgundian winemaking techniques with a contemporary California style.

These balanced, approachable wines offer distinctive expressions of both varietals that instantly elevate any experience.

La Crema wines are made to pair with any occasion and the holidays are no exception. For your next gathering, assemble a couple of easy, yet impressive, wine and cheese pairings to serve your guests. La Crema Chef and Cheese Specialist, Tracey Shepos Cenami, recommends the following, which can all be found in your local grocery store.

Pair the vibrant La Crema Sonoma Coast Chardonnay with a rich creamy cheese, like Mt Tam. “Mt Tam has a luscious mouthfeel that complements the slight acidity and earthiness of the wine," Tracey says. Try this pairing with Marcona almonds to add texture to the pairing or a savory shortbread cookie. Match La Crema Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir with a slightly drier cheese, like Vella Dry Jack, which is rubbed in cocoa powder and has a nutty, earthy flavor and excellent balance of salt. Tracey says, “This cheese has just the right amount of structure to match the Pinot Noir without overpowering the wine.” And if you prefer slightly stronger cheeses, Comte is a great pairing alternative. “It’s a Gruyere-style cheese with subtle mustard undertones and a great nutty flavor and highlights the fruit character without overwhelming the wine.” 

About La Crema | Beloved artisan winery La Crema was founded in 1979 as La Crema Viñera, meaning “Best of the Vine.” For 40 years, the family-owned and operated winery has focused exclusively on cool-climate coastal appellations, where ocean winds and fog allow grapes to ripen slowly on the vine. Winemaker Craig McAllister continues to use boutique, time-intensive techniques to produce distinctively balanced and elegant wines. La Crema combines consistent high quality and elegant flavor with a modern, cosmopolitan personality. For more information, visit www.LaCrema.com.

La Crema Winery

Region: California

3575 Slusser Rd, Windsor, CA

WEBSITE