One Amazing Woman and Her Wine

I liked Eileen Crane before I even tasted her wines. She makes sparkling wine at Domaine Carneros and honors other notable women by putting their names on the labels.
Pretty cool.
This is a female winemaker who has collaborated with Julia Child to create a sparkling wine to commemorate Child's 90th birthday. Crane also named a bottling after Greta Garbo, Ella Fitzgerald and even gave a shout out to Madame de Pompadour, who first championed Champagne in France during King Louis XV's reign.

And part of the proceeds from the above wine sales have gone to youth music programs and Clinic Ole, which provides affordable, accessible health care for underserved communities in Napa.

As if all that wasn't laudable enough, Domaine Carneros started farming partially organically in 2000. And in 2008 the Domaine Carneros estate vineyards became fully certified organic. Thus they became the first certified organic American sparkling wine producer.

"Farming organically has many advantages over conventional farming--especially when striving for long- term results. It keeps the land and environment healthier. It allows the winery to grow healthier, longer lived vines capable of producing higher quality grapes. Just walking in an organic environment feels good,
feels safe and more breathable."


Domaine Carneros Brut Cuvee 2005 $26 (widely available)
Aroma: Honeysuckle and toasted nuts. Flavors: Pear compote and lemon custard. A perfect match for slightly spicy asian foods or a cheese and fruit platter.
Varietal blend:64% pinot noir, 34% chardonnay and 2% pinot blanc.