La Crema Honored as American Winery of the Year

La Crema Receives American Winery of the Year Honor from Wine Enthusiast Magazine

La Crema, a trailblazer in cool-climate winemaking for over 40 years, has been named American Winery of the Year by Wine Enthusiast Magazine at the 25th Annual Wine Star Awards. This prestigious accolade celebrates La Crema’s legacy of crafting wines that embody their unique terroir while fostering quality, innovation, and meaningful community connections.

The Wine Star Awards honor excellence across 11 categories, highlighting the individuals and organizations shaping the wine industry. Winners will be featured in the magazine’s Best of Year issue and celebrated at an awards gala in San Francisco on January 27, 2025.

“Reflecting on La Crema’s journey fills me with immense pride and gratitude,” said Jenny Jackson Hartford of Jackson Family Wines. “When my father, Jess Jackson, and Barbara Banke acquired La Crema in 1993, my husband Don Hartford, my sister Laura, her husband Rick, and I set out to create wines that captured the soul of cool-climate vineyards. This recognition is a testament to our unwavering commitment to quality, sustainability, and innovation—a vision inspired by my father and shared with our incredible team and loyal customers.”

A Year of Milestones

In 2024, La Crema celebrated several milestones:

• Partnership with the WNBA: As the league’s official wine partner, La Crema marked a record-breaking WNBA season with its wines featured at major events like WNBA Live and All-Star Weekend in Phoenix.
• Support for the LGBTQ+ Community: Continuing its partnership with Equality California, La Crema sponsored prominent PRIDE events and shared its welcoming spirit at its Tasting Room Experience.
• Debut of Sonoma County Cabernet Sauvignon: La Crema expanded its portfolio with this new offering while taking its tasting experiences to national events, including the Kentucky Derby and Head of the Charles Regatta.

These efforts allowed La Crema to engage with a broader audience, reaching four times as many wine lovers as its Russian River Valley tasting room.

Commitment to Sustainability

La Crema’s dedication to sustainability has been central to its success. From regenerative farming practices to solar energy and water conservation, the winery offsets 70% of its electricity needs through innovative solutions like rainwater capture systems and 3,000 solar panels. Collaborating with UC Davis and the California Department of Food & Agriculture, La Crema is advancing regenerative agriculture through USDA-backed research, aligning with the Jackson family’s goal to achieve climate-positive status by 2050.

About La Crema

Founded in 1979, La Crema’s original name, La Crema Viñera, translates to “best of the vine,” reflecting its enduring standard of excellence. Family-owned and operated, La Crema produces wines from premier growing regions, employing sustainable and quality-driven practices. Guided by a spirit of openness and community investment, La Crema strives to elevate lives and celebrate individuality.

For more information, visit www.lacrema.com or follow @LaCremaWines on social media.