Our original name, La Crema Viñera, means “best of the vine,” setting the standard for all we do since 1979. For more than 40 years, our family-owned and operated winery has focused exclusively on cool-climate appellations, from our original home in the Russian River Valley, to Monterey and now the Willamette Valley. We’re continually exploring these very special regions—passionate in our belief that they make uniquely expressive and elegant wines. We select vineyards that fall within cool mesoclimates and possess well-drained soils, which naturally restricts yields and produces distinctive, balanced wines. Our grapes ripen slowly and see long hang time, allowing complex flavors and aromas and firm acid structure to develop. Our vineyard site selection and boutique winemaking techniques ensure the consistently distinct, naturally balance wines we are committed to producing. In the summer of 2016, La Crema settled into a new home, nestled within the storied Saralee’s Vineyard in the heart of the Russian River Valley. Here, we’ve created a premier destination for unparalleled wine education and culinary explorations. Planted in 1988 by Saralee Kunde and her husband Richard, Saralee’s Vineyard was carefully tended by the couple and has a reputation for producing some of the finest grapes in California. The cool climate, varied terrain and diverse soils provide an ideal environment for a wide range of varietals, particularly Chardonnay and Pinot Noir. Built in the late 1800s, an historic building sits atop a knoll on the sprawling property, overlooking rolling vineyards. Originally a barn, the Kunde’s transformed the building into their family home, and now the story continues as the striking structure begins its third phase as a tasting room and winery destination for La Crema. Revered by the community for her agricultural advocacy and contributions to local organizations, including strong support of Sonoma’s 4-H Center and Future Farmers of America, Saralee Kunde built a legacy that we are honored to carry on.