Eileen Crane, the trailblazing winemaker who established two of California’s leading sparkling wine houses, Gloria Ferrer and Domaine Carneros, died May 29. The cause of death was not disclosed. She was 77. Crane grew up in New Jersey, where her father worked in international finance. Thanks to her father’s extensive cellar, she was talking about and tasting wine early on. “I fell in love with sparkling wine as a kid,” Crane told Wine Spectator in 2020.
In 1987, Champagne Taittinger president Claude Taittinger hired Crane to develop the family’s new California project, Domaine Carneros. As head winemaker, she worked to establish the house style, which featured a delicate balance between Champagne and California. Her peers believe she helped shape the identity of California sparkling wine and earned it global respect. “Eileen was absolutely one of our stars, always focused on the highest level of quality at Domaine Carneros,” said Hugh Davies, co-owner of Schrasmberg. “Pick any vintage of Le Rêve, and the vibrant, delicious depth of the wine will stand testament to her steady commitment to the craft. Her leadership, and uncompromising effort, moved the needle for all of us.”
Excerpt Taken From: Wine Spectator
Author: Tim Fish
