Other
Craig McAllister
Winemaker
- Discipline
- Other
i. Biography
Craig McAllister’s work at La Crema in Windsor, California is built around Cool-climate Chardonnay and Pinot Noir, with the emphasis kept on vineyard sources, cellar decisions, and timing. In a category often padded with noise, his approach reads as controlled and practical: attention first, intervention second. At La Crema, that restraint is part of the house style.
The Climb
Lincoln University provided the base that led Craig McAllister into cellar work and, over time, into greater responsibility at La Crema. He joined the winery as a Harvest Enologist in 2007, a position close to the pressure of vintage, when fruit comes in and decisions have to be made quickly and cleanly. The progression from there was incremental rather than theatrical, with experience and trust accumulating across seasons. By 2017, he had moved into the role of Head Winemaker at La Crema, taking charge of the wines that carry the winery’s style.
Today
At La Crema, the work is framed around source and process. “The key to our longstanding commitment to quality is our vineyard sources and the sustainable practices we implement that result in wines made with care and intention.” That is the logic behind the program: origins matter, and so does the way the fruit is handled. He adds, “Here at La Crema, I like to say we’re cool-climate specialists.” The shorthand is accurate for a cellar program built to track freshness, precision, and the differences that site and season introduce. That same discipline carries into the cellar. “Our technique is rooted in the philosophy that gentle handling is best.” The line points to a method that preserves what the vineyard gives rather than forcing it into a set shape. Even oak is treated with restraint: “For example, we aim for restraint in our oak and really let the fruit shine.” The result is a style that favors clarity and fruit expression over added weight.
In Their Words “The key to our longstanding commitment to quality is our vineyard sources and the sustainable practices we implement that result in wines made with care and intention.” “For example, we aim for restraint in our oak and really let the fruit shine.”
Recognition
Craig McAllister’s standing comes through the role he holds at La Crema and the winery’s focus on Cool-climate Chardonnay and Pinot Noir. The recognition here is technical rather than ornamental: a sustained record of keeping the work tied to vineyard sources, sustainable practice, and measured cellar work. The measure of it is consistency, with each season reinforcing the same commitment to precision, balance, and care.
Profile updated July 2026
FAQ
Asked of Craig
What is Craig McAllister's current role?
As of 2026, Craig McAllister is Head Winemaker.
Where did Craig McAllister train or study?
Craig McAllister trained at Lincoln University.
What is Craig McAllister known for?
Cool-climate Chardonnay and Pinot Noir.
