It is no mere coincidence that Eileen Crane, CEO and Winemaker of Domaine Carneros, is equally at home in the separate yet entwined worlds of wine and food. Eileen was raised with a keen appreciation for fine wine by her father, who first learned about wine as a soldier in France, and later as the head of the international department for Dean Witter, and of culinary arts by her mother, who taught home economics, ran a vocational school and later established USO camps throughout Europe during WWII. Eileen prepared for a culinary career prior to entering the wine industry. A master’s degree in nutrition, coupled with professional training at the prestigious Culinary Institute of America, form the foundation of her intimate understanding of the interplay of wine and food.

 

 

After two years of teaching nutrition at the University of Connecticut, Eileen turned a passion for wine into a profession, enrolling in the U.C. Davis Enology and Viticulture program. Upon completing her studies, she was hired by Domaine Chandon where she progressed to the position of Assistant Winemaker. Her next career move—more of a leap—involved a task that most lifelong industry veterans never undertake.

 

Hired in 1983 as winemaker and vice president of Gloria Ferrer Champagne Caves, she was entrusted with the dual responsibilities of overseeing the design and construction of the facility in addition to developing the line of sparkling wines. It turned out to be an experience that served her well. Selected personally in 1987 by Claude Taittinger for the position of managing Director and Winemaker of Domaine Carneros, Eileen oversaw the planning and development of the landmark chateau, vineyards and winemaking facility. In 2003, Eileen directed the planning and construction of Domaine Carneros’ second winemaking facility, dedicated exclusively to the production of Pinot Noir wines. She celebrates her twenty first harvest with Domaine Carneros in 2008.

 

With over 30 years of winemaking experience Eileen Crane is widely regarded as the doyenne of sparkling wine in America. She is one of a handful of women in the forefront of the wine industry in California. She is actively involved in numerous wine organizations, is a past President of the Carneros Wine Alliance and the California Classic Methods/Classic Varieties Society (CM/CV). She has also been an active board member in civic organizations such as Clinic Ole, providing affordable health care to the underserved in the community, and is currently Chair of Napa Valley Hospice & Adult Day Services.  

Please Contact for More Information

on Eileen Crane and Domaine Carneros:

Contact: Kimberly Charles

Charles Communications Associates

415.701.9463 or press@charlescomm.com