5 Questions with La Crema Head Winemaker Craig McAllister
May 15, 2017
While winemaking in New Zealand goes all the way back to colonial times, the local industry really didn’t take off until a few decades ago, a renaissance that timed out perfectly for a young Craig McAllister.
The New Zealand native discovered wine because it paired so well with his other passion – cooking. He studied viticulture at Lincoln University, and began his winemaking career in the cool climate vineyards of New Zealand. That experience serves him quite well at his current post as the Head Winemaker of La Crema, where he nurtures award-winning wines stemming from the cool climates of the Willamette Valley.
We were delighted to spend some time with McAllister to learn more about his history with La Crema, as well as a variety of other topics.
Walk us through your various roles with La Crema.
I started at La Crema as the Night Harvest Lead in 2007. That year when I started, I actually met my wife who was also working at La Crema, and we married a year later. Then in 2009, I was one of La Crema’s Oenologists where I was tasting the wine – I was in that role for about a year. Then, I was promoted to Assistant Winemaker about a year after, then Associate Winemaker, and finally, Head Winemaker this past December. It’s been quite a run.
10 years, that’s great. So what is one moment you really look back on fondly?
I think we’ve got a lot to be proud of. Being consistent with quality every year is a challenge in and of itself. Being able to achieve that is pretty cool. I’m particularly proud of our Monteray series that we’ve brought to the market. We started that series in 2007 with the Chardonnay and Pinot Noir. Then in 2012 we added Pinot Gris, and finally adding the Pinot Noir Rosé this year.
Why is the Willamette Valley wine region trending?
Portland being close by is big. That place is pretty hip. There is a mindset that runs from Portland down in to the Willamette Valley and it’s reflected in the wines. Willamette wines are different. It’s key, and consumers have taken notice.
You’re well-travelled. What is one of your favorite international wine regions?
Winemakers – we all kind of look to the birth lands, if you will. So Burgundy, for sure. For me, personally, I think back to New Zealand. In addition to New Zealand being beautiful, New Zealand wines have recently experienced some great successes. The wines coming out of there are stunning.
Why do you love wine?
I’ll answer this the way many winemakers answer this – because it gets you drunk. I’m kidding. Seriously, I love it because it brings people together. It’s the tie that binds. The best wines are the wines you get to share with friends and family over a great meal.
Photo courtesy of lacrema.com