Producer Profile

Cruse Wines

Cruse Wine Co. is Michael's platform for crafting fruit-driven, balanced, and distinctly Californian wines that showcase the North Coast's terroir. Focusing on Napa Valley and Sonoma County, Michael wanted to create wines that were enjoyable yet seriously balanced, steering clear of the typical Pinot Noir or Cabernet. Instead, he drew inspiration from varieties like Valdiguie, Tannat, Carignan, and St Laurent.

The flagship wine, Monkey Jacket, named after an old British sailor song, embodies Cruse Wine Co.'s ethos. A blend of Valdiguie, Carignan, Tannat, St Laurent, and mixed field blend reds, Monkey Jacket offers incredible drinkability with bright fruitiness and ample structure.

cruse wines winemaker

Where The Wines Come From

California

In California, the natural wine movement is thriving, with a diverse array of producers championing organic and biodynamic farming practices and minimal intervention winemaking techniques. From the rolling hills of Sonoma and Napa to the rugged coastline of Mendocino and Santa Barbara, California's winemakers are forging a new path, prioritizing sustainability, terroir expression, and authenticity. These vintners eschew additives and rely on native yeasts for fermentation, resulting in wines that are vibrant, expressive, and true to their origins. With a focus on indigenous grape varieties and a deep respect for the land, California's natural winemakers are reshaping the state's wine industry, offering consumers a taste of the Golden State's diverse terroir and innovative spirit.