In 1984, Spain’s Ferrer family, owners of Cava house Freixenet, hired her to head up their new California sparkling wine operation, Gloria Ferrer. While in charge of production, she also oversaw construction of the winery.
Three years later, Champagne Taittinger president Claude Taittinger hired Crane to develop the family’s new California project, Domaine Carneros. (Taittinger owns Domaine Carneros in partnership with Kobrand.) As head winemaker, she worked to establish the house style, which featured a delicate balance between Champagne and California.
As at Gloria Ferrer, she wore multiple hats, overseeing construction of the winery and hospitality facility. Designed to look like a French château, the building majestically overlooks Carneros Highway in Napa.
“When the Taittinger family embarked on creating Domaine Carneros, we knew that such an undertaking required a singular individual, someone capable of bringing together two cultures, two traditions and a shared pursuit of excellence. Eileen was that person,” said Champagne Taittinger president Vitalie Taittinger in a statement. “At a time when few women held leadership positions in the wine world, Eileen opened a path. She forged her own way with determination, conviction and an unwavering commitment to excellence.”
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.”
Crane retired as Domaine Carneros’s CEO in 2020, after 42 years in wine.
“I will forever remain grateful to Eileen, not only for the path she forged for women in the industry in general, but for her endorsement of me as her successor at Domaine Carneros,” said Remi Cohen, CEO. “Eileen and her leadership encompassed all the values that resonate with me, from excellence in wine and hospitality, estate winegrowing, sustainability, equity, and inclusion. Honoring her legacy at Domaine Carneros is the most meaningful privilege of my career.”
Crane’s career arc was genuinely rare, noted Joy Sterling, CEO of Iron Horse Vineyards, “She built two landmark sparkling houses from the ground up. And I always loved her idea of elegance: Audrey Hepburn in a little black dress, classic, balanced, nothing extraneous. I am lucky to have shared her era.”
She is survived by her husband, Gregory Groth.