Skip to content

From the time Starmont first appeared on a label in 1989, the name has been recognized for classically styled varietal wines that are expressive and approachable. Now, over 30 years later, led by the Schlatter Family and Winemaker Jeff Crawford, Starmont is producing some of their best wines ever.

Jeff Crawford

Born in Alaska and raised in Minnesota, Starmont Winemaker Jeff Crawford headed to Hawaii after high school to escape the cold. Fully thawed in 1997, he moved back to the mainland to earn his B.A. in Economics with a Minor in Philosophy from UC Davis.

 It was during his time at UC Davis that Jeff developed a passion for wine. His burgeoning enthusiasm inspired him to take a job as a harvest intern at Gallo after graduation. In 2007, Jeff headed to Napa and joined the Starmont cellar crew. He was quickly promoted to Cellar Master, then in 2010, Jeff became Starmont’s Assistant Winemaker and in 2014 he was elevated to Winemaker.

 Jeff’s vinous perspective has been shaped by his journeys to less-traveled winegrowing locales around the globe including Oregon, Germany and Greece. “I’m constantly trying to expand my wine horizons through travel, reading, education, conversation and tasting. Every so often I actually drink some wine too. I just received my Level 3 WSET Certificate and will continue to take classes and attend seminars in order to sharpen my knowledge and hone my craft.”

 With Jeff’s input, Starmont has implemented new protocols to further ensure that the wines are of the highest quality and true to their origins. “Our wines are classically balanced and subtle. Structure and evenhandedness are the rule rather than the exception. And, although we are focused on Chardonnay and Cabernet Sauvignon, we also produce some pretty impressive Sauvignon Blanc and Pinot Noir” says Jeff.

 When not roaming Starmont’s vineyards, Jeff enjoys traveling, beer brewing, coffee roasting and wine tasting. He lives in Napa with his wife who is also a winemaker.

winemaking

Winemaker, Jeff Crawford, is on a continued quest to deliver classically styled varietal wines that are expressive of their terroir. Starmont has a continued focus of old-world winemaking techniques for each wine.

As weather conditions continue to shift and change over time, winemaker, Jeff Crawford has made a concerted effort to expand sourcing to some of the top cool climate AVAs across California in order to deliver classically styled varietal wines that are expressive of their terroir as well as approachable in price. Our wines are sourced from well-known sites residing in Mendocino, Monterey, Sonoma and Napa counties.