Michael Cruse founded Cruse Wine Co. in Petaluma, California as a space to explore the purity and vitality of California fruit through traditional methods. Trained in molecular biology at the University of California, Berkeley, he first entered the wine world through microbiology before transitioning to full-time winemaking. A curious and precise mind, Michael is known for his dedication to méthode traditionnelle sparkling wines and his expressive, textured still wines. His style balances innovation with humility and a deep respect for California’s diverse terroirs. Today, he is widely regarded as one of the most thoughtful voices in California’s new generation of winemakers.
I first discovered Michael Cruse’s wines during a trip to San Francisco. While browsing at Flatiron Wines and sharing that it was a special occasion, the team handed me a bottle of Cruse Wine Co. Tradition Rosé. A few days later, after getting engaged in Muir Woods, we opened it to celebrate.
The wine felt like a mirror of California itself: filled with light, energy, and quiet depth. It was one of those rare bottles that connect emotion, place, and craft in a single moment.
When I later tried to find Cruse’s wines in Europe, I realized how difficult it was. The only real way would have been to fly back to the United States or visit the winery in Petaluma. That moment became one of the sparks behind creating AmericanWine.club: to make exceptional, small-production American wines like Michael’s accessible to European wine lovers who appreciate authenticity and individuality.
