Meet Andre Crisp | Vintner & CEO

We had the good fortune of connecting with Andre Crisp and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Andre, can you walk us through the thought-process of starting your business?
The decision to start Legend Napa Valley (LNV) was deeply rooted in a combination of passion, heritage, and a desire to create something truly exceptional. Growing up surrounded by the vineyards of Napa Valley, wine became more than just a beverage—it was a symbol of tradition, craftsmanship, and family legacy.

My journey into the world of winemaking was influenced by both my personal background and professional experiences. Witnessing my wife, Dr. Allison Crisp, a Physician, a Medical Director, excel in her career as a medical director and leader in public health, instilled in me a profound sense of dedication and commitment to excellence. This, coupled with my own entrepreneurial spirit, led me to envision a venture that would celebrate our family’s legacy and push the boundaries of winemaking innovation.

With a keen understanding of the industry garnered through our ownership of Global Wine Brands, Inc. (GWB), I saw an opportunity to carve out a niche in the market by focusing on ultra-premium sparkling wines—a segment that I believed was ripe for innovation and elevation. Thus, “The House of Legend” at Legend Napa Valley was born, with a singular focus on crafting Champagne-style sparkling wines that would captivate the senses and stand as a testament to the unparalleled terroir of Napa Valley.

Moreover, the creation of St. Finely Estate (SFE) within GWB served as a poignant tribute to my late grandfather, Earl “Finley” Crisp, whose values of integrity, craftsmanship, and humility continue to inspire me to this day. The house depicted on the St. Finely Estate label is not just a symbol—it’s a representation of the enduring legacy of our family, rooted in the very soil of Northern California that my grandfather cultivated nearly 100 years ago.

In essence, the decision to embark on this journey was driven by a deep-seated passion for winemaking, a commitment to quality and innovation, and a desire to honor the rich heritage of my family. Legend Napa Valley is more than just a business—it’s a labor of love, a celebration of tradition, and a testament to the enduring spirit of entrepreneurship that defines us.

What should our readers know about your business?
Legend Napa Valley (LNV) is not just a winery; it’s a culmination of passion, innovation, and a deep-rooted commitment to crafting exceptional sparkling wines that push the boundaries of tradition. What sets us apart is our unwavering dedication to quality, our unique approach to winemaking, and our rich family heritage that infuses every bottle with a sense of legacy and authenticity.

At LNV, we pride ourselves on producing ultra-premium sparkling wines in the Champagne style, leveraging the unparalleled terroir of Napa Valley to create truly distinctive expressions. Our meticulous attention to detail—from vineyard management to production techniques—ensures that each bottle embodies the essence of our vineyards, capturing the essence of the region in every sip.

One aspect of our business that I am particularly proud of is our commitment to sustainability and environmental stewardship. We recognize the importance of preserving the land for future generations, and as such, we have implemented sustainable farming practices and eco-friendly initiatives throughout our operations.

Our journey to where we are today has been anything but easy. Building a successful business in the competitive wine industry requires perseverance, resilience, and a willingness to adapt to ever-changing market dynamics. We’ve faced numerous challenges along the way, from navigating regulatory hurdles to overcoming logistical obstacles, but each setback has only strengthened our resolve and fueled our determination to succeed.

One of the most valuable lessons we’ve learned is the importance of staying true to our vision and core values, even in the face of adversity. By maintaining a steadfast focus on quality, innovation, and integrity, we’ve been able to carve out a unique niche in the market and establish ourselves as a trusted name in the world of sparkling wines.

Ultimately, what I want the world to know about LNV is that we’re more than just a brand—we’re a story, a legacy, and a testament to the power of passion and perseverance. With each bottle we produce, we’re not just crafting wine; we’re sharing a piece of our family history and inviting others to join us on a journey of discovery and delight.

Our hope is that through our wines, we can inspire others to appreciate the beauty of Napa Valley, to savor the moments that matter most, and to raise a glass to the extraordinary possibilities that lie ahead.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
Day 1:

Welcome at The House of Legend.

Then lunch at La Strada in Napa Valley

Then checkin at The Meritage Resort

Day 2:

Tasting 1: Peju

Lunch: Bistro Don Giovanni

Tasting 2: Grgich Hills

Tasting 3: Silverado

Day 3:

Tasting 1: Long Meadow Ranch

Lunch: Farmstead

Tasting 2: Elhers Estate

Tasting 3: Constant Diamond Mountain

Day 4:

Tasting 1: Davis Estate

Lunch: Press

Tasting 2: Pine Ridge

Tasting 3: Jarvis Estate

Day 5:

Tasting 1: Domaine Carneros

Lunch: Auberge Stanly Ranch

Tasting 2: Baldacci

Tasting 3: Artesa

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
My wife Dr. Allison Crisp. My cousin, Sarah Curren, JD. My personal Pastor, Adam Bernal, my late father.

Website: www.legendnapa.com

Other: Andre Crisp: 707-225-4303