The People

Mindy Oliver, Owner

Mindy’s appreciation for art and love of Spanish grape varieties led her to specialize in Albariño, Tempranillo, and Grenache (Garnacha) from California’s Central Coast. Her respect for nature and intense pursuit of quality ensure that each bottle of Croma Vera’s premium handcrafted wine reflects the true colors of the vineyard where it was grown.

Mindy took enology classes at Cal Poly San Luis Obispo and made wine at a cooperative prior to Croma Vera. Mindy holds a Bachelor of Fine Art from the University of California, Santa Cruz. She previously worked as a commercial artist, graphic designer, and Chief Creative Officer, where she served on the management committee of a technology agency.

 

Jeremy Leffert, Winemaker

Jeremy brings his characteristic combination of science and insightful expertise to Croma Vera’s wines, and has been Croma Vera's winemaker since 2015.

After completing a degree in Environmental Studies from the University of Vermont, Jeremy moved to Santa Barbara, where he discovered wine and was drawn to the vineyards of the Central Coast. A meeting with Cal Poly San Luis Obispo professor Dr. Keith Patterson inspired Jeremy to enroll in the university’s Masters program in Crop Science with a focus in Viticulture.

Jeremy is also currently the director of Winemaking at Fortress. Previously, he was director of winemaking at Tooth & Nail Winery, winemaker at Hearst Ranch Winery, and director of winemaking at The Workshop.