A total asymmetric synthesis of rugulactone, a naturally occuring α-pyrone isolated from Cryptocarya rugulosa, is reported. The synthesis involved a cross-metathesis coupling reaction to construct the internal E-olefin group, a Still-Gennari olefination to construct the Z-configured α,β-unsaturated ester group, and a one-pot deprotection and intramolecular lactonization reaction. The stereochemistry at C5 was controlled by the use of a chiral pool.