Carol Shelton Winery Details

The setting for Carol Shelton Wines may not be what wine tasters envision when planning a visit to wine country. However, Zinfandel lovers stepping into the homey, unpretentious tasting room will find a dream come true. After tasting a half-dozen luscious, award-winning, single-vineyard designate Zinfandels, the locale -- an industrial section of Santa Rosa, California -- becomes immaterial. 

• Poetry: Shelton attended U.C. Davis intending to study poetry, then stumbled on her true calling when she first entered a wine cellar.

• Mentor: Under the tutelage of Dr. Ann Noble, author of the Aroma Wheel, Shelton studied enology and gained expertise in yeast strains and their effect on wine flavors.

• Winemaker: For nearly 20 years, Shelton worked as winemaker for Windsor Vineyards, developing a deep affinity for Zinfandel.

• Origins: In 2000, Shelton launched her own brand — Carol Shelton Wines — focusing on Zinfandel and drawing from the finest Zin appellations in California.

• Accolades: She has won many awards and titles over the years, including the “Golden Winery Award” at the California State Fair in 1996 and “Winemaker of the Year” from the S.F. Chronicle in 2005.