Get ready for the “Queen of Zinfandel!”
Carol Shelton Wines, a total legend from Sonoma County, has been rocking the “Zen of Zin” since 1978, and she’s bringing her amazing collection to the Palm Springs Food & Wine Festival in November 2025. Carol and her husband Mitch Mackenzie have spent their careers celebrating Zinfandel, making it the go-to varietal for American wine lovers.
They’re all about those standout, single-vineyard Zins sourced from top spots in California like Dry Creek Valley, Rockpile, and Mendocino, often coming from super old, organically grown vines. The result? A killer lineup that showcases the unique character of each vineyard.
What really sets Carol Shelton Wines apart is the combo of skill and fun that goes into every bottle. Each wine has a playful name that tells its own story, reflecting Carol’s love for clever wordplay. Take her Wild Thing line, for example; it now includes Chardonnay, Rosé, and a late harvest Zin, all made using wild yeasts from organically grown grapes—talk about a wild ride! And there’s fan-faves like Karma Zin, which captures the awesome relationship between the grower and winemaker, plus Monga Zin, which is all about the “humongous” flavors from her Cucamonga Valley grapes.
This mix of award-winning quality and quirky branding means these wines are just as much fun to drink as they are to share. You won’t want to miss out on experiencing Carol Shelton’s incredible craftsmanship at the festival. Wine lovers will have a great chance to chat with the Zinfandel expert herself and sample her latest releases.
From the rich, savory notes of her single-vineyard wines to the laid-back vibes of the Wild Thing collection, stopping by the Carol Shelton booth is going to be a tasting experience that’s both top-notch and unforgettable. Also, they will be awarding to a lucky festival attendee a 2013 Wild Thing Zin Magnum signed by the winemaker!
Get ready to find your new favorite Zins!