A Micro-Winery Love Story
A chance meeting in a wine bar led to one simple kiss. Five weeks later Dylan and I were engaged. We sold what little we owned and embarked on a wine making adventure around the world. After making wine in New Zealand and France we returned home to California in late 2002.
While living in an abandoned winery on a blow up mattress, we scoured the wine regions of California for vineyards of integrity. With purple feet, a borrowed basket press and a passion for the ancient art of winemaking, we created the first vintage of Sheldon Wines in 2003. Wanting to remain true to our vision we refused to partner with investors. We spent nights working in restaurants and days in the winery often pulling 90 hour work weeks. Our dreams began to take shape when Sheldon Wines started to draw national attention in the wine world.
We are a Micro-Winery crafting single vineyard designate wines of excellence. Our wines are sustainably farmed, hand harvested and basket pressed. Many small lots are hand bottled and hand labeled by Dylan and myself. We make limited productions of award winning Chardonnay, Viognier, Pinot Noir, Grenache, Graciano, Petite Sirah and Cabernet Sauvignon. A few special vineyards only yield enough for a single barrel (just 25 cases).
It is in the details that great wines are made. By remaining a two person micro-winery we are able to focus on the subtle nuance of each vine and barrel. Building the aromas and flavors in the vineyards, we then usher them from grape to glass. Ensuring that every wine has a sense of place, balance, integrity and a very distinctive yumminess. Yes, that's right, we said 'yummy', and you will too.
Its all about love and respect for the vines, for the craft and for each other. Its about not selling out, remaining true to ideals and following dreams. Its about life being an adventure and its about damn good wine being shared with friends and family late into the night. Alive, awake, free . . . most likely delusional!
Cheers | Tobe Sheldon | ‘Fearless Leader & Resident Wino’
