Carol Shelton Will Close Santa Rosa Winery in Two Years
After decades in business, the winemaker plans to shutter her Santa Rosa operations by 2028.
Updated on Oct. 9, 2026 in Wine
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Carol Shelton announced she will close Carol Shelton Wines in two years as the industry faces shifting demand and rising costs. She intends to shift her focus toward travel, consulting, and painting after she concludes operations at her Santa Rosa business park facility.
Why it matters
The closure reflects a broader downturn in the wine industry, where producers are struggling with sluggish sales and a declining consumer preference for red wines. Increasing operational expenses and inventory surpluses have made maintaining the business model difficult.
Wild Thing Zinfandel comprises 70% of total production, while the winery currently holds 17,000 cases in inventory. Costs have surged, with imported glass rising 25% and wood pallets increasing to $18 per unit.
The players
Carol Shelton
She is a veteran winemaker who founded Carol Shelton Wines and served as a prominent producer in the region.
The details
Rising costs, including a 25% hike in imported glass prices and tripled pallet expenses, have squeezed the business, which stopped red wine production two years ago. The Sheltons are also managing a 4.8-acre property in Windsor that carries a $60,000 annual tax burden and faced project cost projections exceeding $30 million.
Timeline
Carol Shelton founded the winery in 2000.
The Sheltons purchased a 4.8-acre property in Windsor in 2018.
The wine industry downturn intensified throughout 2024.
Windsor implemented a moratorium on self-storage facilities in 2025.
Shelton plans to officially close the business in October 2028.
Culture Shift
The decision reflects a significant shift in wine consumer habits as demand moves away from heavy reds toward lighter varieties. This exit underscores the broader trend of consolidation occurring as traditional winemakers face unsustainable economic pressures.
Local customers can still visit the Santa Rosa tasting room under current lease terms until the final closure occurs. Patrons should monitor future inventory availability as the winery manages its remaining 17,000 cases of Zinfandel.
The takeaway
Smaller boutique wineries are increasingly vulnerable to global supply chain volatility and changing consumer preferences. Consumers looking to support local producers may find unique opportunities to acquire inventory as businesses scale back operations.
Further reading
Learn more about the local market in our Wine section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Santa Rosa Press Democrat.
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