About
Carol Shelton, known as the Queen of Zinfandel, has been mastering Zinfandel winemaking since 1978, specializing in single-vineyard expressions from old, often organic vines across California regions like Dry Creek Valley, Rockpile, Russian River Valley, Mendocino, and Cucamonga Valley. Partnered with husband Mitch Mackenzie, she crafts wines with whimsical names like Wild Thing, Karma Zin, Monga Zin, and Rocky Reserve, emphasizing terroir and innovative techniques such as wild yeast fermentation. Her portfolio includes a family of Wild Thing wines: Old Vine Zinfandel, Chardonnay, Rendezvous Rosé, and late-harvest Black Magic.
Queen of Zinfandel
Single vineyard old vine Zinfandel
Wild yeast fermented wines
Whimsical wine names
Organic vineyard sources
Photos
What They Make
Wild Thing Old Vine Zinfandel
Wildly fermented with wild yeasts from organically grown grapes
Wild Thing Chardonnay
Part of the Wild Thing family, screw cap
Wild Thing Rendezvous Rosé
Part of the Wild Thing family, screw cap
Wild Thing Black Magic
Late harvest Zinfandel, screw cap
Karma Zin
Represents grower-winemaker relationship
Monga Zin
From Cucamonga Valley
Rocky Reserve
Reserve Zin from Rockpile
Awards
Double Gold, San Francisco Chronicle Wine Competition 2022 for Wild Thing Zinfandel
2022
Gold Medal, Sonoma County Harvest Fair 2021 for Karma Zin
2021
Upcoming Events
Pacific Wine and Food Classic 2023
2023
Event listing
Del Mar Wine + Food Festival 2023
2023
Event listing
Winesong 2023
2023
Event listing
Latest News
Expansion of Wild Thing family including Chardonnay, Rosé, and Black Magic late harvest Zinfandel