North Bay Woman

F A L L 2 0 1 5 | NORTH BAY WOMAN 55 omen prefer white wines, men prefer reds." This may sound like a truism, but it's actually a misconception. In a 2014 survey conducted by Sonoma State University's Wine Business Institute, the majority of both men and women named red varietals as their favorite wines. The North Bay's female winemakers are no different. When it comes to the wines they produce, there is no gender-color divide. In fact, women are behind many of the region's most acclaimed red wines. Ever heard of Joseph Phelps Vineyards' iconic "Insignia" Cabernet Sauvignon blend? It's made by a woman named Ashley Hepworth. Ask any wine lover who makes California's best Pinot Noir wines, and they're likely to answer: Merry Edwards. Who makes some of the top Zinfandels? That would be Carol Shelton, of Carol Shelton Wines. We caught up with these remarkable winemakers during the 2015 harvest, to find out more about their red-wine obsessions. Merry Edwards: The Pinot Queen When Merry Edwards became the winemaker at Mount Eden Vineyards in 1974, the cellar was considered men's territory. "Being the only woman in the room at confer- ences and other industry events was an odd feeling," she said. "My question was, 'Where are all the women?' One of the most surprising reactions was to find women owners who did not want a young woman winemaker – even a married one! – working side by side with their husbands." Edwards persevered, and went on to become the founding winemaker at Matanzas Creek Winery in 1977, where she stayed for seven years. After consulting for several wineries in Oregon and California, she founded Merry Edwards Winery in 1997. The winery focuses on Pinot Noir from the Russian River Valley and Sonoma By Tina Caputo Red Seeing Women wi nemakers focus on bol d, beauti ful vari etal s "W Top left: Breathtaking view of Carol Shelton Wines vineyards in Florence vineyard by Rockpile, photo provided by Carol Shelton Wines. Bottom left: Merry Edwards inspecting her vineyards in Sebastopol. Photo provided by Merry Edwards Winery. Bottom right: Carol Shelton with Jack Florence, owner of the vineyard. Photo provided by Carol Shelton Wines. Above: Joseph Phelps Vineyard in St. Helena. Photo provided by Joseph Phelps Vineyard. >>

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