Meet Our Team

While the grapes are the building blocks of every bottle of Shelton Vineyards wine, our people are the mortar that holds us together. The expertise and experience of our production team are reflected in each of our wines

CHARLIE & ED SHELTON

Charles M. Shelton was a native of Mt. Airy, N.C., and lived in Dobson with his wife, Sandy. They have two children, Mandy Shelton Houser (Mrs. Todd Houser) of Charlotte and Charles M. Shelton, Jr. (Chip) of Charlotte. Charlie Shelton attended Surry County Schools and was a graduate of Franklin High School class of 1953.

Ed Shelton, a native of Mount Airy, N.C., resides in Dobson with his wife, Dotti. They have three children, Jennifer Egues (Mrs. Michael Egues) of Charlotte, Lydia Surles (Mrs. Mark Surles), of Charlotte, and Winni Shelton of Atlanta, GA. Ed Shelton attended Surry County Schools and graduated from Mount Airy High School in 1958. He also attended Lees-McRae College in Banner Elk.

Charlie and Ed worked together in construction and real estate development for the majority of their working careers. The last company they founded was Shelco, Inc., a general construction company which they sold to a group of employees in 2004. They also fonded The Shelton Companies, a private investment firm based in Charlotte. Other companies founded by the Sheltons include Fortis Homes, King Sash & Door Company, and Carolinas’ Distribution Services.

Charlie and Ed were also responsible for petitioning the federal government for American Viticultural Area recognition for North Carolina’s first AVA, The Yadkin Valley, approved in 2003. Through their hard work and dedication to their state and community, they helped put North Carolina back on the map as one of the top wine-producing states in the nation.

ETHAN BROWN

WINEMAKER

Ethan has spent his entire life in the Yadkin Valley wine industry, getting his start when he was young in his family’s winery and tasting room. He later became their official winemaker when he was 19 years old and has been making wine in North Carolina ever since. Ethan holds an associate’s degree in viticulture and enology from Surry Community College and a bachelor’s degree in chemistry/fermentation science from Appalachian State University. In addition to his passion for enology, Ethan enjoys brewing science and was once a commercial head brewer.

JENNIE HESS

Director of Hospitality

Jennie is a North Carolina native with deep-rooted memories of her grandparent’s farm. After years in publishing and pharmaceutical sales, she found her true calling in the wine industry. Jennie’s dedication and commitment to design, customer service and hospitality have been at the core of her professional life and always played an integral role. She describes herself as a “hospitalarian.” She enjoys practicing the art of hospitality every day with great reward. Her greatest joy comes from the opportunity to connect people each day. These connections have given her the opportunity of a successful tenure as co-owner of Perfect Pair Events, then playing an integral role in launching Foothill Brewing’s event space, Footnote and luxury brand winery, Dynamis Estate Wines. Jennie recently joined the team at Shelton Vineyards as Director of Hospitality, sharing her passion for wine and her desire to make people feel welcome. 

MIGUEL SANCHEZ

VINEYARD FOREMAN

Miguel and his staff of vineyard workers are responsible for the planting, maintenance, and upkeep of our vineyard and winery grounds. Miguel, originally from Mexico, is now a naturalized citizen of the U.S. He started his career in agriculture with the Monroe Tree Farm in Monroe, Oregon, in the early 1990’s growing and pruning Christmas Trees. In 1994, he joined the vineyard crew at Benton Lane Vineyards also in Monroe and, in short order, became a key component of their vineyard staff. Joining Shelton Vineyards in 1998, he is one of our first employees and has been involved with each and every phase of vineyard development.

MARK THROWER

EXECUTIVE CHEF – HARVEST GRILL

Originally from a small town in southwest Ohio, Chef Mark Thrower was raised in Winston-Salem. His parents and extended family are all from the sandhills, in the heart of North Carolina. Mark holds childhood memories in NC with his grandparents shelling lima beans, cleaning catfish, and chewing on clover honeycomb dear to his soul.

While pursuing his undergraduate degree in Charlotte, Mark developed a keen interest in cooking. This led to his enrollment in the newly established Culinary Arts program at CPCC. Shortly thereafter, he was hired as a cook at Morels Restaurant in Charlotte, which led to a five year learning experience in their fine dining Banner Elk location. The mentorship he gained from the James Beard nominee chef at Morels was invaluable, and to this day, Mark continues to, in his own words: “Cook from my heart!”

Mark and his wife Katherine moved to Westfield nearly a year ago, and enjoy the country farm lifestyle. After spending more than a decade as the executive sous chef at a country club visible from the vineyards, Mark grew up very fond of the Foothills, and now absolutely loves living here. Mark is thrilled to be a part of the Shelton Vineyards & Harvest Grill family, and cannot wait to host you for an exceptional dining experience during your next visit to our estate!

OUR RETAIL STAFF

Our friendly and knowledgeable retail staff eagerly awaits your arrival. They will guide you through our wine-making process offering tours and tastings daily. The staff consists of local retired school teachers and business professionals, many of whom have been with us since opening. We welcome you to come and enjoy!! At your next visit, please let us know how we may enhance your experience

OUR WAIT STAFF

One of the things that makes the Harvest Grill so great is the wait staff. Always prompt and ready to serve you one of Harvest Grill’s delicious dishes with a smile. You can ensure that this knowledgeable staff will provide a superior dining experience.