Meet Our Team

As Co-Presidents of Shelton Vineyards, Mandy Shelton Houser and Chip Shelton are leading the second generation of family ownership with a focus on innovation, hospitality, and long-term growth. Building on the foundation laid by their father and uncle, they bring a modern perspective to one of North Carolina’s most established estate wineries, expanding its reach while staying rooted in the values that have defined the Shelton name from the beginning.

Their leadership continues to strengthen the vineyard’s role in the region, from supporting local tourism and industry partnerships to advancing education through their support of the Shelton-Badgett North Carolina Center for Viticulture and Enology at Surry Community College. Mandy serves on the North Carolina Wine and Grape Council, and Chip focuses on expanding Shelton Vineyards’ presence through sales channels in markets outside North Carolina, further reinforcing their commitment to sharing North Carolina wine with a broader audience. As Shelton Vineyards evolves, they remain dedicated to honoring the Shelton legacy while creating a dynamic experience for the next generation of wine lovers.

Robbie has worked with the Shelton family for over 25 years, playing a key role as the vineyard transitioned to its second generation. With a background in business management across multiple industries, he brings versatile expertise to the day-to-day operations of the vineyard.

Martha was born and raised in Mount Airy, North Carolina, where she grew up on her family farm. At a young age, she found her passion in fine dining experiences in Winston-Salem. This led to her continuing her fine dining career in the beautiful mountains of Cashiers, North Carolina, as a team member of a country club. In her role as Director of Operations she continues to ensure a high level of customer service alongside her exceptional staff.

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.

Miguel and his staff of vineyard workers are responsible for planting, maintaining, and upkeeping our vineyard and winery grounds. He began his career in agriculture at the Monroe Tree Farm in Monroe, Oregon, in the early 1990s, where he grew and pruned 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 in every phase of vineyard development.

As Outside Sales Manager, Micah leads our efforts in bringing our exceptional wines to both on- and off-premise accounts. With a strong background in relationship-building and market development, Micah is instrumental in expanding our reach into new and larger markets while staying rooted in the local wine community. He also plays an active role in organizing and supporting local wine events that connect people to our brand in meaningful ways.  

Micah lives with his wife and their two sons. When he’s not introducing clients to our latest vintages, he’s often on the road traveling for his boys’ hockey games, balancing life as a dedicated dad and passionate wine professional.  

Jennie is a North Carolina native with deep-rooted memories of her grandparents’ 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 have 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 with people each day. These connections have given her the chance 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, at Shelton Vineyards as Director of Hospitality, sharing her passion for wine and her desire to make people feel welcome.

Nate brings a diverse background in event production, hospitality, and the arts to his role at Shelton Vineyards. Prior to joining the team, he served as Operations Director for the RiverRun International Film Festival and spent nearly a decade as Technical Director at a/perture cinema in downtown Winston-Salem. From coordinating film premieres and private celebrations to curating community events, Nate is passionate about creating experiences that feel effortless, welcoming, and memorable.

When he’s not at the vineyard, you’ll likely find him spending time with friends and family, exploring offbeat films, or hanging out with his dog, Hunter, who’s rarely more than a few steps away.

With over 22 years in the Yadkin Valley wine industry, Tamara brings both experience and heart to her role as Wine Club Concierge. Her deep knowledge of the region and its wines makes her a trusted guide for our members. Outside of work, she enjoys spending time with her pets and keeping up with her college-aged son. Friendly, approachable, and always ready with a great recommendation, Tamara is dedicated to making every Wine Club experience exceptional.

Originally from Illinois, Jennilee brings over five years of hotel management experience and a passion for hospitality to her role at Shelton Vineyards. Known for leading with intention and energy, she’s focused on building high-performing teams and creating unforgettable guest experiences. Outside of work, Jennilee enjoys billiards, painting, and giving new life to vintage furniture—a creative outlet that once led to owning her own antique shop. She stays busy raising her children and caring for her father, all while bringing warmth and dedication to every guest’s stay.

With more than 17 years of experience in the restaurant industry, Benson brings a deep passion for food, wine, and hospitality to his role as Front of House Manager at The Harvest Grill. He started as a dishwasher and worked his way up, taking on roles as a cook, server, bartender, and now manager. Each step helped him build a well-rounded understanding of the guest experience. 

Benson grew up just five minutes from Shelton Vineyards and considers it a privilege to have one of North Carolina’s premier estate wineries in his backyard. As a longtime patron of The Harvest Grill, he gained a unique perspective on what makes the experience truly memorable. Today, he works to share that same warmth, quality, and connection with every guest who walks through the door. 

His deep ties to the community come to life in the atmosphere he creates. He welcomes familiar faces like old friends and helps new guests feel right at home. A true foodie and wine enthusiast, Benson takes pride in pairing outstanding service with unforgettable meals, making every visit one to remember. 

Chef Derek grew up in the mountains of New Hampshire, where his passion for cooking began with a well-worn copy of Anthony Bourdain’s Kitchen Confidential, gifted by his older brother, a former sous chef. That spark would become a lifelong pursuit of culinary excellence. Derek’s career began as an omelet chef at the Marriott in Portland, Maine. He soon landed his first sous chef position at a modern bistro in North Conway, NH, under the mentorship of Chef Tyler Schwarz. There, he honed his craft, developed discipline, and learned the importance of humility and focus; values that continue to guide his work today. 

 After four years at the bistro, Derek joined the acclaimed White Mountain Cider Company, further expanding his experience in fine dining. In 2021, he relocated to North Carolina with his fiancée, drawn by both love and a desire to explore new culinary landscapes. His journey led him to the Harvest Grill at Shelton Vineyards, where he quickly became an integral part of the team. Today, Derek leads a dedicated kitchen staff with passion and precision. His cooking style blends the refined, seasonal sensibilities of New England with a deep respect for Southern flavors, creating dishes that reflect both his roots and his new Appalachian home. 

Chef Doug began his culinary journey at the age of 15, starting work in a restaurant where he discovered his passion for the food service industry. Recognizing his potential, he pursued formal culinary education at Johnson & Wales University in Charlotte, where he honed his skills and developed a professional foundation in the culinary arts. 

Following his education, Doug gained valuable experience working at a country club in Florida, where he refined his abilities in upscale dining service. He then returned to the Charlotte area, where he spent the next decade building his expertise across various establishments throughout the city. Over his 10-year career in Charlotte’s restaurant scene, Doug developed a comprehensive understanding of the industry, working in diverse culinary environments that broadened his skills and deepened his knowledge of food service operations. 

Outside of his culinary career, Doug enjoys practicing archery, spending quality time with his dogs, and hunting. These outdoor pursuits provide him with a balance to his professional life in the kitchen. 

Shelton Vineyards began with a shared dream between brothers Charlie and Ed Shelton—North Carolina natives with deep roots in Mount Airy and a drive to shape the future of their community. With successful backgrounds in construction and real estate, they turned their entrepreneurial spirit toward wine, establishing one of the Southeast’s most iconic vineyards.

In 1999, they planted their first vines in the heart of the Yadkin Valley. Their leadership helped establish the region as North Carolina’s first federally recognized American Viticultural Area (AVA), bringing national recognition to the state’s winemaking potential.

Today, their legacy lives on through second-generation leaders Mandy Shelton Houser and Chip Shelton. With a renewed focus on hospitality, innovation, and family tradition, they continue to grow the vision their father and uncle started.

Savor the legacy. Embrace the future.