Meet the Winemaker Who’s Crafting a New Chapter in Cool-Climate Wine
Ottavino Wines | Waitsmast Family Cellars | Ferrington & Purcell Vineyards, Anderson Valley
“A classically trained musician turned winemaker, Shalini Sekhar brings harmony and grace to Anderson Valley with her debut Ferrington Vineyard Chardonnay and Purcell Vineyard Pinot Noir.”
A Musician’s Precision, a Winemaker’s Heart
Before she ever stepped into a cellar, Shalini Sekhar trained as a classical flutist. Today, she brings the same sensitivity to balance, rhythm, and harmony to her wines. After studying Enology & Viticulture at California State University, Fresno, she built her reputation working with boutique producers across Northern California before founding her own label, Ottavino Wines, in 2020.
Her approach is defined by curiosity and care—each wine crafted with a musician’s ear for nuance and a scientist’s precision. She works quietly, intentionally, and always with the goal of letting the vineyard take the lead.
Anderson Valley Connection
In 2024, Shalini produced her inaugural Ottavino Anderson Valley wines: a Chardonnay from the historic Ferrington Vineyard, and a Pinot Noir from higher elevation Purcell Vineyard in Philo. These debut releases capture everything she loves about the region—coastal freshness, elegant structure, and a natural sense of restraint.
You can taste Shalini’s Ferrington Vineyard Chardonnay at the International White Wine Festival this February, where she’ll also be pouring her Grüner Veltliner, a lively expression of her adventurous white-wine craft. Her Pinot Noir will be poured at future Pinot Noir Festivals, held in June.
Through her work with Waits-Mast Family Cellars, Shalini has long championed Anderson Valley fruit from vineyards such as Roma’s, Filigreen, Wentzel, and Nash Mill, highlighting the valley’s unique blend of coastal influence and mountain calm.
Shalini’s Winemaking Philosophy
Shalini views winemaking as a conversation between art and science. She favors minimal intervention, gentle handling, and thoughtful cooperage to preserve vineyard character.
“You learn the rules,” she says, “and then you learn when to bend them.”
Her wines are quietly expressive—built on purity of fruit, lifted aromatics, and balance over power. In her hands, Anderson Valley’s cool climate becomes a canvas for subtlety and grace.
Recognition & Perspective
- Named a “Winemaker to Watch” by the San Francisco Chronicle
- Featured in The Vintner Project and Word of Mouth Mendo for her dedication to small, independent producers
- Celebrated for bringing fresh perspective and diversity to California winemaking
Why Anderson Valley Adores Shalini Sekhar
Shalini represents the spirit of Anderson Valley today—thoughtful, hands-on, and deeply connected to place. Her work celebrates community, craftsmanship, and the quiet beauty of this rural coastal region. With her 2024 Anderson Valley wines, she adds a new voice to the valley’s story—one defined by authenticity, curiosity, and the belief that great wine, like music, speaks for itself.
Growing up, the flute came first
Raised in New Jersey, winemaker and proprietor of Ottavino Wines, Shalini Sekhar trained as a classical flutist, eventually earning a Master’s degree in Flute and Piccolo Performance. A tasting room job in California redirected her path—and a genuine curiosity about grapes and fermentation took over.
A deliberate pivot into wine
After moving to California in 2005, she managed a tasting room, then pursued Enology & Viticulture at California State University, Fresno. She gained experience at renowned programs and custom-crush operations—including stints at William Selyem—building a deep foundation in cool-climate Pinot Noir.
Small-lot specialist & boutique sensibility
Shalini founded her own label Ottavino Wines in 2020, focusing on less-common varietals (such as Grüner Veltliner) and artisanal production. Meanwhile she has served as consulting or lead winemaker for small brands like Waits‑Mast Family Cellars, championing cool-climate fruit from regions including California’s North Coast.
FAQs
Who is Shalini Sekhar?
Shalini Sekhar is the founder and winemaker of Ottavino Wines, known for small-lot, minimal-intervention wines crafted with precision and artistry.
What wines does she make in Anderson Valley?
Her 2024 Anderson Valley vintage includes a Chardonnay from Ferrington Vineyard and a Pinot Noir from Purcell Vineyard, plus a Grüner Veltliner showcasing her passion for cool-climate whites.
Where can I taste Shalini Sekhar’s wines?
You can sample her Ferrington Vineyard Chardonnay and Grüner Veltliner at the International White Wine Festival in Anderson Valley this February.
What is her winemaking philosophy?
She believes in minimal intervention and balance—wines that honor the vineyard and express the land’s natural voice with clarity and grace.