Shalini Sekhar

Shalini Sekhar is a prominent consulting winemaker at Neely Wine, where she has been instrumental since 2015. She joined the winery during a pivotal time, bringing her extensive experience in crafting high-quality wines, particularly Pinot Noir. Shalini's journey into winemaking began after she relocated to California from New Jersey in 2005, following a Master's degree in Music Performance from New York University. Initially working in a tasting room, she quickly transitioned to winemaking, completing a post-baccalaureate enology program at California State University, Fresno.13

Her professional career includes significant roles at renowned wineries such as Stags Leap Wine Cellars and Williams Selyem, where she honed her skills in premium Pinot Noir production. She served as cellar master at Copain Custom Crush (now Punchdown Cellars), overseeing operations for multiple wineries. Additionally, Shalini was recognized as Winemaker of the Year at the San Francisco International Wine Competition in 2015 for her work with Furthermore wines and was named a "Winemaker to Watch" by the San Francisco Chronicle in 2019.245

In addition to her role at Neely Wine, Shalini is the proprietor and winemaker of Ottavino Wines, which focuses on lesser-known grape varieties and innovative winemaking techniques. Her consulting work extends to other wineries like Waits-Mast Family Cellars and Xander Soren Wines. As of August 2024, she has relocated her operations to Punchdown Cellars in Santa Rosa to support her growing consulting business.23

Shalini's background reflects a unique blend of artistry and science, making her a noteworthy figure in the California wine industry.