Winemaker

Winemaker and Owner - Karen Sherman

After graduating from Cal State University, Fullerton with a Biology degree, Karen pursued a career in the medical field. Karen retired from her 35 year medical career to pursue her passionate interest in winemaking.

Karen planted her vineyard in 2006 and started making wine as an amateur winemaker with purchased grapes. The first wine produced from the vineyards was in 2009.   In 2010 Coyote Oaks Vineyards became a bonded winery.

Awards as Commercial Winemaker:

2019 Toast of the Coast Wine Competition:
2015 Barbera Dessert Wine, Double Gold (Best Dessert, Best San Diego County)
2016 Tempranillo, Silver
2016 Cabernet Franc (Happy Tails), Silver

2019 San Francisco Chronicle Wine Competition
2016 Tempranillo, Silver
2016 Cabernet Franc (Happy Tails), Silver
2016 Cabernet Franc (Night Watch), Bronze

2018 Orange County Wine Society Competition: 
2015 Sangiovese, Gold
2015 Tempranillo, Silver
NV Paws on Fire, Silver
2015 Red Wine, Devil Dog, Bronze
NV Fortified, Red Wine, Scoundrel, Bronze

2018 Toast of the Coast Wine Competition:
NV Red Wine, Doggone It, Double Gold 
2015 Red Wine, Savage Hunt, Gold
2015 Tempranillo, Silver

2018 San Francisco Chronicle Wine Competition:
2015 Tempranillo, Bronze
NV, Red Wine, Wild Thing, Bronze

2017 San Francisco Chronicle Wine Competition:
2013 Furry Friend, Gold Medal
2014 Two Vineyards, Silver Medal
2014 Carnivore, Silver Medal
Predator (NV), Silver Medal

2016 Toast of the Coast Wine Competiton:
2014 Montepulciano, Double Gold, Best of San Diego County and Best Montepulciano
2013 Furry Lips (blended red Italian) Silver Medal
2013 Dancing Dog (blended red) Silver Medal
2013 Party Pack (blended red) Silver Medal

2015 Toast of the Coast Wine Competition:
2011 Estate Cabernet Franc, Silver Medal, Best Cabernet Franc
2010 Twisted Tail, Silver Medal
2012 Smoochy Poochy, Late Harvest, Bronze Medal
2011 Cabernet Sauvignon, Bronze Medal

2015 San Francisco Chronicle Wine Competition:
2010 Twisted Tail  Silver Medal
2011 Mongrel Magic  Bronze Medal

2015 Orange County Wine Society, Commercial Wine Competition:
2011 Cabernet Sauvignon, Silver Medal
2010 Twisted Tail, Silver Medal
2010 Nocturnal Madness, Silver Medal
2011 Mongrel Magic, Silver Medal
2010 Syrah, Silver Medal
2011 Estate Cabernet Franc, Bronze Medal
2012 Smoochy Poochy, Late Harvest, Bronze Medal

2014 Toast of the Coast:
2010 Syrah Gold, Best of San Diego County and Best Syrah
2010 Pinotage, Gold, Best Pinotage
The Beggar, Silver
2009 Bow-Wow-Zah!!!  Silver
2011 Estate Cabernet Franc Bronze
2012 Late Harvest Cabernet Sauvignon, Bronze