It’s all about chemistry. Cambria Wines’ Denise Shurtleff was studying for a degree in dietetics and food administration with the intention of focusing on a career in nutrition when she decided to apply for an internship at a winery. She never looked back, and the chemistry of winemaking became her calling.
Denise Shurtleff
Denise spent 16 years working at Corbett Canyon Vineyards as Winemaker and Winery Manager before joining Cambria Estate Winery in 1999 as Assistant Winemaker. Today she’s Head Winemaker.
Located in Santa Barbara County, Cambria is part of Jackson Family Estates. Jess Jackson and his wife, Barbara Banke acquired what was then called Tepusquet Vineyard in 1987 and renamed it “Cambria,” the Roman word for “Wales,” a nod to the family’s heritage. Today, Barbara runs Cambria with her two daughters, Katie and Julia Jackson. The winery is located on the Santa Maria Bench located on eastern edge of the Santa Maria Valley AVA. This area is kissed by cool fog, ocean breezes and a long slow growing season for the estate grown grapes, most notably Pinot Noir and Chardonnay, as well as Pinot Gris and Syrah. Cambria has been certified sustainable since 2009.
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