About Us

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About Us

Basket Case Wines was started by Chenin and Sean Carlton in 2006. We've been doing the wine thing for a long time, and we've always felt the wine industry has done a lousy job of conveying a very simple truth: it's not about exclusivity, arrogance, elitism, or pomposity. Wine is about having fun. Though we can't make it any more simple than that, we can sure make it easier for you to enjoy than has previously been the case. We don't care what you drink, how you drink it, or whether or not you can put words to what you are tasting. DRINK WHAT YOU LIKE! That's all there is to it.

Chenin Carlton

Chenin Carlton started out in the world as Chenin Cilurzo. Her family planted a Chenin Blanc & Petite Syrah vineyard in Temecula, CA the year she was born. She grew up working in the Cilurzo family vineyard & winery. She took those skills to the Napa Valley where she spent 10 years at Domaine Chandon, Pine Ridge Winery and Groth. In Oregon she has worked at Lange and Cristom. She also owned and ran an organic farm raising cherries, chickens (and eggs of course) and beef. Now she’s her own boss.

Sean Carlton

Sean Carlton, after graduating college, needed the summer off and moved to the Napa Valley. He figured he’d work at a winery. In the summer of 1994 he landed a job in the tasting room of Pine Ridge Winery and quickly moved up to Tasting Room Manager and then Northwest Regional Sales Manager. In 2001 he became the General Manager at Archery Summit Winery, Pine Ridge's sister to the north, and he and Chenin moved to the Willamette Valley. As National Brand Manager, he greatly increased the brand recognition of Archery Summit Pinot Noirs. Now he’s his own boss, or more accurately, Chenin is.

International Headquarters

Okay, okay, so we're not exactly 'international' as of yet. But we DID choose to establish our headquarters (read a 15 by 15 office next to our home) in Pacific City, Oregon. You may be thinking, 'why the beach instead of wine country?' Well, there seems to be a rift in the space-time continuom at the beach, and we kind of like it that way. Besides, we find we do some of our best work parked in the sand, watching the sunset over the pacific ocean, drinking a bottle of wine. Crazy? You bet!