Join us for a seated tasting in the Tasting Room that we missed missed this last year, or outdoors upon request. Reservations recommended, but we generally have room for walk-ins. We offer seated tastings inside the Tasting Room on weekends, with some overflow to outdoors. Reservations are recommended for visits with wine service.
Our wines reflect our commitment to consistently produce elegant, mind-blowing wines that demonstrate both terroir and Stephen's winemaking skill from ultra-high premium grapes, estate and contracted. Small production for over 25 years, Stephen Ross wines have won acclaim throughout the industry.
Our wines reflect our commitment to consistently produce elegant, mind-blowing wines that demonstrate both terroir and Stephen's winemaking skill from ultra-high premium grapes, estate and contracted. Small production for over 25 years, Stephen Ross wines have won acclaim throughout the industry.
Services
Our Stephen Ross story begins with the "Stephen Ross Dooley wine story" in Minnesota, where in my teenage years curiosity in wine led me to make rhubarb and apple wines in the family basement. Things progressed on a nice upward trajectory from that point.
Curiosity evolved into a passion for winemaking, which led to a degree in Enology from The University of California, Davis; then 10 years of winemaking (all vinifera from here on out, thankfully) in the Napa Valley, two southern hemisphere harvests, and seven years in the Edna Valley before I launched my own brand, Stephen Ross.Paula joined the team soon after, and we hired the first employee in 2005.
Curiosity evolved into a passion for winemaking, which led to a degree in Enology from The University of California, Davis; then 10 years of winemaking (all vinifera from here on out, thankfully) in the Napa Valley, two southern hemisphere harvests, and seven years in the Edna Valley before I launched my own brand, Stephen Ross.Paula joined the team soon after, and we hired the first employee in 2005.
Background: I grew up in the upper Midwest and call Minnesota "home". My mother was a geography professor and dean, and I have two siblings. I attended Mankato State University and the University of California, Davis, to earn a degree in Enology.
I spent 10 years making wine in the Napa Valley, two harvests "down under" in South Africa and Australia, before coming to the Edna Valley, where I worked for others for seven years, and then launched Stephen Ross in 1994.I met Paula in 1989, married in 1995, and we have two incredible kids.
I spent 10 years making wine in the Napa Valley, two harvests "down under" in South Africa and Australia, before coming to the Edna Valley, where I worked for others for seven years, and then launched Stephen Ross in 1994.I met Paula in 1989, married in 1995, and we have two incredible kids.
Stone Corral Vineyard is our Estate vineyard, which we planted in 2001 exclusively to several Pinot Noir clones and rootstocks covering a rolling southeast facing hillside in the Edna Valley. The Edna Valley is located in the South Central Coast of California a few miles southeast of the town of San Luis Obispo.
Join us for a seated tasting in the Tasting Room that we missed missed this last year, or outdoors upon request. Reservations recommended, but we generally have room for walk-ins. Visit us at our urban winery in San Luis Obispo where you can taste a flight of small production, limited release Pinot Noirs and other wines mere steps from the cellar where they are created.
We skip the summer for wine club releases because of the heat, the next shipment will be in late September/October. An evening to thank and celebrate our Barrel Adopter members who's support of our winery has been crucial since we started in 1994.
This is an event exclusive to the members of the Adopt-A-Barrel program, it is a sit down dinner full of wine from our current vintages, precious library, and future releases, all along with a full course meal.An early evening tasting of three vintages of Stephen Ross Pinot Noir, Stone Corral Vineyard and Chardonnay, Edna Valley.
This is an event exclusive to the members of the Adopt-A-Barrel program, it is a sit down dinner full of wine from our current vintages, precious library, and future releases, all along with a full course meal.An early evening tasting of three vintages of Stephen Ross Pinot Noir, Stone Corral Vineyard and Chardonnay, Edna Valley.
Reviews (20)
Andrew B.
Nov 09, 2020
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Outdoor tasting, amazing wine, and good people.
That is what Stephen Ross Wine Cellars is all about.
You may not have come across this winery when looking for wine tasting rooms down in the San Luis Obispo or Edna Valley (ava) area. However, you will be missing out if you don't veer of the beaten path and head out for an adventure (you will not be sorry).
Tucked inside the south end of San Luis Obispo the winery is located in a nice quiet area just a little off South Higuera. I have been here many times before, and usually the tastings were held inside their comfy tasting room. If a special
That is what Stephen Ross Wine Cellars is all about.
You may not have come across this winery when looking for wine tasting rooms down in the San Luis Obispo or Edna Valley (ava) area. However, you will be missing out if you don't veer of the beaten path and head out for an adventure (you will not be sorry).
Tucked inside the south end of San Luis Obispo the winery is located in a nice quiet area just a little off South Higuera. I have been here many times before, and usually the tastings were held inside their comfy tasting room. If a special
Rick C.
Jan 02, 2019
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Had some of their wines at Barrels In The Plaza. Was looking forward to visiting. Maybe my tastebuds were off. It wasn't bad, it wasn't good. Just ok. Still bought a couple of bottles that I liked, but for all the good stuff people had told us about the wine I have to say I was a little disappointed.
David N.
Jul 25, 2018
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Victoria S.
Apr 04, 2018
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I have been here few times to do tastings. The tasting experience I've had Stephen Ross is the best out of the experiences I've had at local tasting rooms. The tasting room attendant I've had is very knowledgeable and doesn't rush you through your tasting. And, most importantly, I love their wine. They have a wine for everyone. They have light, refreshing wines (like their Grenache Blanc) and fuller body wines (like their Pinot Noirs).
Madison B.
Mar 28, 2018
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I know very little about wine, but with the help of my knowledgeable wine loving friend, I've now learned that Stephen Ross is at the top of my list in this region. I believe the wine is excellent, but not pretentious or over priced. Try their Rose, do it now! Also, the Grenache...oh wait and their Pinot...oh well, just try them all!
Brian U.
Mar 24, 2017
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The tasting spanned an albarino, a chardonnay, and three pinots. I felt their Edna Valley pinots were their strong suit while my girlfriend preferred whites (I didn't mean to make that sound racist). Modestly priced, the whites were both in the mid-20's while the pinots I bought started in the 30's.
The $12 tasting fee is waived with $50 purchase. Don't let the industrial park location dissuade from visiting.
The $12 tasting fee is waived with $50 purchase. Don't let the industrial park location dissuade from visiting.
Kara S.
Feb 11, 2017
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Tucked into an unassuming industrial building near Higuera and Suburban on the south side of San Luis Obispo is a hidden gem: Stephen Ross Vineyard.
Owner and winemaker Stephen Dooley has been making wine for 40 years and his experience shines through in his wines. High quality estate Chardonnay and Pinot Noir are synonymous with the Stephen Ross label, and the Flying Cloud label features other varietals and blends from the Central Coast at a very attractive price point.
As you walk in the tasting room, you'll notice a lovely large rustic table tucked under the stAirwell overhand. Not only
Owner and winemaker Stephen Dooley has been making wine for 40 years and his experience shines through in his wines. High quality estate Chardonnay and Pinot Noir are synonymous with the Stephen Ross label, and the Flying Cloud label features other varietals and blends from the Central Coast at a very attractive price point.
As you walk in the tasting room, you'll notice a lovely large rustic table tucked under the stAirwell overhand. Not only
S. M.
Jan 07, 2017
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Stephen Ross wines are hands down the best wines on the Central Coast. I realize that is a strong statement and I do stand by it. My husband loves the Bien Nacido Pinot Noir and my favorite is the Edna Valley Chardonnay. Trust me when I say you can't go wrong here! We have been drinking Stephen Ross regularly for the past 3 years, and it is very difficult to enjoy anything else, as the bar has now been set so high.
The tasting room is tucked away behind Trader Joe's, however, very close to downtown SLO as well as Edna Valley if you happen to be out wine tasting.
I highly recommend
The tasting room is tucked away behind Trader Joe's, however, very close to downtown SLO as well as Edna Valley if you happen to be out wine tasting.
I highly recommend
Jamie O.
Mar 05, 2016
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Marlys S.
Feb 20, 2016
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D. H.
Oct 13, 2015
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Wow! Just pricked up our fall red wine collection. We are not great pinot noir fans, but I had to write. The Edna Valley Estate Bottled Pinot Noir, is one of the best reds we have EVER had, regardless of variety. It is so smooth, flavorful, fruity, without being overly so. Magnificent. We will be purchasing more of these bottles of Pinot from the winery soon. We are true zin and cab fans. And, Ross doesn't produce so many of these varieties, at least since we have been part of the wine club. This bottle alone makes up for any missed zin or cab. It is so smooth on the tongue and lingers
Susan F.
Sep 01, 2015
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Stephen's wines are not typical of the area, and that is why I live them. He sometimes strays from the "norm", and finds things to put in a bottle that so can't experience anywhere else. His Albariño is as good as the best I have had in Espana. But mostly, I love his Chardonnay (and I don't like Chardonnay)... Please stop in taste, and explore... You won't be disappointed. Just know that he puts his work in the bottle, the tasting room is not a chatty place.
Angela B.
Aug 09, 2015
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Joel Y.
May 21, 2015
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Carol M.
Mar 09, 2015
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I always feel a bit strange writing a bad review when everyone else loves it.
The good: the wines were quality.
The bad: the service was snooty. I believe we were helped by Mr. Dooley's (owner) wife. She gave the distinct impression, which unfortunately happens at some wineries, that she didn't want to help us because we weren't wealthy. She made minimal conversation and spent all her time chatting with an older couple. It was not busy, only us and the other couple. I tried a couple of times to make conversation--I said something like, "I really enjoyed your chardonnay
The good: the wines were quality.
The bad: the service was snooty. I believe we were helped by Mr. Dooley's (owner) wife. She gave the distinct impression, which unfortunately happens at some wineries, that she didn't want to help us because we weren't wealthy. She made minimal conversation and spent all her time chatting with an older couple. It was not busy, only us and the other couple. I tried a couple of times to make conversation--I said something like, "I really enjoyed your chardonnay
Martha C.
Aug 18, 2014
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Right outside SLO, this was a enjoyable experience. Rachel was the tasting room hostess , who was approachable, knowledgeable and friendly. The Pinots were both a different style- one quite complex with minerals on the nose and front pallete , a nuance of fruit which captured my interest. My personal fav was the 100%Grenache, which was a lovely shade of burgundy , with essence of cherries, plums and a hint of something of the mouthfeel of a berry tart.The finnish left me thinking it would complement a Hungarian Goulash or a Lamb and Veal Gyros Wrap !
Sonia T.
Feb 15, 2014
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Such an amazing place went here for Valentine's day weekend and they had a great tasting selection the girl who was working was absolutely great and very knowledgable about all of the wines..we purchased the Albariño and it by far blew my boyfriend and I away such a great tasting wine.. We had a great experience here I highly suggest to stop here when in the SLO area or even if you are not in the area this is a must stop wine tasting room!
Jill T.
May 29, 2012
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As a wine tour operator that has been uncorking the central coast since 1995, we can't say enough about Stephen Ross. First off the wine is top notch, secondly, the hospitality is the perfect pairing to the excellent wine. The interior has a warm and inviting feel, worth the trip off the beaten wine trail so make sure you make note and stop by soon, you'll be so glad you did!
Lacey H.
Oct 28, 2009
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Completely agree with Gabrielle. We came here after a tasting at Telosa, and the small tasting room that Stephen Ross provided was a breath of fresh air. Ross's wife was behind the counter, and served us some amazing wines. She even took us on a tour of their barrel room.
We bought a bottle of their Pinot Noir "Chorro Creek." They have six different types of Pinot - Since they buy a majority of their grapes, they're able to provide a wide array of wines. Here is a link to their current selection: http://www.stephenrosswine.com/current.html
Definitely check it out if
We bought a bottle of their Pinot Noir "Chorro Creek." They have six different types of Pinot - Since they buy a majority of their grapes, they're able to provide a wide array of wines. Here is a link to their current selection: http://www.stephenrosswine.com/current.html
Definitely check it out if
Gabrielle J.
May 27, 2009
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Case and point that you don't need to have a winery and tasting room smack in the middle of a vineyard to find some phenomenal wine.
This tasting room and winery are in a business park -178 Suburban Road I believe. Very incognito.
Stephen's experience in creating memorable wine comes as no surprise- trained as a UC Davis Aggie followed by a strong tenure with Louis Martini Winery in St. Helena, later coming into the Edna Valley and making waves amongst local wineries, Stephen Ross wines are the product of knowledge, labor, and true passion for this industry.
We walked out with several
This tasting room and winery are in a business park -178 Suburban Road I believe. Very incognito.
Stephen's experience in creating memorable wine comes as no surprise- trained as a UC Davis Aggie followed by a strong tenure with Louis Martini Winery in St. Helena, later coming into the Edna Valley and making waves amongst local wineries, Stephen Ross wines are the product of knowledge, labor, and true passion for this industry.
We walked out with several
