Meet Deb Stilson of Stilson Cellars

Today we’d like to introduce you to Deb Stilson.

Deb, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
In the summer of 2019, we were visiting my in-laws in Cambria. On the way home from this visit, I had asked my younger son, Cole, if he would want to switch his direction in life to learn how to make wine. I was thinking that we could buy a piece of property, plant vines on it, and be able to return to a place we had always wanted to move back to, Paso Robles, and he could make me an endless supply of wine. We had talked and fantasized about it the whole way home, planning every little detail.

Back at home and back to real life, our fantasy was forgotten. A little over a month later, my son brought it up again and asked if I was serious. Well, of course I was, I am a huge wine fanatic! My older son became enthused with the idea and so the three of us sought out and purchased a small vineyard in Paso and began our small family winery.

Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
Starting a family business was the first obstacle, however we were very excited to get started. We knew absolutely nothing about being business owners or even how to make and sell wine when we bought the vineyard. I just knew that I loved wine and we were going to make it work.

Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know?
We are a boutique family winery established in 2019. Fantasy became reality when we moved to Paso and went out on a “vine” to make wine. Our small family vineyard and olive orchard are located in the Geneseo District of Paso Robles, California. We opened our Downtown Paso Robles tasting room at 1005 Railroad Street in 2021. We’re passionate about our vineyard and our wines and once you try them, you will be too.

Is there something surprising that you feel even people who know you might not know about?
Surprisingly, the wineries are not competitive with each other. They all truly want other wineries to succeed. Every step that we needed to take, there was someone there to help us. Whether it was to give advice, share a contact, or to dive right in and help us, the right people always appeared. We feel that the community of Paso Robles and the surrounding cities of Templeton, Atascadero, and Cambria are filled with the absolute best people. As a whole the people are amazing, but to go even further, the wine industry here is like no other.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.stilsoncellars.com/
• Instagram: @stilsoncellars
• Facebook: @stilsoncellars
• Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/biz/stilson-cellars-paso-robles?osq=stilson+cellars

Image Credits
Multiple wine bottle shot photo credit: Frank Anzalone