Stephen's Cellar
After more than thirty-five years of growing grapes and making wine, Steve Goldman took on a new venture. In August of 2002 Steve married Lori Stone and later that year they started construction on Stephen’s Cellar. On May 3, 2003 Steve and Lori celebrated the birth of their son Max Richard Goldman. Lori resigned from her seven-year position as Grower Programs Manager with the Paso Robles Vintners and Growers Association to be a full time mom to Max as well as an integral part of all wine and vineyard operations at Stephen’s Cellar. A new estate vineyard was planted spring 2002, devoted entirely to Pinot Noir. It is situated in the Santa Lucia Mountains on a northerly slope of 1,500’ in the York Mountain Viticultural Area. Steve and Father Max created the York Mountain American Viticultural Area in 1983 to signify the uniqueness of this beautiful place. With its cool maritime (about 6 miles from the ocean) influence and Gaviota (sandstone) soil, the vineyard is in an ideal location. Vineyard cultural practices are based on organic and biodynamic technique and principles.
Stephen’s new vineyard is now at almost full production and the first Estate Pinot Noir, vintage 2006 was released the summer of 2008. Grapes are also purchased from neighboring vineyards. They include: the 34-year-old Laughney, 29-year-old MacBride, 22- year-old Smith, 10 year-old Stromsoe, 9 year-old Anderson, 10 year-old Encell and 10 year-old Moore. Though Pinot Noir is the focus, a Bordeaux varietal blend (Claret), Chardonnay, Pinot Grigio and Dry Sherry are made in limited amounts. Altogether, about 2,500 cases will be produced annually. The cellar work is fashioned after Burgundian techniques as far as wine and grape treatment goes. Gravity and inert gas racking with little or no fining and filtering is the normal course of action. The philosophy is, every action the grapes or wine is subjected to, diminish the integrity.
The Stephen’s label was introduced with the 1994 vintage. A small library inventory of Pinot Noirs and Clarets has been retained for sale. For current releases, please refer to “current releases” at stephenscellar.com. Stephen’s wines from the York Mountain AVA and neighboring vineyards have garnered several awards and accolades, with many gold medals, at major national and international competitions and publications. Stephen’s Wine Club has been formed for those who like to dabble in such things, and visits to the cellar are welcome by appointment.
Enthusiast are now welcome to visit the winery, open 11-4 most weekends for tasting and sales . Located at 7575 York Mountain Road, Templeton, CA 93465. Please call 805 238 2412(office) or 805 239 2647(winery) or email lori@stephensceller.com for updates.
