Stephen Dooley
Owner, Founder, Winemaker since 1994
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.
Wine Inspiration: Turning sunlight into wine – I get to make it, and yet it makes itself – all part of the science, artistry, agriculture and magic of winemaking. Really, it is all I ever wanted to do.
Hobbies: Drinking good wine and enjoying good food, woodworking, hiking, swimming, fishing, and gardening.
What I Do: It would be easier to say “What I don’t do at the winery.” You name it, I do it; from winemaking to wineglass polishing…
Paula Dooley
Crew Member since 1994, Owner since 1995
Background: I grew up mostly in San Antonio, Texas. My dad was career Army, my mom was a nurse, and I am the youngest of four children. I went to the University of Texas at Austin and earned my BA degree in Finance, with a concentration in Accounting. I had some great jobs in aviation-related and corporate finance for 13 years, for which I am eternally grateful because they brought me to San Luis Obispo. I was able to use my business background to help Steve found and grow Stephen Ross. At the same time, we grew our family with two fantastic children.
Wine Inspiration: I met Steve in 1989, and to fall in love with Steve was to fall in love with wine. I am inspired by small wineries worldwide who passionately and painstakingly produce interesting wines.
Hobbies: Drinking wine (of course), swimming (anytime, anywhere), reading, hiking, and backpacking. I’d like to say travel, but we don’t have time to do much… someday.
What I Do: All the business-side of things. It isn’t as exciting as being the winemaker, but it suits me well :-)
Garrett monk
Crew Member since 2022, Cellar Master
Background: I grew up and still currently live just South of SLO near the Edna Valley. In fact, I live just down the road from Stone Corral Vineyard! I’ve always had a desire to travel the world, so after graduating from Cal Poly with a degree in Wine and Viticulture, my wife and I packed our bags and moved to Australia where I worked harvest in the Barossa Valley. Since then, I have worked on the West Sonoma Coast and in Paso Robles, but now I feel incredibly lucky to work with fruit and wines from the place I call home.
Wine Inspiration: I am a sucker for tradition…I love that in wine there are winemaking techniques and methods that have carried on for centuries. And yet today, there is an abundance of innovation and technology in the industry, which for me, makes it an exciting time to be involved and exposed to the winemaking process. Overall, I just like to make cool, interesting wines with equally cool and interesting people.
Hobbies: All things outdoors from backpacking/camping in the Sierras to exploring different day hikes and secret swimming holes in Big Sur, enjoying good wine and food with my wife and friends, working on my family’s property (a labor of love), and learning about health and wellness, as well as sustainable agriculture.
What I do: Master of all things in the cellar!
Maureen "Mo" Forsberg
Crew Member since 2012, Tasting Room Associate
Background: I have been involved in the community of San Luis Obispo for over 30 years. In my many jobs that I've had, my favorites have been working for the Chamber of Commerce and for Stephen Ross. I recently resigned from the Chamber of Commerce; but continue to work at Stephen Ross because I love the wines, and we have an awesome team here.
Wine Inspiration: Chardonnay is my "go to" glass of wine, but I would never turn down a glass of Steve Dooley's wonderful Pinot Noir.
Hobbies: Powerwalks, reading, binge watching on Netflix, and reading about, talking about and drinking wine.
What I do: Pour and chat about wine! I keep the tasting room in line and am the first smile when you walk in the door.