ONBOARD EXPERIENCES
HERE’S A TASTE OF THE EVENTS WE WILL BE HOST ON BOARD
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Winemaker Happy Hour
Meet & mingle with Russelll, Vailia, Don and Cameron as we kick off the week of a lifetime by sharing stories, laughs and some of your favorite wines!
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Wine Pairing Dinner
Enjoy a curated culinary experience perfectly matched with the best of Herman Story, Desparada, Turtle Rock & Ultima Tulie.
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Rare & Library Wine Experience
We’re raiding the cellar to ship some coveted bottles that you probably don’t have in your wine collection!
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Side by Side Tastings with Wines of the Region
Taste your favorite Paso wines next to wines of the region. Explore and learn about the differences and similarities.
YOUR HOSTS
Russell From - Herman Story Wine
Before he was a winemaker, a self-proclaimed black belt, and an internationally renowned runway model, Russell always had a borderline-concerning obsession with great food and wine. After graduating from Cal Poly with a few winery internships (and a bunch of noise complaints) under his belt, he started Herman Story in 2001 with seven humble barrels of Syrah stashed in his employer's cellar.
What started as an homage to his grandfather grew into a lineup of the most boisterous, buckle-up-and-hang-on, Rhône-inspired wines on the Central Coast. Today, after 20+ years and a bunch more noise complaints, Russell hasn't lost a shred of his passion for wine, people, and perfectly seasoned ground beef. Off the clock, you'll find him whipping up salsa verde, floating the Salinas River, or trying to break the world record for longest distance pulling a Learjet 45 by beard.
Vailia From - Desparada
Vailia From is the owner and winemaker of Desparada, an acclaimed Paso Robles winery known for its fearless creativity and uncompromising approach to winemaking. After more than two decades working across nearly every facet of the wine industry from fine dining and importing to sales, production, and harvest, she founded Desparada in 2009 as a reflection of her adventurous spirit and artistic vision. A lifelong traveler and champion of thoughtful, low-intervention winemaking, Vailia believes great wine is rooted in curiosity, place, and human connection. Her work emphasizes organically, biodynamically, and sustainably farmed vineyards, resulting in wines that are elegant, distinctive, and free from stylistic constraints. Through Desparada, she has become one of Paso Robles’ most respected voices, celebrated for pushing boundaries while creating wines that tell the story of the land, the vintage, and the people behind them.
Don Burns - Turtle Rock Vineyards
Don Burns grew up surrounded by the region’s emerging wine culture before studying Agricultural Business at Cal Poly San Luis Obispo. After spending more than 15 years as assistant winemaker at Saxum Vineyards under longtime friend and mentor Justin Smith, he and his wife, Claudia, founded Turtle Rock Vineyards, where they transformed a passion project into one of the Central Coast’s most celebrated boutique wineries.
Don is known for his meticulous farming, minimalist cellar practices, and belief that exceptional wines begin with exceptional vineyards. Sourcing fruit from some of Paso Robles’ most iconic sites, including G2 and James Berry Vineyards, he crafts wines that emphasize balance, purity, and a true sense of place. Under his leadership, Turtle Rock has earned numerous 99 and 100 point ratings, while remaining a hands-on family operation rooted in authenticity, craftsmanship, and a deep appreciation for the unique terroir of Paso Robles.
Cameron Stoffel - Ultimate Tulie
Cameron Stoffel is the owner and winemaker of Ultima Tulie Wines, a boutique Paso Robles winery dedicated to handcrafted, micro-lot wines that showcase exceptional vineyard sites and a spirit of exploration. After discovering his passion for winemaking through an internship at Herman Story Wines, Stoffel founded Ultima Tulie in 2011, producing every bottle by hand from harvest to bottling with an unwavering commitment to quality and authenticity. Inspired by his Italian family heritage and a lifelong appreciation for food and wine, he creates wines that balance precision, character, and a deep sense of place. The name Ultima Tulie reflects the ancient concept of venturing beyond the known world, a philosophy that guides both Cameron’s life and his winemaking.
