Starting Sept. 1, Paso Robles winery to donate half of Aware Zinfandel
proceeds to National Awareness on Mental Illness in honor of fallen firefighter Sean Stilson
No one ever thinks their lives will be touched by the incomprehensible heartbreak of suicide. Alas, there are about 130 suicides on average in the United States per day according to the CDC. Each life lost represents an entire world that crashes down for the survivor’s spouse, children, and loved ones. It’s not uncommon for whole communities to be left reeling in the bleak aftermath of a fallen friend, colleague—or in this case, a beloved 20-year Los Angeles Fire Department veteran with a big heart and bigger desire to serve.
Those who knew the late great Sean Stilson can attest to the third-generation LAFD captain, father and husband’s overwhelming passion to care for those around him. It was a duty so large, so all-encompassing, that widow Deb Stilson said it defined her 44-year-old husband’s big-hearted character.
“He was one of those people who was loved by everyone, and he was always on top of everything, taking care of the community and making sure everyone else was OK,” she said.
The widow may have opened Paso Robles-based Stilson Cellars (located in downtown Paso Robles across from Hotel Cheval) in the wake of an immense personal loss, but she and the couple’s two sons, Cole and Tyler, were heartened when the Paso Robles Wine Country community showered the family business with support and love. Cole even went on to study winemaking and is now at the helm as winemaker, while brother Tyler followed in his dad’s footsteps as a LAFD firefighter. Together, the boys did their part to help transform the family’s five-acre Geneseo District vineyard property into a homestead their dad could be proud of.
“My sons and I started dreaming and fantasizing about being able to come back to the Paso Robles area. We always wanted to return to where we had all once lived when my husband was alive,” Deb said. “As we were driving home from visiting my husband’s mom and dad who live in Cambria, we started to dream of owning a vineyard and making wine. This was not necessarily Sean’s dream, but a dream to come back.”
Since opening their doors in 2019, Stilson wine club memberships continue to roll in, bolstering the family’s spirits.
“From the very beginning, I felt we were wrapped in support and love and caring,” Deb said. “Everyone has been super helpful and this community is full of generous people.”
Founded in the family patriarch’s loving memory, the winery stands as an homage to a man who perhaps would still be here today if it were for better mental health awareness. This is not a notion taken lightly by Deb or her sons. In honor of September National Suicide Prevention Month, Stilson Cellars will offer up a special, limited-edition 100% zinfandel offering aptly titled “Aware.” Half of the wine’s proceeds will go to NAMI (National Awareness on Mental Illness), which offers real-time mental health support and guidance every day.
“Theres a huge stigma in talking about it; no one wants to talk about something so incomprehensible, ” Deb said. “Our fire fighters and service men and women are at higher risk for mental illness and suicide, and my sons and I hope that this small effort can help in part to open that larger conversation.”
The newly-released Stilson Aware Zinfandel (just 52 cases produced) isn’t just bringing awareness to an important cause in any community, it’s also an incredibly delicious single varietal offering that exudes joy and hope.
According to the winery’s expert sommelier, each sip is “exploding with candied fruitiness, reminiscent of a Strawberry Fruit Roll Up sprinkled with caramelized cranberry, tobacco and clove notes. Sugar plum and baked bramble berry prelude a juicy acidity and waxy tannin, while the essence of raspberry preserves and crushed cinnamon shine on the palate. The finish allude to sour cherry, star anise, vanilla mocha and finely cracked pepper.”
The wine would pair incredibly with pulled pork, Texas barbecue, roast turkey, or grilled summer veggies. Stilson said she hopes the luxurious red is enjoyed and shared among loved ones, and that folks continue to hold their friends and family close.
“No one wants to lose a loved one, but without more mental health awareness, who can say what will change? If we can talk openly about mental health issues, we can start to shift the narrative,” Deb said. “One life saved, or even one honest conversation had, is absolutely a win for us.”
Visit Stilson Cellars
At Stilson Cellars, family is at the heart of all they do. Dog friendly and featuring Paso’s famous warm hospitality, the winery is home to robust reds, including mourvedre, syrah and estate grown cabernet sauvignon offerings. Located at 1005 Railroad Street #2 in Paso Robles, reservations are never required to stop by and savor the Stilson family legacy. The winery is open Friday and Saturday noon to 7 p.m. and Sundays from noon to 5 p.m. More information can be found at www.stilsoncellars.com.
Buy it now
Stilson Family Video
Mapping & Directions
National Alliance on Mental Illness
Wineries who care
Making wines, making change: Paso Robles Wineries care deeply about crafting world class wines, but that doesn’t mean these passionate folks aren’t working toward more altruistic goals, too.
Hayseed and Housdon donate 50% of their proceeds to local Paso Robles charities and nonprofits, including Paso Cares, Wine4Paws, RISE, Operation Surf and CASA of SLO County, to name a few.
Mapping & Directions
Website
Instagram
Meanwhile, fellow Paso Robles tasting room Locatelli Vineyards donates 25% of their “Mission” wines to the San Miguel Mission to help with dearly needed restoration funding.
Mapping & Directions
Website
Instagram
When you support these local Paso Robles wineries, you don’t just shop local—you give back to a cause that makes a difference in our community and in our world.
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This blog is written by flavor fiend Hayley Cain. Follow her @flavorslo on Instagram or at astoldbyhayley.com.
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Looking for a place to stay in Paso Robles?
The Adelaide Inn is an iconic, locally-owned hotel known for its friendly staff and lush landscaping. With spacious rooms and a convenient location close to highway 101 and the event center – home of the California Mid-State Fair – this hotel is a great choice for most travelers. TOUR VIRTUALLY
Directions: speedfind.com/AdelaideInn
Majestically set among vineyards, olive groves and fruit baring orchards, the 20-acre Allegretto Vineyard Resort is a world unto itself, offering breathtaking settings that inspire and bring joy to all who choose this memorable wine country haven. Featuring 171 rooms and suites, on-site spa, grand ballroom, wine tasting room, and inspired culinary creations at Cello, the resort’s full-service restaurant.
Directions: speedfind.com/Allegretto
Wouldn’t you love to wake up among the vines? Eden House at Carriage Vineyards Bed & Breakfast is on a real working vineyard and longhorn ranch in the Paso Robles Wine Region. Our rooms overlook vineyards, creeks and oaks, right in the Paso Robles Wine Country of Central California.
Directions: speedfind.com/edenhouse
Spend an idyllic getaway at Briarwood Cottage at ONX Estate Vineyards in an English-cottage inspired vineyard-side home. Guests may rent rooms in the main cottage, reserve the entire main cottage for a large group, or book the fully equipped apartment. Wake up to peaceful vineyard views and spend twilight hours sipping wine on the back porch of the cottage. It’s a time you won’t quickly forget. Contact us for pricing and availability (see form below). Case, 6 Bottle, and 4 Bottle Collective Members receive preferred pricing.
Directions: speedfind.com/BriarCottage
Hoyt Family Vineyard RetreatsTwo very cool, tiny houses, designed using fertile imagination and repurposing of materials are located on Hoyt Family Vineyard.
Directions: speedfind.com/hoytfamilyvineyards
Hampton Inn & Suites Paso Robles is nestled in the Central Coast wine region, home to over 200 wineries, beautiful beaches, mountains and diverse attractions. Relax and revive in a comfortable guest room with all you need for a successful stay. You can count on Hampton to deliver value, consistency and service with a smile. We love having you here®
Directions: speedfind.com/PRWine.HamptonInn
The Kiler Canyon Vineyard Retreat Perched on top of a hill on ONX Estate’s vineyard with gorgeous 360 degree views of the Willow Creek AVA
Directions: speedfind.com/KilerRetreat
Experience the pristine countryside of Paso Robles Wine Country at chic, sparkling clean Lekai Ranch. Lounge on the porch of your private suite and lose yourself in the tranquility and stunning views of the vineyards and oak studded hills beyond. This vacation rental is located just minutes from some of the most distinguished wineries and a premier olive oil estate, and only 15 minutes from downtown Paso Robles’ restaurants, wineries and shopping. TAKE AN AERIAL TOUR
Directions: speedfind.com/Lekai | vrbo.com/701796
Oxford Suites Paso Robles You’ll find that from our lobby, our on-site restaurant, to our meeting spaces, to our 101 spacious suites, every space is beautiful + functional as well as comfortable + chic.
Directions: speedfind.com/oxfordsuitespasorobles
Paso Robles Vacation Rentals, also known as PasoStay.com assists guests in creating memories and wonderful experiences by providing quality privately owned vacation home rentals in Paso Robles Wine Country. With over 90 vacation homes to choose from, small enough for a couple’s romantic getaway to large homes amongst local vineyards and olive orchards, PasoStay.com has the perfect option for you. Feel free to call 805-423-9174 to talk with a local expert or book online at PasoStay.com.