Rajat Parr - Director of Winemaking

Rajat ("Raj") Parr is internationally recognized for his passion for cool climate wine growing regions including our San Luis Obispo Coast AVA. His rich history and love for cool-climate, classic, French-inspired wines make Raj the perfect fit for Stolo Vineyards’ vision.

In conjunction with working with Stolo Vineyards, Raj produces wine under Sandhi, Domaine de la Cote, and Evening Land. He is currently working on another boutique vineyard project in cool-climate San Simeon CA.

In addition to his success as a winemaker and recipient of Wine Spectator's Grand Award, Raj is an accomplished wine grape grower, sommelier, and wine author. His most popular books are; 2018 The Sommelier's Atlas to Taste and 2010 Secrets of the Sommelier's.

Parr credits his uncle in England for first introducing him to great wines, which inspired him to begin his career as an apprentice to one of the industry’s most acclaimed master sommeliers, Larry Stone at Rubicon in San Francisco. While working closely with Stone, Raj gained extensive knowledge of great wines from around the world.

Azael Beceril - Vineyard Manager

Azael has managed the day to day operations of Stolo Vineyards and property for over 15 years. Azael has dedicated himself to producing and managing our ultra-premium wine grape growing program with hands-on attentiveness. His knowledge of Stolo Vineyards is instrumental to maintaining our commitment to quality through strict sustainable farming practices.

Originally from Mexico City, Azeal is raising his family with us here in Cambria. As a full time resident on the estate you will ALWAYS see Azael with a smile on his face! Everyone at Stolo is so grateful to have him as a leader of the vineyard team.

Scott Wills - General Manager

At Stolo Scott focuses his energy on our consumer experience and operations management.

Scott has a passion for everything the Central Coast has to offer, where he is raising his family and contributing to the community and wine business in Cambria California. 

Scott began his career in publishing, going on to build and manage some of the nations most successful brands. 

For over ten years he has been a technology and wine industry professional in the San Luis Obispo/Paso Roble area, managing consumer engagement with Denner Vineyards and management for Emerson Brown Wines.

Maria Stolo-Bennetti  - Managing Partner

Maria has been involved in the wine industry for twenty years.  Her background encompasses direct and wholesale sales as well as marketing for boutique wineries primarily from the Napa and Sonoma regions. 

In 2004, Maria partnered with Don and Charlene Stolo to develop Stolo Vineyards’ estate label. All three partners saw the potential in the ultra-coastal vineyard location for premium cool climate growing.  Over the years, as the exposure continues to grow,  Maria’s focus for the label remains on quality and place.

She continues to champion the unique location of the vineyard through the establishment of the Pacific Coast Wine Trail as well as being a founding member in the development of a new coastal AVA in San Luis Obispo County.