FAQs

We would love to hear from you! Because of our rural location in Cambria, cell phone reception on the ranch can be very spotty, so we do not have a direct phone line for inbound customer support. However, our team checks digital inquiries frequently throughout the day and will respond promptly to help you out!

Contact Options

• Email Us: Drop us a line at [email protected] for fast assistance with tours, orders, or general questions.

• Request a Phone Call: Prefer to speak over the phone? Send us an email or message with your phone number and a brief note about what you need, and a member of our team will call you back at our earliest convenience!

• Contact Form: Fill out our online inquiry form on our Contact Page.

• Social Media: Send us a direct message on Facebook or Instagram—we check our inbox regularly!

Signing up for our email newsletter is the best way to stay in the loop on all things Stepladder Creamery!

How to Sign Up

Simply scroll down to the footer at the very bottom of any page on our website, enter your email address in the field under "STAY IN THE LOOP," and hit submit.

What You'll Receive

When you subscribe, you will be the first to know about:

• Exclusive discounts and special promotions

• Seasonal cheese releases and limited-edition batches

• Delicious cheese pairings and ranch-inspired recipes

• Behind-the-scenes updates from our goats and creamery team in Cambria

Please click the unsubscribe link in the bottom of the email to opt out of future emails from us.

If you have created an account to place an ecommerce order, you can log in and click the reset password button to regain access to your account. Please note that if you have ordered from a guest account in the past, we cannot reset your password.

Due to our rural location in Cambria, cell phone reception on the ranch can be very spotty, so we do not have a direct phone line for incoming customer service calls.

However, we are always happy to speak with you! If you prefer a phone call, please send an email to [email protected] or send a message through our Contact Page with your phone number and a brief note about what you need. A member of our team will call you back at our earliest convenience!

Yes! We love helping you send delicious artisan cheese as a gift!

How to Add Your Note

You can add a personalized gift message to your order right on the Cart page before proceeding to checkout:

• Look for the box labeled "Add Order Notes / Gift Message" on the Cart page.

• Type out your message—gift notes have a limit of 300 characters (including spaces).

How It Arrives

Your gift message will be printed cleanly on the packing slip included inside the shipping box. To keep things nice and discreet for the recipient, our packing slips do not display prices or payment information!

We ship to all contiguous U.S. states via UPS 1-2 day shipping! Shipping costs are calculated at checkout based on your order total and delivery location, but here are the key highlights:

• Free Western U.S. Shipping: Orders over $119 qualify for free shipping if delivering to California, Idaho, Nevada, Oregon, Utah, or Washington.

• Flat Rate for Smaller Regional Orders: Orders under $119 delivering to those same Western states ship for a flat rate of $19.99.

• Other Contiguous States: Shipping rates for states outside our free shipping zone are calculated at checkout based on destination and speed.

• Shipping Days: We ship all orders on Mondays and Tuesdays to prevent cheese from sitting in warehouses over the weekend.

Need a Custom Shipping Quote?

If you are placing a large corporate order, splitting a shipment across multiple delivery addresses, or ordering non-perishable items like merch and apparel (which do not require heavy cold packaging or expedited shipping), please reach out to us directly! Send an email to [email protected] and our team will be happy to assist you with a tailored shipping quote.

For our full shipping policy—including cutoff times, Cheese Club rates, summer heat advisories, and P.O. Box restrictions—please visit our full Shipping Info page.

Yes! If you have specific delivery preferences or access details for your address, letting us know ahead of time helps ensure a smooth, safe delivery for your perishable package.

Common Shipping Notes

Detailed instructions are especially helpful for situations like:

• Providing gate codes or call-box details for gated properties

• Specifying a delivery location (e.g., "Leave on the back porch," "Deliver to side door," or "Leave near garage, not by the road")

• Giving building or apartment access details

How to Add Shipping Notes

The easiest way to add delivery instructions is by leaving a note in the box on the Cart page before you proceed to checkout.

If you forget to add a note during checkout or are a recurring Cheese Club member, simply email [email protected] before your order ships! We can tag your customer account with permanent delivery preferences so UPS has the details they need for future shipments.

Once your order has been packed and prepared for shipping, you will receive an automated shipping confirmation email containing your official UPS tracking link.

You can also check the status of your order through a few other quick methods:

How to Check Your Order Status

• Check Your Email Confirmation: Look for a confirmation email from Stepladder Creamery. The tracking link inside updates automatically as UPS scans your package.

• Log Into Your Account: If you created an account at checkout or are a Cheese Club member, simply log into our website to view your order history and live tracking links.

• Use Our Website Chat: Click the chat widget on our website to quickly check tracking details or order updates.

• Email Customer Support: Reach out to us anytime at [email protected], and our team will gladly look up your shipment details!

Has Your Order Shipped Yet? (Shipping Schedule)

To ensure our perishable cheeses arrive fresh and cold without sitting in a carrier warehouse over the weekend, we only ship online orders on Mondays and Tuesdays.

• Orders placed Monday through Sunday: Will typically be processed and shipped during our next Monday–Tuesday fulfillment window.

• If you placed an order Wednesday through Sunday: Your order will not ship until the following Monday or Tuesday. You will receive your tracking email as soon as your package is labeled and ready for pickup!

Because our artisan cheeses and pairings are perishable food items, we are unable to accept returns or exchanges. However, we want you to have a fantastic experience with our products, so please review our policies below regarding order cancellations, shipping details, and damaged items.

Order Cancellations

We ship all online orders on Mondays and Tuesdays. If you need to cancel a web order for a full refund, you must email [email protected] prior to Monday at 8:00 a.m. PST. Because our fulfillment team begins packing and processing shipments at 9:00 a.m. PST on Monday, we cannot cancel orders or issue refunds once the fulfillment process has begun.

Damaged, Defective, or Expired Products

If you received an expired or damaged product from an online order, retail partner, or local farmer's market, please email photos of the issue to [email protected] within 5 business days of delivery or purchase.

Please note:

• Best-By Dates apply to unopened, sealed products.

• Once opened, perishable cheese has a shorter shelf life. We recommend enjoying your cheese (especially soft cheeses and triple crèmes) within one week of opening for optimal freshness.

• We cannot offer refunds or replacements for products that have been partially consumed or opened for extended periods.

Shipping Addresses & Delivery Accuracy

Customers are responsible for reviewing and verifying both the shipping and billing addresses during checkout. Orders shipped to incorrect or incomplete addresses provided at checkout are not eligible for reshipments or refunds.

Delivery Tracking & Gifts

When your order is prepared, the email address provided on the order will receive tracking updates at three stages: when the label is created, when the package is out for delivery, and when it has been delivered.

If you are sending cheese as a gift, we strongly encourage you to notify the recipient so they know to expect a perishable box on the delivery day. We cannot replace packages that spoil due to sitting outside unattended for extended periods after delivery.

palate and personal preferences are unique, taste can be wonderfully subjective. However, we also stand firmly behind the quality and freshness of everything we make.

Personal Preference & Taste

While we cannot offer refunds or replacements on one-time orders based purely on personal taste preferences, we genuinely value your feedback! If you received a cheese that wasn't to your liking, please email us at [email protected] to let us know.

If you are a Cheese Club or recurring subscriber, we are more than happy to help! Just reach out to our team before your next billing cycle, and we can swap out that specific cheese for another option of equal value that better fits your taste preferences for future shipments.

Cheeses Past Their Prime or Spoiled Early

If you received an unopened cheese that spoiled or went bad before its printed best-by date, please let us know right away! Send an email to [email protected] with a photo of the product within 5 business days of noticing the issue, and our team will gladly issue a refund or send a replacement.

Please note that best-by dates apply to unopened, sealed packages. Once opened, perishable cheese should generally be enjoyed within one week for peak freshness.

We do not offer international shipping at this time. Because our artisan cheeses are perishable, we currently ship only within the contiguous United States (the lower 48 states) to ensure our products arrive quickly and at a safe temperature.

We are unable to ship internationally or to Hawaii, Alaska, or U.S. Territories.

We offer convenient payment options whether you are shopping online, visiting the ranch, or seeing us at a local market!

Online Orders & Subscriptions

For online store purchases, gift boxes, and Cheese Club subscriptions, we accept:

• Major Credit & Debit Cards: Visa, MasterCard, American Express, Discover, JCB, and Diners Club

• Express & Digital Wallets: Shop Pay, Apple Pay, and Google Pay

In-Person Purchasing (Ranch Tours & Farmers Markets)

If you are visiting us for a creamery tour or purchasing cheese at one of our local farmers markets, we accept:

• Cash

• Credit and Debit Cards

• EBT / SNAP Benefits (available at select farmers market locations—feel free to ask our market team for details!)

Not to worry! It is completely normal for ice packs to melt during transit, especially during warmer months.

As long as your cheese is cool to the touch when you open the box, it is completely safe and ready to enjoy! Simply place your cheese into the refrigerator as soon as you open your delivery.

If your order feels warm to the touch or if you have any concerns about the freshness of your shipment, please take a photo and reach out to us via email at [email protected] immediately upon arrival so our team can help you out.

If you need to update your shipping address, please contact us immediately at [email protected] with your order number and updated delivery details!

For One-Time Shop Orders

We process and pack orders quickly to get your cheese to you on schedule. If you notice an error on your order confirmation, email us right away. Address changes made close to our Monday and Tuesday shipping windows may not take effect in time. Once a package is in transit with UPS, redirecting it is not always possible, and packages sent to an incorrectly entered address cannot be recovered.

For Cheese Club Members

You can update your default shipping address anytime by logging into your online account before your next club processing date. If a club order has already processed, email us immediately so we can attempt to update the label before it ships.

A Quick Note on Address Accuracy

It is the customer's responsibility to double-check all shipping and billing addresses during checkout. Due to the perishable nature of our products, orders delivered to an incorrect or incomplete address provided at checkout are not eligible for refunds or reshipments.

If a package is already en route with an incorrect address, we recommend contacting UPS directly with your tracking number to attempt a package redirect.

We ship all orders via UPS 1-2 Day Shipping every Monday and Tuesday from our ranch in Cambria, California. This schedule ensures your cheese spends minimal time in transit and arrives fresh at your door by mid-week!

For One-Time Shop Orders

Orders placed before Sunday midnight (12:59 a.m. PST) will ship out Monday or Tuesday. Orders placed after that cutoff will be held and shipped the following week to ensure product quality and avoid weekend transit delays.

For Cheese Club & Recurring Subscriptions

Your club shipment or recurring order will ship on the Monday immediately following your payment processing date.

If you ever want to check the status of an upcoming delivery or need to know the exact shipping date for your next shipment, feel free to log into your account or email us at [email protected] and our team will be happy to look that up for you!

We know you are eager to enjoy your artisan cheese, and tracking delays can be concerning! Here is what to expect if your shipment appears stuck or delayed, along with how we handle transit issues.

Advance Shipping Labels & Processing

We often print shipping labels in advance as our team prepares and packages orders. When a label is created, carrier systems automatically generate a tracking number and estimated delivery date before the package has actually left our creamery.

If your tracking status shows a label has been created but hasn't updated, please rest assured that your cheese is being safely held under proper refrigeration at our facility with gel ice packs. Your box will ship out on our next official shipping day (Mondays and Tuesdays), at which point tracking updates will begin reflecting movement.

Delays in Transit & Warm Packages

Because we ship perishable food, we pack every order with insulated liners and gel cold packs designed to keep your cheese safe during travel. However, unexpected carrier delays can sometimes occur while a package is en route.

If your shipment was delayed in transit and arrives with melted ice packs and cheese that feels warm or room temperature to the touch, please let us know immediately!

To help us assist you:

• Take a photo of the received items and packaging.

• Email [email protected] within 5 business days of delivery.

Our team will file a claim directly with UPS and work quickly to send you a fresh replacement or process a refund.

If you are planning to be away when an order is scheduled to arrive, please let us know as soon as possible so we can help adjust your delivery! Because our cheese is perishable, it is important that someone is available to receive the box and put the cheese in the refrigerator upon arrival.

For Cheese Club & Recurring Subscriptions

If you are a Cheese Club member, you have a few options prior to your renewal date:

• Skip or Reschedule: Log into your online account to skip the upcoming box or push your renewal date back until you return.

• Temporary Address Change: If you are visiting family or staying at a vacation rental in the contiguous U.S., you can update your shipping address in your account (or email us) to have your cheese delivered directly to your trip destination!

For Standard Shop Orders

If you placed a one-time order and realize you will be out of town when it is scheduled to ship, please email us immediately at [email protected]. As long as you reach out before your order is packed and shipped during our Monday–Tuesday shipping window, we are happy to hold your order for a future shipping week or update the delivery address.

Yes! Once you subscribe to our Cheese Club, your quarterly shipments are completely automated so you do not have to worry about manually reordering.

How Our Quarterly Schedule Works

Your club subscription runs on an automated 90-day cycle. Your first box will ship right after you sign up, and subsequent shipments will process every three months thereafter based on your signup date:

• Spring Box: February through April

• Summer Box: May through July

• Fall Box: August through October

• Winter Box: November through January

Managing Your Automatic Shipments

While your shipments are automatic, you remain in full control of your account! You can log into your online account at any time to:

• Skip or reschedule an upcoming delivery if you will be away

• Update your shipping or billing address

• Manage your subscription preferences

Customizing Your Box

If you would like to add extra cheese or pairings to an upcoming club order, request dietary swaps (such as vegetarian-friendly cheeses), or make special arrangements, simply email us at [email protected] before your next 90-day billing date!

Need to Get in Touch?

Because cell service on our rural ranch in Cambria is very spotty, we do not maintain a direct customer service phone line. However, our team checks messages continuously throughout the day! You can reach us anytime by emailing [email protected], filling out our website contact form, or sending us a direct message on Facebook or Instagram.

You can easily manage your Cheese Club membership or recurring subscription directly through the login link at the top right side of our our website at any time!

Self-Service Online Account

Simply log into your Stepladder Creamery account to manage your deliveries, including:

• Skipping or rescheduling your next upcoming shipment if you are going out of town

• Updating your delivery address or billing information

• Changing your payment method

While we do not have a temporary pause setting, if you need a longer break from your subscription, you can easily cancel your membership through your account dashboard and log back in to rejoin whenever you are ready!

Important Timing Note

To ensure changes apply to your next delivery, please update your account prior to your upcoming renewal date. Once an order payment has processed, any skips or cancellations will take effect starting with the following shipment cycle.

Need Assistance?

If you have trouble logging in or need help adjusting your delivery schedule, our team is happy to assist! Send an email to [email protected] before your processing date and we will get your account taken care of.

We are happy to accommodate dietary preferences and special requests whenever possible! We can easily tailor your club shipments for preferences such as:

• Gluten-free selections

• Cow milk cheeses only

• Vegetarian-friendly cheeses: While many traditional cheeses are crafted using traditional animal rennet, the vast majority of our cheeses are made using plant based rennet. Only our bloomy-rind cheeses use traditional animal rennet. If you follow a strict vegetarian diet, simply let us know and we will happily swap bloomy rinds for another delicious cheese of similar value! (Note: All of our gourmet club pairings, like jams, crackers, and nuts, are always 100% vegetarian!)

Please note that because our goat milk cheeses are highly seasonal, we are unable to offer a goat milk only subscription option.

If you have specific dietary needs, allergies, or questions about custom options, please email us at [email protected] before placing your order or prior to your next subscription processing date so we can update your account preferences!

We love partnering with specialty grocery stores, cheese shops, restaurants, wineries, and distributors!

If you are interested in opening a wholesale account or stocking our artisan cheeses, there are two easy ways to get started:

Apply Online

You can submit a quick wholesale inquiry directly through our website! Visit our Wholesale Application Page (also linked in the footer at the bottom of our website) to fill out our wholesale partner form.

Email Our Wholesale Team

You can reach our wholesale department directly by emailing [email protected] with your business name, location, and a brief description of your shop or restaurant. A member of our team will review your information and reach out with our product catalog, pricing, and ordering guidelines.

We would love for you to enjoy our cheeses closer to home!

Please use our Store Finder tool on our website to see if our cheeses and products are currently carried in your local grocery store, cheese shop, or specialty market.

Visit Us at Local Farmers Markets

In addition to retail stores, we regularly attend several farmers markets throughout the San Luis Obispo (SLO) region and the Bay Area! It is a great way to sample our latest cheeses and buy directly from our team.

Please check our Farmers Market schedule page to see where we will be popping up near you this week.

Order Online – Shipped Straight to Your Door

Can't find us in a store near you? You can always order our cheeses, gift boxes, and merch directly through our online shop!

We ship nationwide using eco-friendly, insulated packaging designed to keep your cheese fresh while keeping environmental impact low. Learn more about how we pack and ship your orders on our Shipping Policy page.

Don't See Your Favorite Shop Listed?

• Let Us Know: If you know of a local retailer that carries our products but isn't listed on our map, please send us a note at [email protected] so we can update our directory!

• Request Us at Your Favorite Market: The absolute best way to get our cheese into your local shop is to speak directly with the cheese buyer or store manager at your favorite market. Let them know you'd love to see Stepladder Creamery on their shelves, and drop us a line so our sales team can reach out to them!

We bring our artisan products directly to communities across Northern and Central California every week! 

You can find our booths at weekly farmers markets throughout the Bay Area, San Luis Obispo County, and the Central Coast.

Where to Find Us

• Bay Area: We attend regular weekly markets in San Francisco (including the Ferry Building), Berkeley, Oakland, Marin, San Mateo, Mountain View, Palo Alto, and more!  

• Central Coast / SLO County: Catch us in Downtown San Luis Obispo, Cambria, Morro Bay, Templeton, and surrounding areas.  

A Note on Product Availability

Please note that product selection varies by market! While our artisan cheeses are available at every single market location we attend, additional items like our meats, honey, and seasonal farm goods are only offered at select market locations.

Market schedules, operating hours, and specific booth offerings can change, so please check our full Farmers Market Schedule page for the complete, up-to-date list.

To keep your cheese tasting its absolute best and to maximize its shelf life, all Stepladder Creamery cheeses should be kept refrigerated below 45°F (ideally between 35°F and 40°F). Soft and fresh cheeses are particularly sensitive to temperature and will spoil quickly if left out.

Consumption Order: What to Eat First

If you received a multi-pack or gift box with a mix of styles, we recommend enjoying them in this order for peak freshness:

1. Enjoy First (Shortest Shelf Life): Fresh cheeses (like Chèvre and plain Fromage Blanc) and bloomy rind cheeses. These soft styles continue to ripen and are best enjoyed while fresh.

2. Enjoy Later (Longest Shelf Life): Hard, aged cheeses, cultured butter, and our Marinated Fromage Blanc (which is preserved in oil). These styles stay delicious in the fridge for much longer!

How to Re-Wrap & Store After Opening

How you wrap your cheese after opening makes a huge difference in preserving its flavor and texture:

• Bloomy Rind & Soft-Ripened Cheeses: Keep them in their original breathable paper if possible, or wrap them loosely in wax or parchment paper. These living cheeses need a tiny bit of oxygen so they don't suffocate, but should still be tucked into a container or crisper drawer so they don't dry out.

• All Other Cheeses (Fresh & Hard Styles): Keep these as tightly sealed as possible using plastic wrap, a zip-top bag, or an airtight container to protect them from air exposure and fridge odors.

Freezing Guidelines

• Fresh Chèvre & Plain Fromage Blanc: These soft fresh cheeses freeze wonderfully! Keep them sealed tightly and thaw overnight in the refrigerator before serving.

• Cultured Butter: Our butter also freezes very well for up to several months. Wrap it tightly in an airtight bag or container, and thaw in the fridge overnight before using.  

• Not Recommended for Other Cheeses: We do not recommend freezing our hard, aged, or bloomy-rind cheeses. Freezing expands the moisture trapped inside the cheese structure, which ruins the texture and leaves it crumbly, grainy, or dry once thawed.

• Do NOT Freeze Marinated Fromage Blanc: Freezing olive oil ruins its delicate texture and alters the flavor of the cheese and herbs.

Pro-Tip for Serving: For our aged, hard, and bloomy-rind cheeses, pull them out of the fridge about 20 to 30 minutes before serving to let the full flavors shine! Keep fresh soft cheeses (like Chèvre and Fromage Blanc) chilled right up until serving to preserve their freshness and shelf life.

For most cheeses, serving at room temperature (around 68°F to 70°F) brings out their full depth of flavor, aroma, and creamy texture. However, the ideal timing varies depending on the type of cheese:

• Aged, Hard, and Bloomy-Rind Cheeses: Take these out of the refrigerator about 20 to 30 minutes before serving. This brief warm-up allows the natural fats to soften, unlocking their best texture and flavor profile.

• Marinated Fromage Blanc: Remove this from the fridge 30 to 45 minutes before serving. Because the olive oil solidifies when chilled, giving it extra time at room temperature allows the oil to re-liquefy so you can easily scoop and enjoy the cheese.

• Fresh Soft Cheeses (Chèvre & Plain Fromage Blanc): Serve these chilled straight from the fridge! Leaving fresh soft cheeses out for too long can ruin their delicate structure and shorten their shelf life.

Mold is a natural part of the cheesemaking and aging process! How you should handle mold depends on the style of cheese:

• Hard and Aged Cheeses: If a small spot of mold develops on a hard or aged cheese while in cold storage, simply trim off the moldy portion (along with about a quarter-inch of cheese around it) and enjoy the rest. The interior of the cheese remains completely safe and delicious.

• Soft and Fresh Cheeses: If soft cheeses like Chèvre or plain Fromage Blanc develop unexpected mold, it is best to discard them, as mold spores can spread more easily through high-moisture cheeses.

• Bloomy-Rind Cheeses: The white outer coating on cheeses like Brie or Camembert-style rounds is a safe, natural, and delicious edible mold that gives the cheese its distinct flavor and texture!

If your cheese ever develops an off flavor, unusual consistency, or unpleasant smell, please take a photo and send us an email at [email protected] so our team can help you out!

All tour reservations must be booked online in advance using a valid credit card.

1.Select Your Date & Time:1-2 minutes.

Head to our Tour Booking Page to browse upcoming dates, select your preferred group size, and reserve your spots.

2.Complete Online Checkout:

Enter your contact details and pay securely with a valid credit card to confirm your reservation. You'll receive an instant email confirmation.

3.Sold Out? Join the Waitlist:

If your preferred date is unavailable, join our waitlist directly on the booking page. You'll get an automatic alert if spots open up or new dates are released!

Important Policy Note:

We cannot accept walk-ins under any circumstances. Tours are strictly private or reservation-only to ensure we can accommodate every guest safely on our working ranch.

We offer a few different ways to experience Stepladder Ranch & Creamery! Depending on which tour option you select at checkout, here is what is included:

1. The Classic Tour (Our Main Tour)

1.5 hours. Our most popular option—a complete behind-the-scenes look at everything we do.

• Goat Interactions: Meet, pet, and take photos with our herd.

• Guided Q&A: Learn about our ranch history and sustainable farming practices.

• Guided Cheese Tasting: Sample our seasonal line of artisan goat and cow’s milk cheeses.

• Photo Ops: Plenty of time and scenery for photos throughout the property.

2. Herd Hangout

45 minutes. Perfect for animal lovers who want focused time with the herd.

• Interactive Herd Time: Hands-on time with the goats and fun photo opportunities.

• Ranch Insights: Learn all about goat care, breeding, and their personalities from our team.

3. Guided Cheese Tasting

45 minutes. Designed for foodies who want to jump straight to the flavor.

• Guided Tasting: Enjoy a curated flight of our seasonal artisan goat’s and cow’s milk cheeses.

• Creamery Story: Learn how our cheeses are made and the flavor profiles behind each variety.

Ready to choose your experience?Compare available dates and pick the tour option that fits your visit on our Tour Booking Page.

Please plan to arrive 5 to 10 minutes before your scheduled start time.

Because we run on a set schedule, all tours start promptly on time. Your guide will arrive at the meeting area about 10 minutes prior to the tour start.

What to Expect Upon Arrival

1. Pull Through the Front Gate: Our main gate will be open—simply drive straight on in.

2. Park in the Dirt Lot: Immediately after entering, pull into the dirt parking area on the right side of the road to park your vehicle.

3. Wait for Your Guide: Please wait at the parking area for your guide to arrive.

Important: Please do not drive or walk past the bridge up the main driveway until your guide has greeted your group.

Arrival Policies to Keep in Mind:

• Late Arrivals: If you arrive after your tour start time, we are unable to extend your session, as we require setup and break time between groups.

• Finding the Ranch: Cell service and GPS can be spotty in our area! Please refer to the detailed driving directions sent in your booking confirmation email before heading over.

Because we are a working ranch and creamery, you'll be spending time outdoors on uneven terrain around friendly animals. Here is how to prepare for a comfortable visit:

What to Wear

• Closed-Toe Shoes (Highly Recommended): You’ll be doing plenty of walking on dirt and rough ground—and our goats love to step on toes! Sturdy sneakers or boots are strongly advised over sandals, flip-flops, or heels for your comfort and safety.

• Dress in Layers: Our rural microclimate can be unpredictable, and local weather apps often reflect coastal temperatures rather than conditions at the ranch! Summers usually reach 80°F–95°F, while winters sit around 40°F–60°F. We recommend dressing in layers so you're comfortable no matter what the weather delivers.

Recommended Items to Bring

• Sun Protection: Hat, sunglasses, and sunscreen.

• Reusable Water Bottle: Stay hydrated while walking the grounds.

• Camera / Smartphone: For plenty of photos with the goats and scenic ranch views!

Our working ranch is built on natural, uneven terrain with dirt paths and inclines, which can make navigating our full property challenging for some visitors. However, we strive to create a great experience for everyone and offer options depending on your comfort level and mobility needs!

Choosing the Right Tour Experience

• Guided Cheese Tasting: Our most approachable experience for those with limited mobility is our Guided Cheese Tasting. Unlike the full tour (which involves navigating rough terrain and heading up a steep hill to our pastures), the cheese tasting takes place entirely in our tasting room. Getting into the tasting room only requires navigating a very slight gravel slope.

• Goat Tours: Keep in mind that our goats absolutely love new experiences and tend to flock toward people with canes, walkers, or wheelchairs! We recommend the goat tours only for those intrepid and animal-loving souls who want to be the center of the herd's attention.

Restroom Facilities

We have an ADA-compliant portable restroom available near the main visitor area. Please note that our standard indoor restroom requires climbing a flight of three steps.

Requesting Accommodations

Because every guest's needs are unique, we strongly encourage you to reach out to us before booking or arriving. Please contact our team ahead of time so we can discuss your specific visit and ensure we have everything prepared for a smooth stay.

Because our tour sizes are kept small and staff is scheduled specifically for your visit, reservations are generally non-refundable. However, we understand that travel plans can change!

If you are no longer able to attend your scheduled tour, please contact us as soon as possible. Depending on when you reach out, we are happy to work with you on options such as transferring your tickets to a friend, issuing a store credit, or rescheduling your visit for a future date.

Ticket Transfers & Changes

• Contact Us Early: Please reach out as soon as you know your plans have changed so we can best assist you.

• Cell Service Heads-Up: Mobile service can be very spotty between Cambria and the ranch. Please contact us prior to your tour time so we receive your message in time.

Late Arrivals & Tour Timing

• Prompt Starts: Tours begin promptly at their scheduled start time.

• Late Arrivals: If you arrive late, you are welcome to join the tour in progress, but we are unable to extend your tour time.

Children ages 3 and under are welcome to join us for free!

For children ages 4 and up, ticket prices vary depending on the specific tour experience and the day of the week. Please visit our Tour Booking Page, select your preferred date, and click on a specific tour option to view current pricing.

Group Discounts & Cheese Club Savings

• Family & Large Group Rates: Planning a big family trip or visiting with a large party? We offer special group rates! Please reach out to our team directly before booking to inquire about a group discount.

• Cheese Club Member Discount: Active Cheese Club members receive $25 off per person for up to 20 guests! To qualify for the discount, the active member must book the reservation, attend the tour, and commit to one year of cheese club shipments. Please email [email protected] before booking to request your member discount code. 

Yes! We love hosting private gatherings and larger parties at the ranch. Whether you are celebrating a special milestone or traveling with a big group, we offer flexible options tailored to your visit:

Private Ranch Tours

Private tours are available by request. Pricing depends on your group size, the date and time of your visit, and which tour experience you choose.

Large Group Discounts

If you are booking a standard public tour for a large party, we offer tiered discounts depending on the size of your group.

How to Book or Inquire

To request a private tour or receive a discount code for your large group, please email our team at [email protected] before completing your online booking. Be sure to include your estimated group size, preferred dates, and any specific experiences you have in mind!

Yes, all tour guests are required to sign a digital liability waiver before participating in a ranch experience.  

Why We Require a Waiver

Because we are a real working ranch and creamery, your tour will take place outdoors around live farm animals, curious livestock guard dogs, unpaved terrain, and changing weather conditions. The waiver ensures everyone understands the nature of visiting an active farm environment so we can keep our visitors, team, and animals safe.

Signature Requirements & Guidelines

• Adults (Ages 18+): Every adult guest must complete and sign their own individual waiver online prior to the tour.

• Minors (Ages 0–17): Children must have a waiver signed on their behalf by a parent or legal guardian.

• Visiting with Grandparents or Friends? If you are bringing children on the tour who are not your own legal dependents (such as grandchildren, nieces, nephews, or friends), please ensure their parent or legal guardian completes the online waiver before the trip! Grandparents or friends cannot legally sign a waiver on behalf of someone else's child.

• Tour Date Required: When filling out your waiver, please be sure to include the date of your scheduled tour so we can match it to your reservation.

Complete Your Waiver Online Ahead of Time

To keep check-in moving quickly on the day of your tour, we ask all guests to complete their waiver online before arriving at the ranch:

View or sign our online waiver here.

Unfortunately not, sorry! All visits to the ranch and tasting room require a tour reservation. Because we are a working ranch, reservations ensure we have dedicated staff available to host you safely.

Looking to buy our products locally?

If you can't join us for a tour, you can still purchase our products at the following locations:

• Soto's True Earth Market (Cambria)

• SLO Downtown Farmers Market - Thursday afternoons

• Cambria Farmers Market — Friday afternoons

• Templeton Farmers Market — Saturday mornings

• Morro Bay Farmers Market - Saturday afternoons
  

Ready to book a tour? Click here to check current availability and reserve your spot.

We love welcoming guests to the ranch! We typically release our creamery tour schedule 1 to 2 months in advance.

If you are planning a trip to Cambria and looking to book a tour, here is what to know:

Booking Online

You can check current availability and reserve your spots directly through the Tour Booking page on our website. Dates become available as soon as our seasonal ranch schedule is finalized.

Don't See the Date You're Looking For?

If the month of your planned visit isn't open for booking yet, or if tours appear fully booked for your preferred day, please don't hesitate to reach out!

Email us at [email protected] with your preferred dates and group size. We will gladly add you to our waitlist, notify you as soon as new tour dates open up, or discuss alternative options if available.