Guided Cheese Tasting
About this tour:
This experience is made just for the cheese lovers! Created with our fellow food lovers in mind, this experience takes you straight to the heart of our craft. Gather around the table for a guided tasting of our farmstead cheeses, showcasing a rotating selection of seasonal favorites along with sourdough or gluten-free crackers. For those wishing to explore further, a selection of accompaniments is available for purchase in our farm store to complement and personalize your flight.
As your host leads you through the tasting, you’ll explore the character of each cheese, the traditions and techniques behind its creation, and the science that shapes its flavor. It’s an elevated yet approachable way to deepen your appreciation for farmstead cheesemaking and savor the best of what we produce here on the ranch.
- All visits are by reservation only, no walk-ins.
- No refunds or cancellations. Reservations can be rescheduled or transferred with at least 24 hours notice.
- Please leave your fur babies at home. Pets are NOT allowed on our property.
- All tips go straight to the tour guide who will be leading the tour. Tips are appreciated, but not expected!
- Pricing is per person, not per group. Please select the quantity of tickets for the number of people in your group when booking.
- For large groups, please email us at info@stepladdercreamery.com to inquire about availability and group discounts.
- If you do not see a date that works for you, please email us at info@stepladdercreamery.com and we can do our best to accommodate your group.
All tour options
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Special Rate for Members
Did you know Cheese Club members receive a special discount on all farm tour reservations? It’s just one of the many perks that come with being part of our farm family.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do you book a tour?
Tours can be purchased on our website using a valid credit card. Please select the type of tour, an available date and time, and number of visitors. We require a ticket for each visitor age 3+. If you encounter any issues with the booking process or have any questions, please contact us at info@stepladdercreamery.com and we will be happy to assist you.
What’s included in the tour?
Every ticket includes guided access to explore a specific portion of the Stepladder Ranch and Creamery property. Because we offer a variety of experiences, the exact itinerary varies according to the interests of our guests! Our tours can include meeting our goats, observing the morning milking process, and, of course, a delicious cheese tasting. Check the details of your chosen tour to see which experiences are part of your adventure.
How early should I arrive for my tour?
Tours start on time and we recommend showing up about 5-10 minutes early. Guests can come and leave within your scheduled tour window. If you show up late for your tour, we will not extend your time.
We will come to the front gate to greet guests prior to each tour. Upon booking you will receive a confirmation email with detailed driving directions on how to find us. Please wait in your car near the gate until the tour guide arrives to escort you up the driveway to the designated parking area.
What do I bring on the tour?
Since you will be visiting a working farm and ranch, please come prepared! We require all guests to wear closed-toed shoes that are comfortable for walking, as clothes and shoes have the possibility of getting dirty. We also recommend you wear or bring appropriate layers - such as jackets, hats, and sunglasses - for the unexpected hot or cold weather. Sunscreen and water bottles are also highly recommended. Keep in mind that the weather on the ranch is often different than that on the coast or inland, so being able to add or remove layers is often important for your own comfort.
Can I bring food and drinks onto your property to picnic?
You are welcome to bring non-alcoholic food and beverages. Please keep in mind, however, that alcoholic beverages are not permitted. Also, we are unable to host picnicking on the property as we do not have a dedicated picnic area. Due to staffing and liability constraints, your time on the ranch is limited to the exact window of your scheduled tour.
What is your weather policy?
Tours are held rain or shine! If the forecast calls for rain, we recommend bringing rain gear. Much of the tour takes place under cover, but there are short walks between locations without shelter. If weather conditions are ever deemed unsafe, we’ll cancel the tour and notify you through your preferred contact method (call, text, or email) indicated at sign-up.
How are your tours for people with limited mobility?
We have an ADA-compliant portable restroom and our tasting room is easily accessible by wheelchair.
However, please be aware that the full tour takes place on a working farm with uneven terrain, which can present a challenge for guests with limited mobility. We strive to create a special experience for all our guests. If you have any special needs or require accommodations, please get in touch with us for a detailed conversation about navigating the tour route.
Are animals, including service animals, allowed?
No dogs or pets of any kind are permitted on the property - no exceptions.
This rule includes all service animals. As a working ranch, we employ trained Livestock Guardian Dogs (LGDs) whose primary function is to protect our herds by warding off all unfamiliar domesticated animals, including dogs. For the safety of our livestock, our working dogs, and your animal, we cannot allow outside animals onto the property.
If you arrive with a pet, you will be asked to leave.
Special Accommodation for Pets: If you need to bring a pet, with prior permission, we may be able to arrange for your animal to be left safely in your car near the entrance gate. Please contact us in advance to discuss and arrange this accommodation.
Refunds & cancellations
No refunds or cancellations. Reservations can be rescheduled or transferred with at least 24 hours notice.
Tours start on time. Guests can come and leave within your scheduled tour window. If you show up late for your tour, we will not extend your time.
All questions or special requests must be handled at least 24 hours prior to your tour. Our farm does not have great cell service from central Cambria to the ranch property, so everything must be handled in advance.
Do you offer private or group tours?
Yes, we are open to private tours for groups. Please email us at info@stepladdercreamery.com to inquire about availability and group discounts.
Terms and conditions
All guests are required to sign a liability waiver upon entering the farm property.
Other questions?
If you have further questions about tours, please email us at info@stepladdercreamery.com.