Tim Stevens

My wine journey began 30 years ago at a small startup. Every time we signed up a new customer, our sales executive, John, would buy me a bottle of wine. At the time, I knew nothing about wine, and more practically, I had nowhere to store it.

Soon, I had two dozen bottles scattered across my dining room floor. When I told John it was time to stop, he handed me a Wine Enthusiast catalog with a specific wine refrigerator flagged. It wasn't the solution I expected, but I leaned in.

I bought the fridge, read the “For Dummies” guides for Red and White wine, and began exploring different regions. I quickly learned that the world of wine is amazing, the people are fascinating, and the experience is truly transcendent.

Thirty years later, I’m still learning every day—only now, I’m making the wines I choose to drink. I am humbled to be in this phase of my journey and honored to share it with a phenomenal team and a group of members who bring me more joy than I can put into words.

For Ryker, food and beverage have always been integral to his character. He can remember making "cooking shows" with his sister when they were growing up and experimenting in the kitchen constantly. He attended Cal Poly, San Luis Obispo and studied Kinesiology and Religious Studies. During breaks he would go back home where his neighbors would bring over bottles of wine. Having worked as a barista and getting into coffee, wine was a natural transition, and by senior year knew he wanted to work in that industry.

After college, he accompanied his girlfriend (now wife) to Miami where she continued her studies and he worked as a Sommelier and Manager. They moved back to the Central Coast following graduation. Ryker started working at Denner Vineyards under the tutelage of Anthony Yount where he remained for three years. He is currently the winemaker at Cordant Winery as well as has his own brand, ídola wine co.

"Wine for me is a spiritual practice. It is self-expression. It is an artform. Instead of using our ears and eyes, we are using our nose and mouth. Wine represents so many different things to so many different people and has the ability to translate pure intention to the ones drinking it."

Our Winemaker

Our Manager of Member and Winery Experience

Tyler grew up in Northern California before heading to Cal Poly, San Luis Obispo, where he earned a degree in Agricultural Systems Management with a focus in Plant Science. Following graduation, he completed a grape harvest here on the Central Coast, deepening his interest in the wine industry before spending a few months in Indonesia, testing his surfboard designs and honing his painting passion. He met founder Tim Stevens during his return to Paso Robles, where he was immediately drawn to the vision and authenticity behind the brand. Tyler brings a creative approach to everything he does: whether it’s building a surfboard, a watercolor painting, or contributing to a wine label. His original artwork is woven into the identity of Misty Oaks, reflecting a shared love for community, craftsmanship, and the Central Coast landscape. With a lifelong passion for surfing and a growing dedication to visual art and winemaking, Tyler sees wine not just as a product but as a medium for storytelling, connection, and creativity.