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Farming with Intention
Rooted in purpose, driven by passion — regenerative viticulture is our roadmap to stewarding Groundstar vineyard with care, cultivating resilience in the land, and honoring our deep connection to place.
The Groundstar Story
The name Groundstar draws inspiration from the Santa Ynez groundstar (Ancistrocarphus keilii), a rare native flower once thought extinct but recently rediscovered at the Vandenberg Space Force Base in Lompoc, CA.
Small but mighty, this rare, beautiful flower is local to the Sta. Rita Hills area and embodies resilience—a principle central to our mission.
Our Mission
Groundstar is a regenerative vineyard estate shaped by intention, stewardship, and a belief in the power of connection — to land, to community, and to one another. Our focus is simple: to farm with integrity, grow exceptional fruit, and create space for meaningful experiences grounded in a sense of place.
The Founders
Chiara Shannon and Joseph Brent
Groundstar is led by husband-and-wife team Chiara Shannon and Joseph Brent, who bring together complementary backgrounds in wine, hospitality, and the arts. Chiara’s work blends regenerative values, wine education, and intentional hospitality, while Joseph brings creative vision and a deep appreciation for nature, craftsmanship, and community. Together, they steward Groundstar with curiosity, responsibility, and heart.
The Team
Groundstar is supported by an incredible team of thoughtful, skilled partners who help bring this place to life each day — from our vineyard managers, consultants, and crew to our hospitality collaborators. We are proud to work alongside Coastal Vineyard Care Associates, respected throughout the region for their expertise and leadership in responsible farming. Our regenerative advisors and consultants enrich our practices with knowledge, innovation, and a shared dedication to land stewardship.
Honoring Legacy, Stewarding Forward
Originally recognized as one of the first vineyards in the United States to achieve organic, Biodynamic, and sustainability certifications, the estate has held a long-standing commitment to responsible farming.
In 2024, we became the next stewards of this land — embracing regenerative farming to build upon that legacy and carry it into the future.
Groundstar is more than a vineyard; it is a living expression of our belief that agriculture can restore ecosystems, inspire connection, and cultivate beauty that endures.
