Groundstar’s Chiara Shannon Elected President of the Sta. Rita Hills Wine Alliance
- Aug 11
- 4 min read
Updated: Aug 11
As the Sta. Rita Hills celebrates its 25th anniversary, Groundstar co-founder Chiara Shannon steps into a new leadership role—and looks ahead to Wine & Fire 2026.
We are delighted to share some exciting news from Groundstar: our co-founder, Chiara Shannon, MBA, DipWSET, has been elected President of the Sta. Rita Hills Wine Alliance.
The appointment comes just over a year after Chiara joined the Alliance’s Board of Directors and at an especially meaningful moment for the region, as the Sta. Rita Hills AVA celebrates its 25th anniversary in 2026.
For Chiara, the role is an extension of something central to Groundstar’s philosophy: the belief that the future of wine is shaped not only by what happens within our own vineyard, but by the strength of the community around it.
A New Chapter with the Sta. Rita Hills Wine Alliance
The Sta. Rita Hills Wine Alliance represents the growers, winemakers, vineyards, and wineries that have helped establish this western corridor of Santa Barbara County's transverse range as one of the world’s most exciting cool-climate winegrowing regions.
Since joining the Board in 2025, Chiara has worked to expand the visibility of the appellation, strengthen engagement with members and consumers, and create experiences that connect people more deeply with the wines, vineyards, and personalities that define the Sta. Rita Hills.
As President, she looks forward to building upon that work alongside the Alliance Board, its members, and the broader winegrowing community.
“Groundstar may be the land we steward, but the Sta. Rita Hills is our community. The AVA is truly unique—set within one of the world’s few transverse mountain ranges, with a climate and geology exceptionally suited to world-class winegrowing. Just as importantly, it is a place shaped by passionate farmers, winemakers, entrepreneurs, and families who believe deeply in its potential. It's an honor to have the opportunity to share that story and contribute to what comes next.”
About the Sta. Rita Hills & the Wine Alliance
Located in western Santa Barbara County, the Sta. Rita Hills AVA is a small winegrowing region defined by its rare east-west transverse mountain ranges, cool Pacific influence, persistent winds, and unique marine-based soils. These conditions have made the appellation particularly renowned for world-class Pinot Noir and Chardonnay, while an increasingly diverse range of varieties continues to demonstrate the character and potential of the region.
The Sta. Rita Hills Wine Alliance brings together the growers, winemakers, vineyards, and wineries who farm, craft wine, and do business within the appellation. Through education, advocacy, events, and regional promotion, the Alliance works to champion the Sta. Rita Hills, strengthen its winegrowing community, and share the people, wines, and places that make the region distinctive.
Join Chiara Shannon and the Sta. Rita Hills Wine Alliance to Celebrate 25 Years of the AVA at Wine & Fire 2026
There could hardly be a better way to begin this new chapter than Wine & Fire 2026, the Sta. Rita Hills Wine Alliance’s signature annual celebration, taking place August 13–16.
This year’s festival marks the 25th anniversary of the Sta. Rita Hills AVA with four days of extraordinary wines, food, vineyard experiences, and opportunities to meet the people behind the region.
The weekend includes a rare 20+ Year Retrospective Tasting of Chardonnay and Pinot Noir, the opening-night Barn Party at historic Sanford & Benedict Vineyard, and Honorary Dinner with Richard Sanford at the Alma Rosa Estate. The festival continues with immersive events and tastings, including a Blind Tasting and Masterclass with Master of Wine Amy Christine, festive La Paulée Dinner, the always-popular Speed Tasting with Winemakers, and more. The weekend culminates with the signature Grand Tasting at La Purisima Mission on Saturday, featuring more than 40 Sta. Rita Hills wineries and purveyors.
This year’s celebration also honors three people whose work reflects the talent and dedication behind the appellation: Greg Brewer, 2026 Vintner of the Year; vineyard manager Francisco Ramirez, recipient of the Farming Leadership Award; and longtime Sanford Cellar Master Auggie Rodriguez, recipient of the Cellar Excellence Award.
The vineyards and rolling hills of the Sta. Rita Hills AVA in Santa Barbara County. Groundstar founders Chiara Shannon and Joseph Brent celebrate Wine & Fire in the Sta. Rita Hills. The Wine & Fire Grand Tasting at historic La Purísima Mission showcases wines from across the Sta. R Sta. Rita Hills winemakers and guests gather around the table for the Wine & Fire La Paulée Dinner. Wine & Fire after dark—a celebration of the wines, people, and community of the Sta. Rita Hills. A sparkling start to Wine & Fire, the Sta. Rita Hills Wine Alliance’s signature annual celebration.
Meet the Makers. Taste the Wines. Celebrate the Sta. Rita Hills.
Wine & Fire has always been about more than tasting exceptional wine. It is an invitation to experience the Sta. Rita Hills through the people and places that make it extraordinary—to walk the vineyards, meet the growers and winemakers, share a table, discover something new, and celebrate a winegrowing community unlike any other.
For Groundstar, that spirit of connection is especially meaningful.
We are proud to be part of the Sta. Rita Hills community, proud to support the Alliance, and incredibly excited for what lies ahead.
We hope you’ll join us August 13–16 as we raise a glass to 25 years of the Sta. Rita Hills—and to the next chapter still being written.
Wine & Fire 2026
August 13–16, 2026 | Sta. Rita Hills, Santa Barbara County
Four days of rare wines, iconic winemakers, vineyard experiences, food, music, and celebration throughout the Sta. Rita Hills.
