First Harvest at Groundstar Vineyard: A Milestone Season to Remember + Advancing Regenerative Viticulture

Celebrating the people, passion, and regenerative practices of Groundstar’s first harvest, soon to be featured in an upcoming digital series.

Winemaker Jessica Gasca of Story of Soil harvests Pinot Noir at Groundstar Vineyard as Wine Bros Uncorked captures the action.

We are thrilled to share some exciting news from the vineyard: Groundstar was recently recognized by the Sta. Rita Hills Wine Alliance our leadership in advancing regenerative viticulture in the region. As members of this extraordinary community, it’s an honor to be featured among the Sta. Rita Hills' world-class growers and winemakers. You can learn more about this important organization dedicated to supporting our AVA here: Sta. Rita Hills Wine Alliance.

For us, this recognition is especially meaningful. The history of Groundstar Vineyard carries a unique distinction as the first in the United States to simultaneously achieve organic, Biodynamic, and sustainable certifications. Today, under our stewardship, we are building on that legacy with our goal to achieve Regenerative Organic Certification — a step that reflects our deep commitment to farming in harmony with nature.

Regenerative viticulture is about cultivating living soils, fostering biodiversity, and strengthening climate resilience. In short, it’s a way of farming that gives back more than it takes.

The Sta. Rita Hills AVA is the perfect place to put these practices into action. Rolling, windswept hills shaped by coastal influence, along with our soils of clay loam, sandy loam, and tierra loam, create a dynamic environment where Pinot Noir, Syrah, and Grenache (along with Riesling, Viognier...and Chardonnay to come!) can thrive. Our role is to steward this land thoughtfully so that each vintage reflects the vibrancy and character of our very special terroir.

If you’d like to learn more about the vineyard’s history and our vision for the future, we invite you to explore our website: Groundstar Vineyard.

Meanwhile, harvest is underway! The vineyard is buzzing with energy as we bring in fruit at the peak of ripeness. Our Pinot Noir is classic Sta. Rita Hills, with vibrant color, bright acidity and beautiful balance --- indicative of 2025's long, cool growing season. Grenache is showing lovely color and flavor, along with Syrah — always a later ripener — just around the corner.

Harvest is a season of long days and purple-stained clothes, but this year feels especially meaningful — it’s our very first harvest at Groundstar. Every decision we’ve made in the vineyard over the past year, from cover cropping to tillage, compost, Biodynamic preps, and pruning, has led to this moment. To finally see the fruit coming in, ripe and beautiful, is both humbling and deeply rewarding.

What makes this first harvest even more special is that it was recorded for a new digital series! We were thrilled to welcome the team from Wine Bros Uncorked into the vineyard to capture Groundstar partner winemaker Jessica Gasca of Story of Soil in action as she harvested Pinot Noir for her 2025 vineyard-designate bottling. The crew had full access to the harvest process — from picking and sorting to the winery and tasting room, documenting the joy, precision, and passion that goes into every bottle and creating a lasting record of this milestone season. Stay tuned for announcements when the episode airs — we can’t wait to share this special story with you!

Every step of the way, we’re sharing these moments on Instagram — from early morning picks to the magic of golden-hour vineyard views. If you’d like a closer look behind the scenes, follow us at @groundstarvineyard.

We’re deeply grateful to our winery partners for a joyful first harvest, the Sta. Rita Hills Wine Alliance for recognizing Groundstar’s leadership in regenerative viticulture, and to you, our community, for supporting us as we continue to care for this special vineyard.

With gratitude,

Your Friends at Groundstar Vineyard