Groundstar Vineyard Becomes First Regenerative Organic Certified® Vineyard Estate in the Sta. Rita Hills AVA
- 4 days ago
- 3 min read
A milestone for our vineyard—and for the future of regenerative farming in one of California's premier winegrowing regions.
We are honored to share an exciting milestone for Groundstar and the future of regenerative viticulture in the Sta. Rita Hills.
Earlier this summer, Groundstar officially became the first Regenerative Organic Certified® (ROC) vineyard estate in the Sta. Rita Hills AVA, recognizing our commitment to farming in a way that restores the health of the land while producing exceptional wine grapes on one of California's most distinguished winegrowing regions.
For us, this certification is about much more than earning another seal. It reflects a philosophy that has guided every decision we've made since becoming stewards of this remarkable property: caring for the vineyard as part of a living ecosystem where healthy soils, thriving biodiversity, responsible farming, and vibrant communities are deeply connected.
What Regenerative Organic Certified® Means for Groundstar Vineyard
Administered by the Regenerative Organic Alliance and verified through California Certified Organic Farmers (CCOF), Regenerative Organic Certified® is among the world's most rigorous agricultural certifications. Building upon certified organic farming, ROC also evaluates soil health, animal welfare, and social fairness, recognizing farms that actively regenerate natural systems rather than simply sustaining them.
Achieving certification required careful documentation, third-party verification, and the integration of regenerative practices across the entire estate.
Farming From the Ground Up
It is often said that great wines begin in the vineyard. At Groundstar, we know this to be true—and we believe that exceptional vineyards are rooted in something deeper: living soils, thriving biodiversity, and thoughtful stewardship of the land.
Over the past two years, we have expanded compost applications, increased cover cropping, introduced carefully managed sheep grazing, reduced tillage, planted native habitat, and embraced biodynamic principles that strengthen the biological life of our soils. Every decision is made with the long-term health of the vineyard and surrounding landscape in mind.
These practices help create healthier soils, greater biodiversity, improved water resilience, and naturally balanced vines—laying the foundation for expressive, site-driven fruit that reflects the unique character of the Sta. Rita Hills.
Honoring a Legacy While Looking Forward
Long recognized as one of California's pioneering organically and biodynamically farmed vineyards, Groundstar carries forward a legacy of ecological stewardship.
Receiving Regenerative Organic Certified® builds upon that legacy while marking an exciting new chapter. As stewards of the land, we believe agriculture can do more than produce exceptional grapes—it can restore ecosystems, strengthen rural communities, and create a lasting positive impact for future generations.
We are deeply grateful to our vineyard team, advisors, partners, and the many people whose expertise and dedication helped make this achievement possible.
Stewarding Tomorrow
This certification is not the finish line—it is another step in an ongoing journey.
We remain committed to continuous learning, thoughtful stewardship, and sharing what we discover along the way. We look forward to welcoming visitors, collaborating with our winery partners, and continuing to demonstrate how regenerative agriculture can help shape the future of winegrowing in the Sta. Rita Hills.
Stewardship is best shared
This certification is not a finish line—it is another step in our journey.
In the months ahead, we look forward to sharing more of Groundstar through seasonal journal entries, behind-the-scenes stories, and thoughtfully curated vineyard experiences that connect guests with the land, the farming, and the people behind it.
We invite you to follow our journey by joining our mailing list and following us on social media as we continue to explore what regenerative farming can mean for the future of wine.
Stay connected with Groundstar
Join our mailing list to receive vineyard updates, journal stories, and early invitations to future events.
Follow us on Instagram (@groundstarvineyard) for seasonal moments from the vineyard and behind-the-scenes glimpses of regenerative farming.
Explore the Journal for more stories about the vineyard, our farming philosophy, and life in the Sta. Rita Hills.
We look forward to welcoming you to Groundstar.
