Groundstar's Chiara Shannon Joins SRHWA Board, Just in Time for Wine & Fire 2025

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

LOMPOC, CA – July 11, 2025 – Groundstar Vineyard™ is delighted to announce that Chiara Shannon, DipWSET sommelier, industry consultant and Groundstar co-founder, has been elected to the Board of the Sta. Rita Hills Wine Alliance. With over two decades of experience and a deeply rooted commitment to regenerative, organic, and biodynamic viticulture, Chiara brings a visionary ecological ethos aligned with the Alliance’s values.

In her new role, Chiara will help lead strategic efforts to expand outreach and elevate the visibility of the Sta. Rita Hills AVA through dynamic experiential marketing and consumer-facing programs. Her focus will include enhancing the customer experience, curating immersive and engaging events beyond the tasting room, and advancing educational initiatives that deepen public appreciation for the region’s wines, terroir, and land stewardship practices.

Chiara’s appointment comes ahead of Wine & Fire 2025, a four-day celebration of Sta. Rita Hills wines and vineyards from August 14–17. The weekend kicks off with the high-energy Barn Party at Peake Ranch (Aug 14), followed by the La Paulée dinner honoring 2025 Vintner of the Year Norm Yost (Aug 15), a Saturday morning Speed Tasting with winemakers (Aug 16), the marquee Grand Tasting at La Purisima Mission that evening, and concludes with a “Sunday Funday” tasting passport across member wineries (Aug 17).

Groundstar looks forward to welcoming friends and wine lovers to this signature celebration and invites all to experience the magic of the Sta. Rita Hills through Wine & Fire 2025.

Tickets and weekend passports are available now at staritahills.com/events.