In the News: Groundstar Vineyard Featured in The Independent for Hosting LPFW’s ‘Wilderness Table’ Dinner

We are incredibly honored to be featured in The Santa Barbara Independent in a recent article by journalist Matt Kettmann, highlighting our partnership with Los Padres ForestWatch (LPFW) for their upcoming Wilderness Table dinner. The event is part of a new series of fundraising experiences LPFW is debuting, and it will be taking place here at Groundstar Vineyard on Sunday, May 4.

In a region known for its abundance of fundraising events, LPFW’s team has thoughtfully re-imagined how to engage supporters — choosing intimacy, intention, and immersive connection over the traditional gala. The Wilderness Table dinner will invite guests to not only enjoy a remarkable meal by Chef Jake O. Francis, but also to experience the land and learn about regenerative farming practices firsthand.

This event reflects everything we stand for at Groundstar: celebrating local food and wine, building community, and embracing our collective responsibility to care for and preserve our natural heritage for generations to come.

A Vineyard Rooted in Regeneration

At Groundstar, we believe regenerative agriculture is the crucial next step — not just for our vineyard, but for the climate, the soil, and the health and well-being of our farming communities.

That's why we are especially proud that the article touches on our evolving journey toward regenerative viticulture. As part of the event, Groundstar's very own Chiara Shannon and Joseph Brent will be leading a vineyard tour, offering guests insight into our farming philosophy and how it connects to the work of LPFW.

Wines That Tell a Story

Of course, no evening in the Sta. Rita Hills would be complete without great wine — and we’re delighted that the article also included a nod to a few of the special wines we will be sharing during the course of the evening.

To complement Jake O. Francis’ exceptional menu, guests will enjoy a lineup of low-intervention, organic, and Biodynamic wines —including the Condor Red, a Syrah blend by Solminer Wine crafted in tribute to LLPFW and its critical conservation work. We will also be debuting Native Bloom Winery’s carbonic Grenache, a brand-new release and the first wine to proudly bear the Groundstar Vineyard designation.

Additional producers highlighted in the lineup include Flying Goat Cellars and Amevive. Each wine tells a unique story of place and purpose.

Gratitude

We want to extend our heartfelt thanks to Matt Kettmann and The Independent for capturing the spirit of this event and the shared values that brought it to life. Beyond the privilege of hosting this event in support of LPFW, it’s an honor to contribute to what promises to be a very meaningful and memorable evening for all who attend. 

After all, walking the vineyard together, then gathering to enjoy a meal overlooking the very land where these grapes were grown—that’s the true essence of connection. 

You can read the full article here: Los Padres ForestWatch Hosts Wilderness Table. For event details, visit lpfw.org.

We look forward to seeing you on May 4!