A Year of Growth, Grit & Gratitude

Happy Holidays, from my heart to yours. 🥂

As 2025 winds to a close, I’ve been reflecting on a year that stretched me, steadied me, and affirmed why I choose to work at the intersection of wine, wellness, education, and community.

This year marked the official debut of Groundstar Vineyard — a new business venture and rebrand rooted in stewardship, regenerative farming, and a deep sense of place. I also traveled to London to celebrate a milestone long in the making: earning my WSET Diploma, surrounded by peers from across the world in the historic Guildhall. In the spring, Groundstar hosted The Wilderness Table in support of Los Padres ForestWatch — an evening of open sky, long tables, farm-driven food, and shared intention that introduced Groundstar as a place to gather, nourish, and celebrate with purpose.

Closer to home, I stepped into leadership as a Board Member of the Sta. Rita Hills Wine Alliance, and had the honor of moderating the winemaker panel at Stars of Pinot Noir and participating as a panelist for Women for Wine Sense LA. I appeared on the news twice, sharing perspective on tariffs and the evolving landscape of American wine — proof that voices grounded in soil and science are needed more than ever. I am also honored to serve on two additional boards — The Autry Museum of the American West and The Art & Ecology Studio — extending my stewardship beyond the vine into the broader realms of art, ecology, culture, and community connection.

At Groundstar, my husband and business partner, Joseph Brent, and I navigated our first year harvest year as new owners, while spearheading our evolution toward regenerative viticulture. Our commitment to regenerative viticulture is both practical and philosophical — we believe that healthier soils create healthier vines, communities, and wines. Weaving permaculture and biodynamic practices into our regenerative philosophy, we work with natural rhythms and methods to enliven the soil and support resiliency in harmony with the forces that influence our land. It was was a year of dust, mud, and sweat; of early mornings and late nights; of breakthroughs and setbacks. It was the most incredible year of our lives.

To my husband, our team, mentors, friends, family, and the generous wine community — thank you. Without your love, enthusiasm and support, none of this would be possible.

If you'd like to follow our journey, I invite you to subscribe to the Groundstar Journal and connect with us on social.

Until then — cheers to rest, renewal, and the creativity that blooms from shared intention.

Happy Holidays, from my heart to yours. 🥂

Chiara