A New Chapter: My Presidency of the Sta. Rita Hills Wine Alliance
Some news worth sharing—and a few reflections on what it means to be part of a winegrowing community.
I've been meaning to share some personal news here on Mindful Wine, and as the 2026 harvest comes to a close, it feels like a fitting moment to reflect.
Earlier this year, I had the honor of being elected President of the Board of Directors of the Sta. Rita Hills Wine Alliance, an organization representing the growers, winemakers, vineyards, and wineries of one of California's most distinctive wine regions. As the new Sta. Rita Hills Wine Alliance President, I'm grateful for the opportunity to help champion this remarkable winegrowing region and the community behind it.
It's a role I stepped into in May, following my service on the Board of Directors as Vice President and Marketing Chair. And while the months since have been full—between an exceptionally early harvest at Groundstar, our ongoing regenerative farming projects, and a busy calendar of industry commitments—I've been thinking about what this new chapter means to me, both personally and professionally.
Finding My Place in the Sta. Rita Hills
My relationship with wine has taken me to extraordinary places and introduced me to remarkable people. But there is something about the Sta. Rita Hills that continues to draw me in.
Perhaps it's the dramatic landscape, where east-west mountain ranges open toward the Pacific and cool maritime winds shape the character of the wines. Perhaps it's the extraordinary Pinot Noir and Chardonnay, or the diversity of other varieties finding their own expression here.
But increasingly, it's the people.
Since Joe and I acquired what is now Groundstar Vineyard in 2024, my relationship with the Sta. Rita Hills has evolved from that of a wine professional and admirer to someone with a deeper personal investment in the land and the community that stewards it.
I've come to appreciate not only the beauty and potential of this remarkable place, but also the dedication, resilience, and generosity of the people who have helped shape it.
Growers who understand their vineyards down to the smallest variations in soil and slope. Winemakers who approach their craft with curiosity and conviction. Families and entrepreneurs who have invested years—sometimes generations—in building something meaningful.
These are the people behind the wines we love. And their stories deserve to be told.
Leadership & Community: My Role as Sta. Rita Hills Wine Alliance President
Throughout my career, I've been drawn to the intersection of wine, business, education, and human connection. Mindful Wine grew from a belief that wine is about much more than what's in the glass. It is a way of understanding place, culture, agriculture, and the relationships that bring them together.
My work with the Sta. Rita Hills Wine Alliance feels like a natural extension of that philosophy.
The Alliance plays an important role in championing our appellation, connecting its members, and introducing new audiences to the wines and people of the Sta. Rita Hills. But just as importantly, it provides a space for collaboration in an industry that is navigating significant change.
With shifting consumer preferences, economic pressures, and growing attention to the future of agriculture, I believe strong regional communities matter more than ever.
No single vineyard, winery, or business can address every challenge alone. There is real value in sharing knowledge, supporting one another, and working toward a common vision—even as we maintain the individuality that makes our wines and businesses distinctive.
For me, leadership is as much about listening and bringing people together as it is about setting direction. That is the spirit I hope to bring to this role.
Celebrating 25 Years—and Looking Ahead
This year also marks the 25th anniversary of the Sta. Rita Hills AVA, a milestone that invites both celebration and reflection.
In just a quarter century, the appellation has earned an international reputation for exceptional cool-climate wines. That achievement reflects decades of vision, hard work, and a willingness to challenge assumptions about what this region could become.
Our recent Wine & Fire celebration offered a wonderful reminder of that history—and of the vibrant community continuing to carry it forward.
As we look toward 2027 and beyond, I'm excited to work alongside our Board of Directors, members, and partners to strengthen the Alliance, build meaningful connections, and help tell the evolving story of the Sta. Rita Hills.
I also look forward to continuing the conversations that have long been central to Mindful Wine: about sustainability, responsible business, the people behind the bottle, and the ways wine can connect us more deeply to the world around us.
In Gratitude
Taking on this role has been both an honor and a responsibility, and I'm grateful for the trust and encouragement of my fellow Board members and the broader Sta. Rita Hills community. I'm especially appreciative of the opportunity to contribute to a region that Joe and I now call part of our home.
If there's one thing this journey continues to teach me, it's that the most meaningful things we build—whether a vineyard, a business, or a community—are rarely built alone.
Here's to the people, the place, and the possibilities ahead.
For more about my appointment and the Sta. Rita Hills Wine Alliance's 25th anniversary, you can read the full announcement on the Groundstar Vineyard Journal.
With Intention,
Chiara
Founder, Mindful Wine™
Co-Founder, Groundstar Vineyard & Estate
President, Sta. Rita Hills Wine Alliance
About Mindful Wine™
Mindful Wine™ is my platform for wine industry consulting, education, and thoughtful conversation about the world of wine. Through strategic advisory, I work with vineyards, wineries, brands, and industry organizations on business strategy, positioning, marketing, and sustainability—bringing together practical industry experience with a long-term perspective. I also share insights through writing, speaking, and education, exploring the connections between wine, people, place, and culture.
Interested in working together or collaborating? Let's connect.
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