Wine, Wellness & Pinot: Women for WineSense "Sip Smarter" + STARS of Pinot Noir 2025
- Chiara Rose Shannon
- Jul 30
- 3 min read
Earlier this summer, I had the pleasure of participating in two exceptional events that celebrate different but complementary facets of the wine world...
On June 25th at Sip Smarter: Decoding Wine & Wellness Buzzwords, I joined a distinguished panel of inspiring women in wine to explore how mindfulness and wellness intersect with modern wine culture.
Speaking from my perspective as a wine industry consultant, educator, and co-owner of Groundstar Vineyard—our 25-acre Biodynamic estate in Santa Barbara County—I shared insights from my Mindful Wine™ framework for enjoying wine in alignment with wellness, sustainability, and conscious living.
I was honored to share the panel with two remarkable leaders: Fahara Zamorano, Founder and Beverage Director of NiteThyme Wine, Fahara INC., and Ace of Cups; and Lydia Richards, Co-Founder of Hispanics in Wine & Spirits and Public Relations Manager at Jackson Family Wines. Our conversation was thoughtfully guided by moderator Rebecca Rose Phillips, Managing Partner and Wine Director at Vintage Wine + Eats and Buvette, whose industry expertise shaped a rich and engaging dialogue.
The event was presented by Women for WineSense, a national nonprofit founded in 1990 and dedicated to supporting women in the wine industry. Through local chapters, national events, roundtables, and international wine travel, the organization fosters education, professional development, and community-building. I am grateful to Brianne Cohen, event producer, wine educator and newly appointed Board President for inviting me to participate on this panel. I look forward to future events and collaborations with this terrific organization.
A month later, on July 24th, I had the distinct pleasure of moderating both the morning and evening VIP winemaker panels at STARS of Pinot Noir, held at the elegant Peninsula Beverly Hills and graciously hosted by Ian Blackburn and Learn About Wine. I offer a heartfelt thank you Ian for the kind invitation and for producing such a thoughtfully curated, beautifully organized event that brought together some of the most exciting voices in Pinot Noir.
It was a true joy to engage with insightful panelists whose passion and expertise offered a compelling glimpse into the future of this fascinating varietal. The wines we tasted showcased remarkable depth, nuance, and expression—underscoring the vitality and innovation that is powering the bright future of Pinot Noir in the West Coast and around the world.
On the panel:
Michael Osborn & Willamette Valley Vineyards: 2017 Elton Vineyard Pinot Noir — Poured from magnum and presented by WVV’s impressive new CEO Michael Osborn, formerly the founder of Wine.com, this wine exemplified the elegance, complexity, and age-worthy structure that define its Eola-Amity Hills terroir. Under the new stewardship of Osborn, Willamette Valley Vineyards continues to pioneer the industry—not only as the original crowd-funded winery but also as one of only two publicly traded wine companies in the U.S. WillametteValleyVineyards.com
Nathan Carlson & Center of Effort: 2021 Rosso Corsa Estate Pinot Noir — COE Head winemaker and General Manager Nathan Carlson brings a fascinating blend of marine biology, viticulture, and enology to his craft. Racy and fresh, this Pinot captures the cool-climate energy of Edna Valley in an approachable style. With the recently recognized San Luis Obispo Coast AVA gaining momentum, this region’s marine-based soils and emerging talent make it a region to watch! COEWine.com
Marie-Laure Ammons & Nid Tissé: 2023 Radian Vineyard Pinot Noir — Presented by the extraordinary Marie-Laure Ammons, this wine took my breath away with radiant magenta hues, mineral-laced red fruit aromas, and ultra-fine, intricately woven tannins. Trained in Burgundy and Bordeaux, Marie-Laure spent 18 years working alongside renowned winemaker Philippe Melka before launching her own boutique label. She carefully selects only the most exceptional vineyard sites for her Pinot Noir and Chardonnay, crafting wines beloved by sommeliers and critics alike. After tasting this, it’s easy to understand the widespread acclaim. I'm already on the hunt for more... NidTisse.com
Following each panel, attendees enjoyed a grand tasting featuring over 40 Pinot Noir producers from near and far — a vibrant celebration of craft, terroir, and community. At a time when large-scale events of this caliber are increasingly rare, STARS of Pinot Noir stands as a testament to Ian Blackburn and the Learn About Wine team, whose dedication and vision keep this event shining brightly year after year.
Both events reminded me of the power of wine not only to delight the senses, but also to spark meaningful dialogue, build community, and inspire a more mindful and sustainable future for our industry.
With gratitude and glass in hand,
Chiara Shannon
Mindful Wine™
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