Groundstar Vineyard & Estate Acquires Historic Williams Ranch

Groundstar Vineyard & Estate, founded by Chiara Shannon and Joseph Brent, said it acquired the historic Williams Ranch, a 247.02-acre property located at 7630 W. Highway 246 in the Sta. Rita Hills corridor. Terms weren't disclosed.

The acquisition expands Groundstar’s stewardship to over 320 acres—a rare opportunity to implement regenerative farming at scale, prioritizing soil health, biodiversity, water resilience, and ecosystem vitality.

“This acquisition represents a large step forward for our work at Groundstar,” said Shannon. “Our focus is on farming in a way that supports the health of the land and, ultimately, the people and communities connected to it. With the Williams Ranch, we now have the opportunity to expand that work by integrating regenerative grazing, enhancing water systems, restoring native habitat, and supporting a more complete and resilient landscape.”

Expanding a Regenerative Framework

Groundstar’s approach is rooted in its regenerative organic farming principles, and is pursuing its Regenerative Organic Certified® (ROC) status. The Williams Ranch acquisition extends that commitment beyond the vineyard. Goals for the Williams Ranch include:

• Regenerative grazing to improve soil health, carbon sequestration, and ecosystem balance
• Water management strategies to support retention, biodiversity and drought resilience
• Wildlife conservation and habitat restoration, including native plant and ecological renewal
• Integrated agricultural systems aligning livestock, land, and long-term stewardship

The acquisition allows Groundstar to manage the vineyard and surrounding rangeland as one connected agricultural property, with vine cultivation, grazing, water retention, native habitat, and soil health practices supporting each other across the landscape.