.png)
The Legacy of Stewardship Continues with Shared Values and Regenerative Vision
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
LOMPOC — November 18, 2024 — Ampelos Vineyard, a pioneering vineyard in Santa Barbara’s Sta. Rita Hills renowned for its early commitment to organic, biodynamic, and sustainable viticulture, has been acquired by Chiara Shannon and Joseph Brent. The sale marks a significant transition as founders Peter and Rebecca Work pass on the stewardship of their iconic vineyard to a new husband-and-wife team, who bring a passion for regenerative farming practices and a fresh outlook to the operation. Ampelos Cellars, the winery established by the Works, will continue to operate as a separate business.
Established in 1999, Ampelos has been a trailblazer in sustainable viticulture. Under the leadership of the Works, it became the first vineyard in the United States to achieve certifications for organic, biodynamic, and sustainable farming. Their winery, Ampelos Cellars, has gained a global following for hand-crafted Pinot Noir and Rhone wines. After 25 years at the helm, the Works are excited to see the Ampelos legacy continue under new vineyard ownership with shared values.
“Rebecca and I have been in a very special and lucky situation to be able to create and farm Ampelos Vineyard for the last 25 years,” Peter Work says. “We have over the last few years been looking for the next generation to take over our vineyard and its high farming principles. We are convinced that we in Chiara and Joe have found the perfect people that with their experience, vision and dedication will ensure the continuity of Ampelos Vineyard.”
“We live by: ‘We didn’t inherit this land from our parents – it is on loan from our children,’” adds Rebecca Work. “Chiara and Joe will make sure the Ampelos Vineyard is in the best hands and we will be working together with them over the next years to ensure the highest quality of grapes and the best farming principles.”
Chiara Shannon, MBA, DipWSET, brings twenty years of industry expertise and ecological values to the venture. Through her work as a sommelier, wine buyer, expert consultant, and sustainable wine advocate, Shannon is well-equipped for the road ahead. Her husband and business partner, Joe Brent, is the founding partner of California-based law firm Brent & Fiol LLP, where he has built a distinguished career as a trial attorney. Together, they are excited to transition into the world of viticulture and bring their combined talents to the management and growth of Ampelos Vineyard.
“We are honored to take on this new role at Ampelos and look forward to upholding the ideals that Peter and Rebecca have instilled here," says Brent. “We’re inspired by Ampelos’ tradition of land stewardship and look forward to carrying this important legacy into the next chapter.”
The acquisition of Ampelos Vineyard aligns with the couple’s commitment to the regenerative agriculture movement. Shannon and Brent are eager to contribute by preserving the vineyard’s high standards while also bringing their own perspectives and innovations to its practices.
“Joe and I are thrilled to carry forward the vision that Peter and Rebecca set into motion,” Shannon adds. “Ampelos Vineyard is a very special site in Sta. Rita Hills and offers unique opportunities. We will be preserving the name, Ampelos Vineyard, and continue vineyard management under Ruben Solorzano and the great team at Coastal Vineyard Care. That said, we are bursting with ideas for the future. Our first step is to become Regenerative Organic Certified® with the goal to be complete by the end of 2025.”
The Works maintain separate ownership of the Ampelos Cellars winery and will continue in wine production and distribution, with new vintages anticipated for release in the coming months. Wine lovers and Ampelos Cellars fans can expect events and tastings designed to highlight the vineyard’s continued commitment to sustainable winemaking and quality. Ampelos Cellars will continue to source grapes primarily from Ampelos Vineyard.
For more information about Ampelos Vineyard and Ampelos Cellars, please visit
About Ampelos Vineyard & Ampelos Cellars Located in the Sta. Rita Hills AVA in Lompoc, CA, Ampelos Vineyard was first established by Peter and Rebecca Work in 1999 as part of Ampelos Cellars. Known for its pioneering sustainable practices, Ampelos Cellars was the first winery in the USA to achieve organic, biodynamic and sustainable certifications in 2009. They specialize in Pinot Noir and Rhone wines that embody the unique terroir of Santa Barbara County. With the sale of the vineyard in 2024, Ampelos Cellars remains under the Works’ ownership, while Ampelos Vineyard begins a new chapter under Chiara Shannon and Joseph Brent.
Media Contact:
Chiara Shannon
Ampelos Vineyard
818.370.1114
Follow our journey on social @ampelosvineyard!
Comments