Former Sta. Rita Hills Biodynamic Vineyard Ampelos Sold
New owners expected to complete Regenerative Organic Certification in progress
A press release from Ampelos Vineyard said that Peter and Rebecca Work, long time owners, have sold their Santa Rita Hills vineyard to wine industry professional Chiara Shannon and lawyer Joseph Brent.
The Works bought their land as they fled from the 9-11 tragedy in New York City in 2001. Peter, a native of Denmark, liked to call himself “the Danish cowboy.” They grew both Rhone grapes and Pinot Noir and are fond of pointing out they were the first to be certified organic, biodynamic and sustainable in the region. (In 2021, they dropped biodynamic certification). Recently they’ve been getting ready to become certified regenerative organic.
The Works have had the property on the market for several years.
The Works left the corporate fast lane in Manhattan for the life of the farm, buying into the Sta. Rita Hills before the AVA was even established.
They also have ties to Greece—Peter’s sister runs an inn there–hence the name "Ampelos," the Greek word for wine.
The press release says, ‘Chiara Shannon, MBA, DipWSET, brings twenty years of wine industry experience 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.”
“Joe and I are thrilled to carry forward the vision that Peter and Rebecca set into motion,” Shannon said in the press release. “We will be preserving the name, Ampelos Vineyard, and continue vineyard management under Ruben Solorzano and the great team at Coastal Vineyard Care.”
According to the press release, “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.”
Shannon studied yoga and mindfulness and says publicly that that helped her in her early days role as head sommelier at K&L Wine Merchants in Redwood City and in her current private consulting work. More information about her is available at her website at www.mindfulwine.co.
Brent specializes in personal injury law.