Grounded Wine Co.

Grounded Wine Co. was founded in 2018 by Josh Phelps, a second-generation winemaker raised in the heart of Napa Valley. Son of renowned winemaker Chris Phelps (Dominus, Caymus), Josh grew up immersed in the world of viticulture and cellar work, but sought to build something distinctly his own: a wine company rooted in authenticity, approachability, and American heritage. Since launching his first vintages in 2019 and 2020, Josh has scaled the business rapidly, growing to over 80,000 cases annually. Along the way, he’s been recognized by Forbes “30 Under 30,” Zagat “30 Under 30,” and Wine Enthusiast’s “40 Under 40,” and has positioned Grounded Wine Co. as one of the most exciting young brands in the market.

Josh works with a select group of premium, sustainably farmed vineyards across California’s interior North and Central Coast valleys. Each site is chosen for its ability to contribute distinct regional character and complementary traits to the wines, creating layered, balanced expressions that stay true to their place. These long-standing grower partnerships are central to the winery’s ethos, ensuring transparency, traceability, and consistent quality. In 2020, Josh transitioned Grounded Wine Co. to a fully independent operation, assembling a national sales team and expanding distribution across the U.S. while maintaining strong relationships with trusted wholesale partners.

In the cellar, the focus is on precision and restraint. Vineyard and winery teams coordinate closely to harvest fruit at peak ripeness under optimal conditions. Fermentations are managed to extract vivid color, supple tannins, and clean varietal character, followed by extended maceration to build depth and texture. Oak aging and blending are approached thoughtfully, used to support—rather than overshadow—the wine’s natural profile. The result is a lineup of honest, expressive wines that reflect where they come from and the care that goes into making them.