Behind the Serum: Meet April Gargiulo of Vintner's Daughter

While I always love to hear about new brands making non-toxic, natural and organic beauty formulas, I want to know they truly work before incorporating them into my regimen. The girls of CAP Beauty, whom I trust implicitly, introduced me to Vintner’s Daughter, a Northern California–based company that makes a single product. Described as liquid gold, Active Botanical Serum is an infusion of 22 of the world’s most active organic and wildcrafted botanicals, bottled in violet glass. 

The creator of this prized potion is April Gargiulo, a furniture designer-turned-winemaker-turned-skincare expert. I began using the serum most nights, as did some friends, and I’ve witnessed real changes in our skin since. Drawing from her family’s rich knowledge of fine winemaking, April figured out how to create an incredibly active all-natural product that treats a number of complexion concerns. It’s a testament that her single serum has become so sought after. Her family’s wine is also divine. At our recent evening with Martha Stewart, we served the Gargiulo Vineyards Money Road Ranch Cabernet Sauvignon. I hope you enjoy learning more about April, below. XXJKE   

Rip&Tan: You worked in furniture design and winemaking before launching Vintner’s Daughter. How did each of those career choices get you to this point? 

AG: If I had to pull a common thread out of my varied professional career I would say craftsmanship and quality would be it. I was drawn to design, fine wine and now Vintner’s Daughter because of the commitment to quality and expression each path had. I value these two pursuits a great deal. 

Rip&Tan: What was the impetus for getting into the beauty industry with your own product, and what was the process of formulating it like? 

AG: I have always struggled with my skin and I have tried everything. Like many woman, when I became pregnant I was made aware of all the toxins I was putting on my body. I went in search of high-performance focused naturals and couldn’t find anything that addressed my particular concerns at a high level. I began researching and working with the industry’s most talented formulators to come up with my dream product. Something that was great for inflamed, acne-prone skin, that reduced pigmentation, increased clarity and elasticity, and protected against fine lines and wrinkles. It was a tall order, but what we created is a game-changer. 

Rip&Tan: Your serum has a serious cult following. To what do you attribute that? 

AG: We strive to produce a product of superior quality and results. We do this using ancient techniques and exacting methodology. Woman recognize that difference and want to share it with their friends. We are very grateful.

Rip&Tan: In your own words, what makes Active Botanical Serum so heroic? 

AG: Active Botanical Serum was formulated to be your desert-island product; the product you would never travel without. It contains the most nutrient-dense botanicals and active essential oils in the world that together deliver serious multi-correctional results; everything from acne to discoloration to fine lines and wrinkles to clarity, tone and general radiance. It does the job of so many products in one. It is hard to believe the hype, but it’s all true. 

Rip&Tan: In what ways has your knowledge of winemaking helped you with skincare? Grape seed oil is known to be incredible for the skin, but other than that are they related? 

AG: Fine winemaking has informed so much of what Vintner’s Daughter is. Philosophically we share a dedication to craft, the finest quality and a deep appreciation for the process. In addition, the formulation process itself is borrowed directly from fine winemaking. We begin with whole botanicals and use a winemaking technique called extended maceration to infuse their actives into our foundation oils. It is a time consuming and expensive process, but one that results in a far superior product.

Rip&Tan: Now that you’ve created your hero product to address your initial concerns and needs, what is next for Vintner’s Daughter? 

AG: We are very focused on building a great company around this incredible product. New products will be introduced that support Active Botanical Serum, but can also stand on their own. We will only produce products that live up to our high demands.

Rip&Tan: I know you give a portion of proceeds from sales to charity. What inspired that initiative, and what does V Day, the charity, mean to you? 

AG: I believe we all have a duty to give back. It is a great pleasure to be able to give back with my time and with 2% of our sales. We are focused on charities that advance and protect woman and children around the world.

Rip&Tan: I would expect that when you entertain your guests expect great wine. Do you have a favorite varietal or vintage to serve? 

AG: Of course I love wines from my family’s winery, Gargiulo Vineyards, but I always like to begin an evening with a glass of bubbles.

Rip&Tan: How would you describe your aesthetic as it pertains to your home? 

AG: I don’t like things to be too perfect or precious. I have young kids and that isn’t where we are in our lives. I love a mix: high/low, new/vintage, modern/antique. For me it’s about creating a balance. My go-to designers are Axel Vervoordt, Nate Berkus, Commune, Erin Martin. She designed our home and winery. Love her. 

Rip&Tan: What do you do to truly relax and disconnect? 

AG: Hiking in northern California is truly a gift, spending time with my sweet daughters, meditation, having a perfect cocktail with my incredibly amazing husband at a great bar, and travel. I have a terrible wanderlust.

Rip&Tan: Besides your own formula, what other beauty products do you use day-to-day? 

AG:I’m constantly in research mode, so I try new products all the time. Some all-time favorites though are In Fiore body balm, Biologique Recherche P50 lotion, Luzern Enzyme mask. Lots of homemade masks, too.

Rip&Tan: Do you have any skincare tips or home remedies you can share? 

AG: My best skincare tip is to drink lots and lots of water, meditate and get plenty of sleep. All simple, but not always easy. Do the best you can. Another one is below. It is a DIY mask for inflamed, red or lackluster skin.  

Serious Glow Mask 

Mix 2 tablespoons goat milk yogurt, 1 teaspoon turmeric and/or chlorophyll and 1 teaspoon manuka honey.  Apply to clean face and leave on for 15 minutes. Rinse, tone and apply Vintner’s Daughter using Push / Press technique. 

Photo: Brittany Wood