Entre Nous with April Garguilo
The art of skincare, slowness, and simplicity
Welcome to Entre Nous, an intimate interview series where I step behind the curtain with tastemakers, founders, and visionaries shaping the worlds of beauty, fashion, and lifestyle. In this debut conversation, I sit down with April Gargiulo, the founder of Vintner’s Daughter, a brand that has redefined luxury skincare with a commitment to quality, craftsmanship, and whole-plant nutrition. Rooted in Napa Valley’s winemaking traditions, April’s approach to skincare is as meticulous and intentional as the vintages her family has cultivated for generations.
In this exclusive interview, she shares her inspiration for creating Vintner’s Daughter, her beauty and wellness rituals, and how nature, craftsmanship, and a less-is-more philosophy guide her life and brand.
Let’s step inside her world—entre nous (between us).
The Philosophy of Vintner’s Daughter
G: Vintner’s Daughter is known for its meticulous, whole-plant formulation process. What inspired you to take such a slow beauty approach in an industry that often prioritizes speed?
A: In fine winemaking there is an understanding that in order to produce the finest wines, you must begin with the finest land, fruit, vintage and a patient approach to winemaking. There is no way to shortcut or disregard any of them in order to make the best wines. Cutting corners is not an option. I built Vintner’s Daughter on the same philosophical foundations of meticulous sourcing and craftsmanship leading to unprecedented performance. There are so many industry forces pushing for cheaper, faster and lower equality formulations. Napa Valley and its ethos has always given me the discipline to never compromise.
G: Can you remember the specific moment when you realized Active Botanical Serum was more than just another skincare product—that it was something truly special? What was that like?
A: There have been so many thrilling moments of discovery, especially since we launched in a very grassroots way. Our first print article in Vogue, Active Botanical Serum becoming the most awarded face oil ever, and so many incredible makeup artists, celebrities and creators who have organically talked about us. I didn't have PR or marketing of any kind in the early years, so each of these moments were hard earned. Even with all of these noteworthy moments, girlfriend to girlfriend recommendations are what drive the most discovery. We have the most generous and amazing community. I am forever grateful for them.
G: What were the top 3 things that you took from your background in winemaking that influenced the way you approach skincare?
A: In order to make the finest of anything, you must start with the highest quality raw materials and honor those materials through meticulous and patient craftsmanship. For winemaking, that results in a bottle of wine that ages beautifully and deeply expresses a time, place and vintage. For Vintner’s Daughter that means formulas that impact the skin in the most positive and lasting way. Our formulas’ results are built to compound with every use. This is why our community says that their relationship with their skin has changed. It goes from one of struggle to celebration.
G: If you had to describe the essence of Vintner’s Daughter in just three words, what would they be?
A: Joy, Gratitude and Confidence. I know there are no words that directly relate to skin, but these are the words we seek to instill in our community with every application.
Beauty & Wellness Rituals
G: How do you wake up? How do you go to sleep? What about these rituals are important to you?
A: My husband wakes me up. He is an early bird and I am not. I make a pot of oolong tea first thing. Tea is a connection ceremony for me each morning and evening. Similarly, our three step routine – Active Renewal Cleanser, Active Treatment Essence and Active Botanical Serum begins and ends my day. I love that in three steps I know my skin is receiving everything it needs to be its most healthy, radiant and balanced.
G: Your products are about simplifying yet elevating skincare—how does that reflect in your personal beauty philosophy?
A: Timeless relevance is something I look for in everything from fashion to design to beauty. At Vintner’s Daughter we are incredibly disciplined about upholding the highest standards of quality, craftsmanship and expression. For me, this is how you create something that is both timeless and forever relevant.
G: What’s one wellness practice you never skip, no matter how busy life gets? Why?
A: Movement. It makes me happy; not always in the middle of it, but when I'm finished, I always feel better
G: What is a supplement, skincare product and/or beauty treatment that you would recommend to your best friend for glowing skin?
A: This is easy. Active Renewal Cleanser, AM and PM. Stop using everything else for two weeks. Skin becomes so balanced and glowing when you let your own skin’s innate powers take over and our cleanser sets that in motion in a results-led way.
G: If someone is new to your brand, what’s the one Vintner’s Daughter product they should start with and why?
A: I am a skincare minimalist and believe that when things are made better, we can use fewer and for longer. This approach is applied to every formula we create. It is why it takes us 21 days to produce every bottle. We care for the skin in the same way we would our bodies, with the world's most nutrient-rich whole botanicals and that cannot be rushed. Because of this, our three formulas deliver everything the skin needs in three simple, multi-beneficial steps. So, choosing one is hard. I would say, choose the one that you are drawn to. Each is a hero on its own and when used together are far greater than the sum of its parts.
G: What is the one skincare or self-care practice you think will never go out of style?
A: Hydration. So simple, and so effective.
Living Well
G: What’s one indulgence you never feel guilty about?
A: Dark chocolate
G: What in your wardrobe do you wear the most?
A: My trenchcoat
G: What’s always in your travel bag when you’re on the go?
A: Old fashioned corded earphones, Mary's Gone Crackers, lip oil, Active Treatment Essence for when I need a midday lift and brighten, dark chocolate and normally a thermos of hot tea.
G: What’s the best piece of advice you’ve ever received—one that still guides you today?
A: Know what your north star is and follow it with incredible heart and hustle.
G: What do you crave most at the end of the day?
A: Time with my family.
G: What is your exercise routine, how often do you do it?
A: I do some kind of movement everyday. Mostly pilates and treadmill. My favorite though are long hikes with friends.
G: What's worth paying for?
A: Anything that is made with true integrity.
G: Lastly, what is your personal philosophy on living beautifully—both inside and out?
A: I have studied zen buddhism for many years and it is foundational for how I approach all aspects of my life. For me, it's about finding balance and contentment in the present. I am rarely chasing empty promises of change, renewal, transformation etc. Instead I work to trust in and listen to my body’s and our earth's innate wisdom.
Thank you for joining me with the first post of entre nous—inside the world of April Gargiulo. Her approach to beauty and living is a reminder that true luxury lies in intention, in nature, and in taking the time to do things well. I hope you leave this conversation feeling inspired to slow down, simplify, and savour the rituals that make life beautiful.
Bisous,
Gabrielle
Just bought Vitner's Daughter Serum for the first time after years of coveting it. It's everything I thought it would be and more. I'm loving it. Beautiful interview! Thank you for sharing!