A Love Story of Community and Art

A Commitment to Be the Best Sonoma Winery Experience

In 1960, when Walter Byck proposed to Marijke Hoenselaars in a sculpture garden in the Netherlands, they could not have foreseen that their shared passions would lead to the creation of one of the Russian River Valley’s most cherished wineries. In 1978, after more than a year of searching for the perfect location, Walter arrived home late one evening, jubilant, and declared to his family, “Marijke, children, I have found paradise!” That paradise was 155 acres overlooking the Russian River Valley. They began cultivating the land with carefully chosen varietals suited to the region’s unique climate and terroir. By 1994, their vision blossomed into Paradise Ridge Winery—a stunning estate winery featuring exquisite wines, a curated sculpture grove, and a welcoming community gathering space.

By 1997, Walter retired from a successful medical career to focus fully on the winery alongside Marijke. Together, they poured their energy into nurturing their estate and championing philanthropic endeavors, particularly in social justice and in the arts. For Marijke, community was a cornerstone of her life. She worked tirelessly in leadership roles with organizations like UNICEF, Task Force on the Homeless, and Catholic Charities, advocating for global peace and justice. Her compassion and dedication to improving lives both locally and globally remain an enduring legacy.

Walter’s passion for art came to life on the property, where he created an expansive sculpture garden among ancient oaks and peaceful glens. Connected by meandering paths, the grove became a dynamic space for rotating exhibits and artistic exploration. In 2004, Walter spearheaded Sculpture Sonoma, a community-wide art initiative that provided a platform for local artists to showcase their work. After Marijke’s passing in 2006, the grove was renamed Marijke’s Grove in her honor. In 2012, the Byck family partnered with the Voigt Family Sculpture Foundation to bring even more cutting-edge public art to Sonoma County’s scenic foothills.

In 2017, the estate faced devastating loss when a firestorm swept through the property, but the family’s resilience and commitment to sustainability prevailed. After extensive restoration, Paradise Ridge Winery reopened in December 2018, once again offering its signature blend of gracious hospitality and breathtaking views. Today, the winery continues to thrive under the stewardship of Walter and Marijke’s children, who remain dedicated to their parents’ vision.

Paradise Ridge Winery is now a celebrated destination, offering guests award-winning wines from the Russian River Valley and Rockpile AVAs paired with seasonal culinary delights. Visitors can take in stunning sunset vistas, explore Marijke’s Grove, and immerse themselves in the art and culture that define the estate. After 40 years of meticulous stewardship, Paradise Ridge consistently earns its place on “best winery tours” lists for Napa and Sonoma.

Whether starting or ending a wine tasting tour of the Russian River Valley, guests at Paradise Ridge are welcomed into a vibrant community dedicated to creating memorable, world-class wine experiences that inspire return visits time and time again.