Walter Byck proposed to Marijke Hoenselaars in a sculpture garden in the Netherlands in 1960. They could not have foreseen that their shared passions would lead to the creation of one of the Santa Rosa’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 is 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. In 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 the Catholic Worker, advocating for global peace and justice. Her compassion and dedication to improving lives, both locally and globally, remain an enduring legacy.

Walter and Marijke’s passion for art came to life on the property, where they created an expansive sculpture garden among ancient oaks and lovely meadows. 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, Walter name the peaceful wooded glen Marijke’s Grove in her honor. In 2012, the Byck family began a partnership with the Voigt Family Sculpture Foundation to bring even more cutting-edge public art to Sonoma County’s scenic foothills. 

The estate faced devastating loss when a firestorm swept through the property in the 2017 Tubbs fire, but the family’s resilience and commitment to sustainability prevailed. After a complete and modern rebuild, Paradise Ridge Winery reopened in December 2018, once again offering its signature blend of delicious wines, gracious hospitality and breathtaking views.