A LOVE Story

Paradise Ridge Winery was founded on passion projects and love stories. In 1961 when Walter Byck married Marijke Hoenselaars, little did they know what their future would hold. Yet their vision and strength would lead them to discover and build a wine estate in the heart of the world’s finest grape-growing region, the Russian River Valley.

Walter and Marijke moved to Santa Rosa in 1965 and realized they had found a haven to raise their growing family. In 1978, after more than a year of searching for a rural property, Walter came home and said, “Marijke, children, I have seen Paradise!” Thereafter, the 155 acres overlooking the Russian River Valley in Sonoma County, California became known as Paradise Ranch.

With a love of wine, combined with an appreciation for the incredible region they now called home, our parents were inspired to plant vineyards. Sauvignon Blanc was followed by Chardonnay. Recognizing the quality of these vineyards, Walter and Marijke wanted to create a space where the community could gather. After five years, the dream of Paradise Ridge became a reality. Opened in May of 1994, the Paradise Ridge estate is a haven where locals and visitors bring their friends to savor artisan wines while taking in sweeping wine country views.

Rich Traditions

We lost our mother and leader Marijke Byck-Hoenselaars in 2006 we continue to carry on her tradition of sharing Paradise with our community. Our strength was again tested in October of 2017 when our estate was left in ruins by wildfires. Luckily the vineyards and art survived and became a source of comfort to our community. We have rebuilt and now cherish even more the land we call Paradise. 

We invite you to visit and experience this magical place, we would LOVE to see you.

Rene Byck & Sonia Byck-Barwick
Siblings & Co-Owners