Paradise Ridge Winery in Santa Rosa has long been recognized by locals and visitors alike as one of the best places to sip wine at sunset thanks to their long-running Wines and Sunsets series. They’ve also become renowned for the winery’s world class sculpture garden and art walk, but perhaps especially for their now famous LOVE sculpture, a 12-foot-tall piece from Laura Kimpton’s “Monumental Words” series (which started at Burning Man in 2009). The LOVE sculpture has since become iconic in wine country, both due its widespread visibility in Instagram and wedding photos as well as its its perceived symbolism as a beacon of strength and hope during the years Sonoma County was ravaged with wildfires that swept through and destroyed homes and businesses. One of those businesses was Paradise Ridge, which sustained severe damage during the 2017 Tubbs Fire.
Having re-opened their new hospitality space on Thomas Lake Harris Drive in Santa Rosa in 2019, Paradise Ridge has moved right back into hosting their myriad event series and events, and continue to add more unique artwork to their sculpture garden as well as develop new and unique cultural and artistic exhibits. Currently the winery hosts the most extensive display of Burning Man art outside of the festival, including a portion of the Burning Man temple that was at the 2022 Black Rock Desert event. They are also currently featuring a historical exhibit about the first Japanese winemaker in the world, Kenaye Nagasawa.
Beyond its ever-evolving sculpture garden and art exhibits, the winery also offers a selection of wine tasting experiences that allow visitors to choose the right tasting for their palate or preferences–whether this is a white wine and light red wine tasting flight or a flight of full-bodied Bordeaux varietal red wines, a caviar and sparkling wine tasting, or a reserve tasting paired with small bites.
Owner Rene Byck believes that it is the breadth and uniqueness of their offerings—as well as their fantastic team—that keeps visitors coming back again and again. “We have the best staff we have ever had and our estate offers so many things to visitors,” says Byck, referencing the sculpture garden and art walk, extensive display of Burning Man art, historical exhibits, range of tasting experiences, as well as the Wednesday night live music, sunset and wine events. “All of this, combined with having a great staff that offer wonderful hospitality and a great experience to all visitors, is what has made us a favorite with our community.”
“It feels so wonderful to be voted by the community as the best tasting room in the North Bay,” Byck says. “We work hard to provide the best experience to our guests, and to offer something for everyone. Being recognized by our community shows us that our hard work and dedication are appreciated, and we couldn’t be happier to be able to continue serving Sonoma County.”
