Ronda Wise shares her thoughts on everything from the greatest living artists to the best places to dine in Napa.
Ronda Wise
Guests at Brion (brionwines.com) and B. Wise (bwisevineyards.com) Vineyards have Ronda Wise to thank for the abundant eye candy. She’s the dynamo behind the tasting room’s aesthetic, art collections and lush gardens. “Like most artists and designers, I’m happiest when I’m involved in a project, either indoors or out in the garden,” says Wise, the inspiration for the release this month of 2023 Ronda Rosé (85% pinot noir and 15% grenache) from B. Wise. We caught up with her as she and her husband, Brion, usher in spring.
What’s the best life advice you ever received?
Brion told me never to hold a grudge. It’s a waste of emotion, and life is too short.
What is your greatest weakness?
Words With Friends (wordswithfriends.com)
Your favorite living artists?
I love anything painted by Mexican artist Armando Martinez (saatchiart.com), collages by Dolan Geiman (@dolangeiman) and photography by Frank Relle (@frankrelle).
Where is your favorite place to see art in Napa?
My friend Kate Eilertson is the new curator of the Di Rosa Museum (dirosaart.org), and she’s doing wonderful things there, but the setting of the de Young (@deyoungmuseum) is still one of my favorite visits.
Where is your favorite place to dine in wine country?
Bistro Don Giovanni (bistrodongiovanni.com), and we recently fell in love again with Sonoma’s Cafe La Haye (cafelahaye.com).
What book are you forever recommending or giving to friends?
The Power of One by Bryce Courtenay What’s your mission statement? To encourage and inspire others to create beauty in their lives.
Photography by: BY MICHAEL MCCARTHY
