About Us
Dr. Grover C. Lee - Owner & Founder, Executive Winemaker
Dr. Grover Lee grew up in the central valley of California with thousands of acres of grape vineyards surrounding his modest home. Throughout his high school years working in vineyards and testing labs he gained an appreciation of viticulture and enology.
At Cal Poly S.L.O., this interest in wine making expanded as he received a BS in Biological Science with minors in Chemistry and Biochemistry and one year in a Master’s program in Biochemistry.
On to the University of the Pacific where he entered as a PhD candidate in Biochemistry but decided to double major in the PhD Biochemistry and Doctorate in Clinical Pharmacy programs. Dr. Lee completed all of his course work in Biochemistry but ended with a Doctorate in Clinical Pharmacy. Dr. Lee continued his education with a Medical School Board Certification in Managed Care Medicine.
Dr. Lee started making his own wine in the early nineties at a local winery. He read many technical books. He also took extension courses from U.C. Davis in Viticulture & Enology. His quest to learn included reading most of the text books used in Viticulture & Enology Departments at U.C. Davis. With a base in Chemistry, Biochemistry, Microbiology, and much more, his technical knowledge of winemaking provided a solid foundation.
Traveling extensively throughout Europe and taking copious notes about winemaking techniques as he talked with winemakers was an epiphany of life and changed how Dr. Lee looked at the art and science of winemaking. By applying a rigorous scientific approach to wine making, the best of classic wine making was utilized when it met the rigors of science. The appreciation of European wine making and the importance of food and wine has shaped his winemaking style to this day.
Meet The Team
Allison Bayless
President
Steven Eriksen
Winemaker
Cleveland Speece
Vineyard Manager
Elizabeth Speece
Wine Club Manager
Matthew Orth
Executive Chef
Allison Bayless - President
Allison Bayless is President of Wise Villa Winery, where she has been a driving force behind the company’s growth since its grand opening in March 2011. A graduate of St. Mary’s College of California in Moraga, Allison earned a bachelor’s degree in Business Administration and Economics and has dedicated her career to helping build the family business into one of the region’s premier winery destinations.
Wise Villa Winery was founded by Allison’s father, Dr. Grover Lee, whose vision and entrepreneurial spirit laid the foundation for the winery’s success. Today, the business is strengthened by the involvement of three generations of the family working side by side, reflecting a shared commitment to excellence, hospitality, and preserving the family’s legacy.
As a mother of four, Allison intentionally brought her children into the business while they were still very young, believing that the winery could serve as a place to instill the values of hard work, responsibility, and teamwork. Those lessons continue today as the next generation actively participates in the winery’s future.
As President, Allison is passionate about honoring her father’s vision while leading Wise Villa Winery into the next chapter.
Steven Eriksen - Winemaker
Steven grew up in Southern Oregon where he formed a relationship with the outdoors and nature. He attended Oregon State University, where he received his bachelor’s degree in Biology while minoring in Chemistry and conducting genetic research on infectious bacteria as well as drug development. While pursuing post-Bachelor research, Steven was introduced to the wine industry by a friend and winemaker from Napa Valley. Being curious about wine production, Steven enrolled in classes where his enthusiasm for biology and science intermingled with the world of viticulture.
After finishing school, Steven began his career at Paoletti Winery in Napa before moving on to Sonoma where he worked at well-known wineries such as Pellegrini Wine Company, and Joseph Jewel, along with Gary Farrell Vineyards and Winery. Steven was inevitably drawn to the beauty and rich wine culture of the Sierra Nevada Foothills, which eventually lead him to the burgeoning family-owned and operated Wise Villa Winery. Steven has been a member of the Wise Villa Winery team since 2014, working his way up from Cellar Master to Assistant Winemaker and finally Head Winemaker.
Steven thrives at Wise Villa Winery where his passion for winemaking is unmistakable and clearly demonstrated by the countless awards his wine has received. In 2019, while under Steven’s direction, Wise Villa Winery was the most awarded winery in North America for single-varietal wines as judged by the San Francisco Chronicle.
While winemaking is Steven’s primary passion, he shares it with his passion for nature. Steven loves to spend time outdoors hiking, biking, and skiing to name a few of his hobbies. His love of nature makes him feel at home in the rolling hill vineyards of Wise Villa and the beautiful view of the Sutter Buttes and Sacramento Valley below.
Matthew Orth - Executive Chef
Chef Matthew Orth is a graduate of Le Cordon Bleu Sacramento, where he earned his Associate’s Degree in Culinary Arts in 2015. Early in his career, he trained under respected executive chefs in Sacramento’s renowned culinary scene, building a strong foundation in both classic techniques and creative cuisine.
Matthew’s culinary experience spans restaurants, large-scale catering, professional sports, and hospitality. While with Catered to You, he prepared meals for SMUD, the Stockton Kings (the NBA G League affiliate of the Sacramento Kings) for two seasons, and Sacramento Republic FC for two seasons. He has also prepared meals for visiting NBA teams, including the Philadelphia 76ers, Portland Trail Blazers, and Utah Jazz, in addition to catering countless weddings, corporate events, and large banquets.
His career also includes serving as Sous Chef at the historic Delta King Hotel, where he was featured on Good Day Sacramento during the 2024 Dine Downtown Sacramento promotion. Throughout his career, Matthew has proudly supported charitable fundraising events for organizations including St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital.
Most recently, Matthew spent three years at Starfield Vineyards, where he continued to refine his culinary style while working alongside accomplished chefs in the wine country environment.
Beyond the kitchen, Matthew’s passion for food has been shaped by extensive travel throughout Europe, the Middle East, and Africa, where he explored diverse cultures and culinary traditions. These experiences continue to inspire his approach to cooking—blending timeless techniques with fresh ideas and unexpected flavors.
Chef Matthew enjoys reimagining classic dishes with a modern twist while creating memorable dining experiences that celebrate seasonal ingredients and exceptional hospitality. Dedicated to lifelong learning, he is continually expanding his craft and sharing his knowledge with the next generation of culinary professionals.
Elizabeth Speece - Wine Club Manager
As a proud third-generation family member, I’ve had the privilege of growing alongside the winery since we first opened our doors in 2011.
I’ve had the opportunity to experience nearly every aspect of winery life and have gained a deep appreciation for the dedication that goes into every bottle of wine we produce.
Today, I’m honored to serve as our Wine Club Manager, where I have the pleasure of building relationships with our members and helping create memorable experiences at the winery. Whether you have questions about your membership, upcoming events, or our wines, I’m always happy to help. I look forward to welcoming you to Wise Villa and sharing our family’s passion for wine with you.
Our Journey
Since our first vintage was released in 2009, Wise Villa has been a family owned and operated winery, estate vineyard, and Tuscan-style Gourmet Restaurant located in the heart of the Sierra Foothills Wine Appellation of Placer County. Our grapes are meticulously grown using organic and sustainable practices. During harvest we go a step further by triple sorting and implementing whole berry cold fermentation to retain a balanced wine with natural fresh fruit character.
Our Vineyards
Wise Villa Winery has created an elegant European setting in the Foothills of the Sierras. Our estate is set before a backdrop of enchanting scenery amidst breathtaking views of our rolling hills vineyard and the Sacramento Valley. Some say we are a modern day fairy tale nestled in the foothills of the Sierra Nevada Mountains.
We offer over 30 different varietals and over 30 world-class Wise Villa wines at our winery. Each Wise Villa wine is gluten free, vegetarian, and vegan. We follow organic and sustainable practices in vineyard management resulting in the highest quality of wine.
